I havent actually counted the number of ascents I have done but reckon its close to two thousand. It  is still  rewarding to see it through someone elses eyes and to feel their sense of accomplishment on reaching the top and experiencing the panorama for the first time.

I have also learned so much from my clients over the years and based many of my own trips on tales I have heard while hiking Table Mountain.  This year in August I head to Colombia to hike the Trail to the Lost City and coincidently just walked with a couple from the U.S. who did this very hike very recently!

All this valuable information I have stored and make note of for future adventures of my own but it is always a good feeling to come home and be appreciative of just how lucky we are here and how awesome Table Mountain is!

A brocken spectre is a magnified shadow of an observer cast upon the upper surfaces of clouds opposite the sun.  The spectre appears when the sun shines from behind the observer who is looking down from a ridge or peak into mist.   The shadow also falls upon water droplets of varying distances, confusing depth perception.  The head is often surrounded by  glowing halo like rings of light that appear when sunlight is reflected by a cloud of water droplets.

My own description would be more simple  - its a large shadow of you (as the obsever) surrounded by a circle of rainbow like colours - pretty cool!

I cant guarantee any viewing of brocken spectres on Table Mountain - for this we need some cloud which is usually what people dont want.  However bear in mind if you do happen to have a cloudy day your chances of seeing a brocken spectre are far greater.  So if I might say every cloud has a silver lining!

All the routes to the top are steep and with steps - not even steps like stairs but uneven and some high and some requiring use of hands.  People who are unsteady without good balance and not supple might find this difficult to tackle.  You also need a reasonable level of aerobic fitness to make the walk comfortable and so that you dont get too much out of breath.  Having said this some younger folk who claim to do no exercise at all seem to manage fine!  Those whose years are more advanced however should be regular exercisers and particpate in aerobic sport/exercise.

Something you may not take into consideration is that a cablecar down is never guaranteed.  It may close while you are en route due to an increase in wind speed or a mechanical problem.  Walking down is not easy and you need to have good leg strength and stamina as it will take most people two hours to hike down from the top.

If you are not sure if these hikes are for you tell me more about yourself and what exercise you do and I will gladly offer advice.  I take hundreds of clients each year who have no problem and enjoy themselvs enormously but dont bite off more than you can chew!

The best locations to hike other than Table Mountain  are Silvermine Nature Reserve and Cape Point (the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. ) Having said this limited shaded walks are on offer in Silvermine and none in Cape Point.  Therefore rather stay with shorter walks and start early in the morning at this time of year.  In winter this doesnt apply but still precautions like hats and suncream are vital.

You may prefer to do two walks up Table Mountain.  Then perhaps choose  one from the western side, Kasteelspoort and one from the eastern side, Skeleton Gorge.  Both are equal in scenery and variety and are a challenge for most. Starting early means you remain in the shade as you ascend Kasteelspoort  and Skeleton provides the shade of the magnificent indigenous forest so youre on a winner either way!

For any advice on what route is best for you or where else to hike in and around Cape Town please dont hesitate to ask.  The only problem will be time to see as much as possible so dont expect to have a inactive stay in this glorious city!

Next I made a long bus journey to Puerto Natales, the gateway to hiking the world famous Torres del Paine National Park.    Here lies the well know ‘W’.  The French Valley, Gray’s glacier and the magnificent ‘towers’ themselves are the highlights of this  3-4 day trail.  The perfect panormas with snow covered peaks are breathtaking.  So to are the strong winds and biting cold - and this is summer!  However there was no rain, clear skies and you simply need some warmer layers so come prepared.

Last stop was Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia - the city at the end of the earth.  TheTierra del Fuego National Park is well worth a visit.  Here there are easy day walks through forest and by rivers and lakes.   I enjoyed the cruise on the Beagle channel and thoughts of Darwin’s explorations came to mind.

This is a unique part of the world, remote, wild and windy!  I definitely recommend it.  However as always it is good to be back on home turf and of course the new wonder of nature - Table Mountain.

Jeans are out as they are usually to tight fitting and certainly not good in hot condtions.  I have even know people to take them off! If it happens to rain jeans are not quick drying and uncomfortable.  Loose fitting clothing and layers are the best policy.  You dont need to buy expensive gear but you do need a sturdy pair of walking shoes (boots are not essential) and decent thicker socks.   Shorts or long pants - cant tell you for sure - it depends on the forecast. For the most part shorts are good in summer and long pants for winter.

Take a hat, sunglasses and suncream (pretty obvious) especially in the summer months and a light jacket even in the hotter might be needed.  I provide water, snacks and lunch on the full day and I also have backpacks that you can borrow if you dont have one.

Please ask if you have any questions but hopefully this helps and remember your camera - your most important item!

Kasteelspoort is proving to be a very popular route and of course the dramatic photo on the rock is atttracting those wanting to impress their friends - or frighten their mothers! The three valleys en route to the Front Table make this a very varied route and there is another surprise photo for those who wish to put their head in the hippo’s mouth (sorry you have to do the walk to understand)!

Please dont hesitate to ask any advice about hiking Table Mountain or I can also answer most questions about Cape Town as well.  Our aim is that you have the best stay ever and of course that you will come back.

I also visited Yangshue with its amazing karst topography. This area is a definite if you are planning a trip to China.  Exploring on bike is the best option and the steep climb up Moon Mountain on foot well worth the effort. There is also a spectacular sound and light show on the river with the karst formations as the backdrop.  Certainly like nothing I had seen before and with hundreds of players many in canoes I doubt you can see anything like it anywhere in the world.

In Hong Kong I only managed one hike due to the weather so I cant unfortunately report on trails in the New Territories.  I did just a short hike (the Dragons Back) on Hong Kong island.  Lovely views and nothing at all strenuous so all can do it.

Hiking in Cape Town and of course Table Mountain is still top of my list and right now in the middle of winter its been 25C in the day and Camps Bay beach was packed last Sunday.  So winters in Cape Town are not so bad after all - come and experience it for yourself!

I will spend a couple of days in Beijing - that will be enough to see the highlights.  I have also planned to do a day of biking around the hutongs (old sections of the city) and  suspect this will be the most interesting for me. You see the city as it was before modernisation and get a feel for life as it was.

After Beijing I travel overland to Hong Kong with some interesting stops along the way, the Terracotta Warriors probably the  most famous.  In Hong Kong I spend two or three days of hiking - yes there is great hiking in Hong Kong!  One day will be the the New Territories and one on Hong Kong island.  Having been there once before and not realising the potential I intend now to explore the other side of this territory which is much less trodden

For those wishing to book walks Craig will be in charge as previously and answering emails and leading walks.  I will be away from 8th June to 30th so sorry if I have missed you.  I’m back in July and will be ready to go again. No doubt I will miss Table Mountain but new  pastures are always good to discover!

The more adventurous will discover the delights of flora and fauna on Table Mountain.  Those really wanting to explore away from the crowds must head for the Back Table before ascending to the front flat plateau.  Here you encounter only a few fellow hikers  and sometimes none at all!  The fynbos is lush and more varied. rock formations abound as well as hidden valleys, crevasses and cracks.

For those looking for a truly memorable hike on Table Mountain  be sure you choose a walk that includes the Back Table - feel free to ask for advice.  Table Mountain is truly a wonder of nature.  However only the more energetic are going to experience the authentic Table Mountain - the vast majority miss out so dont be one of them!