We had ideal weather conditions to enjoy this varied hike in a seldom visited part of the mountain.
After our ascent of the Diagonal Route we headed north, passing through Isolation Valley and then onto Ark Ridge. We then followed an overgrown path towards the end of the ridge and enjoyed a tea break amongst some interesting rock formations overlooking Junction Peak and False Bay.
From this high point at 925m we dropped down to the valley below via a hidden path along an exposed ledge that exited through a tunnel of rocks. Finding our way across the valley and connecting with Kitchen Ravine was a challenge due to the overgrown path that we followed.
By midday we were on St Michaels Peak admiring the views around us and we could see many of Table Mountain’s seven summits.
We then descended directly to the Backwater Stream path and followed this to its junction with Upper Disa Srtream where we had a leisurely lunch break. Our descent was via Kasteels Port and the 11 of us reached the cars at 2:45pm after covering 11km and 870m of vertical ascent.
photos by Don Jepson
