Ryan Sandes' favourite trails on Table Mountain

This is quite a technical route for the advanced trail runner as it goes over the top of Table Mountain. You start at Suikerbossie parking lot, and from there, you head straight up Llandudno Ravine. Looking back, there are some incredible views over Hout Bay and Llandudno. Super spectacular!

Once on top, you take the contour trail, which runs parallel to the Twelve Apostles. You pass Grootkop and reach the trail that leads down Kasteelspoort. Instead of descending, you run past it into the beautiful Valley of the Red Gods, heading towards the upper cableway station. Just before that, you'll take a sharp right down Platteklip Gorge, where you get some epic views of Cape Town. Both ascents and descents are steep, so watch your footing!

You drop all the way down to Kloof Corner and then to Tafelberg Road. From there, you can catch the MyCiti bus back to your car. The ascent and descent are technical, so this is for the more advanced trail runner. Ensure you have sufficient gear, food, and water, as Table Mountain conditions can be challenging, and the route can take a long time.
Distance: 15km
Elevation Gain: 1000m D+

Start on Hout Bay beach at Sentinel Ocean Alliance, which has a coffee shop that’s a nice way to start or finish. From there, head up Chapman’s Peak, and within a kilometre, take a left up towards East Fort and then towards Blackburn Ravine.

Past East Fort, take a right turn and ascend the ravine. Where the route forks, you loop back into Hout Bay. Up top, the views are just insane. I’ve run all around the world, and this one is in my top three, especially when you get sunset or sunrise views. Complete the loop and follow the route back to Sentinel Ocean Alliance.
Distance: 8.5km (with options)
Elevation Gain: 590m D+

Tagging Chapman’s Peak starts at Noordhoek Farm Village. Park there and head up Chapman’s Peak Drive. Within a kilometre, look for a sharp turn to the right, where you’ll find the trailhead.

The route ascends the Noordhoek side of Chapman’s front face. It’s quite technical, so keep an eye on the trail. The views are epic, looking back to Kommetjie and the lighthouse. From the peak, you can descend the Hout Bay side via a well-used hiking trail, dropping down to Chapman’s Peak Drive and then back along the road to your car at the Farm Village.

When I run road routes, Chapman’s Peak Drive is my go-to—it’s just spectacular. This trail is a nice mix of technical terrain. It’s quite exposed, so be cautious in high winds. I’d also recommend having the right gear for cold weather, along with enough water.
Distance: 12km
Elevation Gain: 600m D+

This trail above Camps Bay offers epic views. It’s a great route, but keep an eye out for mountain bikers.

The loop is about 12.5km with 450m elevation gain. Park at Therese Avenue in Camps Bay, and the Missing Link trail heads all the way out to Llandudno, above the coastal road. When you reach the old battery, you loop back.

It’s a little rocky in sections, but overall, it’s non-technical. It can be exposed and hot in summer, so carry enough water and be aware of snakes!

Distance: 12.5km
Elevation Gain: 450m D+

From Constantia Nek, there are many routes to run, and most of the trails are non-technical, making it great for beginners.

Run up the gravel road onto the concrete road towards the dams. Pass the Waterworks Museum and head towards the trail leading to Kasteelspoort. There’s an awesome overhang called Breakfast Rock – just be careful, especially in windy conditions!

It’s really cool being on top of the mountain—there’s something special about it. There are various options, but you can also return the same way.

There’s a coffee hut at the parking area, which is always handy.
Distance: 14km
Elevation Gain: 600m D+

It’s quite far, and you have to pay a fee to enter Cape Point, but the trails here are epic and not often used. I’d recommend driving all the way to the parking lot at the funicular and running back towards the gate, so you ideally need two cars, leaving one at the gate. Or you can run back!

From the funicular, take the trail to the right of the main road, hugging the coastline. The False Bay views are spectacular, and you might encounter ostriches, baboons, or even a few snakes!

It’s a rolling route with some big climbs, but it’s one of my favourites.
Distance: 15km
Elevation Gain: 680m D+

From the parking lot, you run up to Muizenberg Peak. It’s a nice, non-technical, runnable route. Head up the main jeep track, which is part of the 13 Peaks route. Just before the peak, take a sharp right onto some single track leading to the summit.

The views from the top, looking across to the Betty’s Bay mountains, are amazing. Most of this route has no signal, so be prepared.
Distance: 9km
Elevation Gain: 230m D+

The Greenbelt is great for entry-level trail runners. The trails are fairly groomed, mostly under forest cover, and quite lush. Several rivers cross the path, making it a scenic run.

I’d suggest running up the Alphen Greenbelt towards Kirstenbosch Gardens, crossing into Cecilia Forest, and then looping back into the Greenbelt trails. It’s mostly shaded, which is ideal for summer running.

Distance: 6-8km
Elevation Gain: 100-150m D+