Embedded Files
Location: Start from the parking area on Signal Hill Road where the circular gravel Table Mountain Parks access road begins, or park further down Signal Hill Road below the Kramat and take the alternate path that eventually intersects the 360-degree trail.
Overview: Avoid this route in wet weather. Lion's Head often enjoys clear conditions even when the rest of Table Mountain is covered in cloud. However, this route includes narrow ledges with steep drops and sections of rock scrambling, which should always be approached with caution.
Route Description:
There are several variations of this route, which is why three slideshows are provided as pictorial guides.
Begin by heading up the circular gravel road. Branch off onto the overgrown path leading to the large rock where one of the old fire watcher's huts once stood. From there, take a short detour left and around the corner to reach Wally's Cave. Return along a contour path to the lower old chains.
NB: As of November 2020, the path to the old Fire Watcher's hut site and Wally's Cave is CLOSED by SANParks.
Due to this closure, the lower old chains are no longer accessible from this side, nor via the overgrown path detour off the main 360-degree trail. SANParks has also closed the section where a makeshift wall has collapsed.
Instead, use either:
The chains and staples route, or
The chains bypass path
to reach the large, level platform below the 'Mane' rock rib.
Avoid the fence at the edge of the Mane. Traverse the ledge just below the large white rock cliff that overlooks Clifton. When the ledge ends, descend slightly, turn toward the harbour, and follow a narrow ledge all the way to the area above the Kramat below.
Continue traversing and ascend the Tamboerskloof side to reach the summit ridge. There are also several descent variations, including scrambling down the 'Mane' rock rib.
Due to several parts of the original Twirly-Whirly route being closed by SAN Parks and no information on whether or when the old paths will be re-opened this slideshow depicts an alternative hike that includes parts of the original, but also some new sections of 'B'scrambling. Note that the Granite slabs gully portion can be omitted for a much shorter hike.
NB Use the chevrons (arrowheads) next to the number of the slide to advance or reverse the slideshow so you can read the captions
NB2 The ladders that used to be used on the scramble sections (to get to the level where another Fire Watcher's hut existed years ago) have been removed (although one is now left abandoned in the wrong place).
NB3 What is referred to as Sea Point Gully is also called Fresnaye Crack in some guidebooks.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse