BLINKWATER RAVINE
INFORMATION
Length: 6.6km
Elevation gain: 1000m
Required time: 4-5 Hours
Route type: Loop
Difficulty level: Advanced
Price: $90
Blinkwater Ravine is nestled rather inconspicuously on the Camps Bay side of Table Mountain. Prior to the 21st century this used to be one of the more popular routes up Table Mountain.
Then one winter, after heavy rains, a rockfall rendered the top section too dangerous to hike and for many years after people hardly used the ravine. However, in recent years Blinkwater Ravine is seeing foot traffic once again as it’s one of the most direct ways up to the top of Table Mountain.
THE ROUTE
The hike starts from the Pipe Track on Tafelberg Road. After walking along the Pipe Track for about 2km, we turn left onto an unmaintained path which is the start of the route.
From the start the path is steep an unrelenting, so a solid level of fitness is required to do this route. Once we pass the cave which about a third of the way up, the rest of the hike is almost entirely in the rocky ravine, which is wet for most of the year.
Caution needs to be taken when scrambling up some sections where there may be damp lichenous rock. As we get higher, the spectacular views of Blinkwater Needle and Camps Bay in the background begin to reveal themselves.
The crux of the route comes near the top where there is a short B grade scramble section which runs for about 5-7 metres.
The route summits in Echo Valley where we then make our way across to the Upper Cable Station on Table Mountain to take the cable car down.
FAUNA AND FLORA
The Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, adding an extra layer of fascination to Blinkwater Ravine.
Hikers may encounter an array of fynbos species, including the unique and colourful proteas that thrive in this rugged environment. Due to the year-round moisture in the ravine, hikers may also be lucky enough to spot the elusive Disa Uniflora which flowers in January and February on certain parts of the mountain.
Also keep an eye out for the dassies, small rock hyraxes endemic to the region, often spotted sunbathing on the rocks. These charming creatures add a touch of wildlife intrigue to the scrambling experience.
HISTORY OF THE ROUTE
The name Blinkwater, meaning “Shiny Water Ravine”, is believed to come from the way the pools and streams glint in the sunlight as they flow down the steep gully.
In older times, it was also known as “Stinkwater Ravine,” possibly because of stagnant pools or decaying vegetation that would collect after heavy rains in the lower sections.
One of the ravine’s most colourful tales is that of Blinkwater Johnny — a mysterious local figure mentioned in a 1944 Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) journal.
During the early 1920s, he was said to have lived in a cave near the lower waterfall, transforming it into a rudimentary home furnished with curiosities such as an iron bed and various odds and ends. His eccentric life on the slopes of Table Mountain has since become part of Cape Town hiking folklore.
After a major rockfall in 1982, the route was officially closed due to safety concerns. The metal chains and climbing aids once bolted into the rock were removed, and hikers were advised to avoid the ravine altogether.
Despite this, the adventurous spirit of Cape Town’s mountain community has kept the route alive — with experienced scramblers continuing to ascend it, fully aware of its risks and challenges.
In 2024, MCSA members revisited the ravine and found signs of recent human habitation in the same cave once occupied by Blinkwater Johnny.
This discovery underscored the enduring allure of the route and its strange ability to attract those seeking solitude, challenge, and a sense of connection with the mountain’s history.
From a geological perspective, Blinkwater is equally fascinating. The ravine follows a major fault line that runs from Platteklip Gorge, exposing striking layers of sandstone and granite.
The dramatic Blinkwater Needle — a tall, narrow rock spire — rises alongside the route, serving as a landmark and sentinel for those who brave the climb through this rugged and storied landscape.
WHO SHOULD HIKE BLINKWATER RAVINE?
Blinkwater Ravine is best suited to experienced hikers and scramblers who are confident with exposure, steep terrain, and route-finding in unmarked or unstable environments.
You should have a solid fitness base and prior experience on challenging Table Mountain routes such as India Venster, Left Face B, or Diagonal
Those with a background in rock climbing or scrambling will find the route technically satisfying, especially near the upper crux section where hand-and-foot climbing is required.
This hike is ideal for adventurers who enjoy the quieter, wilder side of Table Mountain and prefer solitude over crowds.
WHO IT’S NOT FOR
Blinkwater Ravine is not suitable for beginners, casual hikers, or anyone with a fear of heights or limited scrambling experience.
The path is unmaintained, often overgrown, and includes sections of loose rock, slippery moss, and unstable scree. A single misstep in some parts could result in a serious fall.
It’s also not recommended for those with low fitness levels, poor balance, or limited mountain navigation skills.
The route can be confusing, with faint or missing cairns, and should never be attempted in wet or misty conditions. Families with children, tourists unfamiliar with Table Mountain, and solo hikers should avoid this trail unless accompanied by a qualified mountain guide who knows the route intimately.
If you’re unsure about your ability, it’s best to choose a more established Table Mountain route such as Platteklip Gorge or Skeleton Gorge, or contact a local guide to assess your readiness for this demanding yet extraordinary hike.