LEFT FACE B (MYSTERY B)
INFORMATION
Length: 5.62km
Elevation gain: 942m
Required time: 3-4 Hours
Route type: Point-to-Point
Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced
Price: $80
Left Face B, or Mystery B as it’s also known, is a beautiful line that meanders up Left Face which sits to the left of Platteklip Gorge if you’re facing the mountain. Part of the route involves a spectacular traverse near the top with some exposure in places. Like Woody Buttress, a head for heights is needed on this one.
THE ROUTE
It starts at the Platteklip Gorge Trailhead. About a quarter of the way you break right off a faint path and then begin the meandering ascent up Left Face B.
It’s easy to get lost on this route, and so taking a guide is highly advisable. The hike involves navigating some fairly steep, grassy slopes as well as a little rock scrambling in places.
The beauty of this route is that it’s very seldom frequented by others, allowing one to experience really getting out into nature whilst still being so close to the city.
This route presents some lovely views of Table Bay as well as a view nice tea caves to take a break in. Mystery B finishes with a fun B grade scramble move to top out a few hundred metres to the left of Platteklip Gorge.
With our guided hikes, we typically walk across and catch the cable car back down. However, if the weather prevents the cable car from operating, then we’ll walk down Platteklip Gorge.
FAUNA AND FLORA
Beyond the endurance of the hike, Left Face B provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique flora and fauna of Table Mountain. Table Mountain forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest of the six floral kingdoms around the world.
Hikers may encounter a variety of plant species, including proteas, ericas, capegorse and rock spponfig, showcasing the biodiversity of this UNESCO-protected site.
Birdwatchers will be able to see both Cape sugarbirds and orange-breasted sunbirds flitting amidst the fynbos. Moreover, as you ascend, you may even be lucky enough to spot a black eagle.
Because of the secluded nature of this route, we have been lucky enough to see Himalayan tahr on a few of our guided hikes. In the 1930’s these mountain goats escaped from the Groote Schuur Zoo which was then located on the slopes of Table Mountain.
WHO SHOULD DO IT?
Left Face B is ideal if you:
- Are reasonably fit and have done some mountain hikes before.
- Are comfortable with scrambling, exposure, narrow ledges, and some route-finding.
- Want a less crowded and more adventurous route up Table Mountain.
- Enjoy variety (grass, rock, steep slopes, open faces) and landscapes.
WHO SHOULDN’T ATTEMPT IT
This route is not a good fit if you:
- Are new to hiking or scared of heights; even though none of the sections require technical climbing gear, exposure can be intimidating.
- Don’t have good balance, or have knee/ankle issues.
- Prefer well-marked, completely safe and “easy” trails.
- Are hiking in bad weather (rain, high wind, low visibility). The exposed parts can become dangerous.