Up Skeleton Gorge, Down Nursery Ravine, Western Cape | Cape Town Hikes | Hiking
Guides for the Up Skeleton Gorge, Down Nursery Ravine Hike |
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Up Skeleton Gorge, Down Nursery Ravine |
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This is
a great hike that will take you up Skeleton Gorge and down
Nursery Ravine with steep steps and scrambling up river beds
part of the route. The hike does demand a certain degree of
fitness but the exertion is well worth it as the terrain and
views are magnificent. Starting at Cecilia Forest you will
make your way up and across to Skeleton Gorge. You will actually
pass the base of Nursery Ravine on your way to Skeleton Gorge.
Going up the Gorge is tricky, with two ladders and loose river
stones to negotiate as you crisscross your way to the top.
At the top you will pass by the Hely-Hutchinson Dam and then
cut back down Nursery Valley until you reach Nursery Ravine.
Be cautious on your way up and down the two ravines. Take
your time and enjoy the scenery of this very memorable walk.
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Starting
Point: Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens (Main Entrance)
Ending Point: Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens (Main Entrance)
Walk Duration: 5 – 6 Hours (Add on for stops)
Type of Terrain: Dirt
road, Single Track, Steep Stairs, Steep Rocky River
Bed and Ladders
Difficulty: This
is a difficult hike requiring fitness and hiking
experience.
Weather Report:
Click
here to plan your hiking day noting daily wind directions
and temperatures. |
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| Up Skeleton Gorge, Down Nursery Ravine |
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| Route
Description and Map: |
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Route
Description:
• The walk begins at the main entrance to Kirstenbosch Botanical
Gardens.
• After paying the entrance fee you will follow the path down
to the left, passing the Nursery and Upper Tea House until you reach
stairs leading onto a lawn.
• Turn right following the path that crosses the bridge taking
you over a small stream.
• Shortly after the bridge, turn up to the right and continue
along this path until it terminates at a gravel road.
• Here you will turn right, then shortly after turn left up
wooden stairs taking you into Skeleton Gorge. At the top of the stairs
you will reach a single track path which has a sign directing you
up Skeleton Gorge.
• Continue straight up, through the signposted cross paths,
to the dams.
• Continue along the path keeping the dam on your right. Shortly
you will reach a path to your left which heads up and away from the
Dams and down into Nursery Valley.
• Keep straight on the path until your reach a signposted T-junction.
• Turn left, crossing a stream, and shortly you will find steep
descending stairs into Nursery Ravine.
• When you reach the bottom turn right. You will pass two small
streams (in summer these may be dry). Just after the second stream
take a left fork which heads down towards the top garden road.
• Turn left, right, and left as the road forks. This will take
you back towards the gardens, and your starting point. |
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Up Skeleton Gorge, Down Nursery Ravine, Western Cape | Cape Town Hikes | Hiking
Guides for the Up Skeleton Gorge, Down Nursery Ravine Hike |
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