Constantiaberg North West Route
Location: This off-path route takes a line up the north west facing side of Constantiaberg. Allow 3 hours for the ascent which rises 800m from the start at the end of Baviaanskloof Road in Hout Bay.
Overview: Follow the path from the cul de sac parking area, branching to the right soon after crossing the stream and head for the waterfall further upstream. Once off the path there are cairns that provide some degree of comfort but if in doubt when you encounter difficult rock bands bear to the right and look for an easy break.
See also Constantia West Ridge. This is the same route, but with a different start.
Route Description text and pictures supplied by Don Jepson :
From the Baviaanskloof Waterfall, continue up the righthand side and follow a well worn path until the saddle between a minor peak on the right and the main Constantiaberg slope on the left is reached. Take the left hand intersection and continue up until the level Vlakkenberg trail path is reached. At this point the 'Tortoise" rock is directly above you and a faint track leads up to the left of the tortoise and to the right of a cluster of 3 large tall rocks. Head up towards a prominent overhang at the base of the rock band above and then move left to enter a hidden gully. Continue straight up this gully to reach the top of the ridge above.
This photo taken from the ridge shows the orientation with Skoorsteenkop in the immediate background.
As you move higher up the ridge, bear to the right to avoid the rock bands on the left. Continue up the ridge and when a seemingly impenetrable rock band is reached, move across to the right to find an easy break that continues upwards and move back onto the ridge.
Near the top you will pass between these rocks - the one to the right of the hiker has a 'keyhole'.
The route line follows the ridge most of the way up. Take the line of least resistance to break through the final rock bands.
After about 3 hours the western summit is reached at 913m and you are rewarded with 360 degree views.
The way to the mast and the commencement of the descent: from the beacon look out for a worn track leading slightly down towards the south. The track swings east across the summit plateau towards the higher summit beacon at 927m. From this beacon the path continues down towards the mast and skirting the fence, reaches an intersection where the righthand fork leads down towards Blackburn Ravine. To descend via the tar road from the mast, continue straight along the path.