Nursery Buttress Cave, Cleft Peak, Reserve Peak, Cecilia Ridge , Table Mountain

Bring your sense of adventure and come along for a great day out on Table Mountain!
We’re heading up Skeleton Gorge to a cave above Nursery Buttress, then continuing to Cleft Peak and Reserve Peak.
This hike is best for people with good fitness.
Along the way you’ll enjoy:
• Exploring big rock formations
• Visiting an unfamiliar cave with panoramic views
• Discovering some of Table Mountain’s hidden spots above Cleft Peak and Reserve Peak

Basic agenda:
Our hike will start from the Cecilia Plantation car park. We'll follow a footpath along the Cecilia Stream, which leads to the Contour Path. There, we'll turn right towards Skeleton Gorge. At the 3km mark, we'll begin our ascent up Skeleton Gorge, climbing approximately 400 meters within 1 kilometer. This section involves a few ladders and a little boulder scrambling . We'll eventually reach Breakfast Rock, just before the Hely-Hutchinson Dam to follow a path along the eastern ridge of Nursery Buttress to enter a small cave, where we will pause for a coffee break.
Between Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine, we’ll follow a little-used footpath up to Cleft Peak. The trail takes us past impressive crags, winding rock corridors, and formations that reveal how Cleft Peak got its name. From there, we’ll descend along a faint path towards the Hely Hutchinson Dam, where we’ll rejoin a well-marked route.
Soon after, we’ll enter Ash Valley and take the turn-off that leads to Reserve Peak.
From there, we will proceed through a rocky chamber and boulder-hop to Reserve Peak's trig beacon. Trig beacons are markers or pillars constructed on mountain peaks that serve as reference points for surveying and mapping.
An unclear path continues over flat, rocky, and sometimes shrubby terrain. Please avoid using this path in misty conditions, and it is important to remain in a single group.
We will finally be descending 230 meters back to Spilhaus Ravine via Cecilia Ridge and from there, go through Rooikat Kloof back to the Contour Path and the car park at Cecilia Forest.

Hike Details:
- Distance: 12-13 km
- Elevation gain: 900m
- Grade 3B hike
- Duration: approximately 6-7 hours, depending on length of rest breaks.
- Difficulty: Expert hike, good fitness required, sure footedness, sturdy shoes with scrambling experience required.

Fee to join hike: R50. Cash on the day or EFT on the day:
Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name + Cleft
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.

Bring along: Hat, food, coffee/tea/cooldrink/2 lt water, first aid kit, Rehidrat sachets, sturdy hiking boots.

Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accepted our Indemnity as below.

Safety is a team effort:
The hike leader is dedicated to guiding you safely, but your safety is a collective responsibility. To ensure everyone's well-being, please remain with the group at all times and follow instructions. Let's work together to make this a safe and enjoyable hike for all.

Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accept our Indemnity as below.

The participant understands that adventure activities (including but not limited to hiking, climbing, camping, water sports, and outdoor excursions) carry inherent risks of injury, illness, or property damage. The Participant voluntarily chooses to participate, fully aware of these risks. The participant waives and releases the organizer from liability for ordinary negligence relating to the inherent risks of adventure activities. The participant agrees to follow all safety instructions, rules, and directions given by the organizer. Misbehavior, including reckless conduct, substance abuse, or harassment, may result in removal from the event without refund. The participant confirms they are physically fit and have disclosed any relevant medical conditions. The organizer may require medical clearance for certain activities. The participant acknowledges that personal accident or medical insurance is their own responsibility. The participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the organizer against any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
the participant’s own misconduct, negligence, or breach of rules, damage caused to property or injury to other participants due to the participant’s actions.