Fynbos Ridge
All routes
Intermediate Silvermine, Cape Peninsula

Fynbos Ridge

A rolling ridge line through pristine fynbos with sweeping False Bay views.

12.4 km
Distance
540 m
Elevation gain
3h 00m
Walking est.
Sipho Khumalo · 1h 14m
Route master
312
Attempts
268
Completions

Route information

Distance
12.4 km
Elevation gain
540 m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Last verified · February 2026

Route features

What to expect from the trail itself.

ScenicRunnableExposedLoop

Before you go

Practical details to help you complete the route safely.

Parking

Silvermine Gate 1 (small fee, SANParks Wild Card accepted)

Safety notes

Exposed ridge — carry wind protection and water. Avoid in strong south-easter.

Water availability

None. Carry everything you'll drink.

Cell reception

Strong

Why it made the challenge

Why we chose it

Fynbos Ridge earned its place in the challenge for the way it combines accessibility, beauty, and a genuine mountain feel — exactly the spirit of Cape Trail.

Who it's for

Hikers and trail runners with comfortable mountain experience. Bring appropriate footwear and respect the conditions.

Step-by-step navigation guide

Designed so you can complete this route without a GPS watch.

  1. 0.0 km

    Trailhead

    Start from the lower parking. Follow signs marked 'Ridge Path'.

  2. 1.8 km

    First climb

    Steady switchbacks through fynbos. Pace yourself — the views start soon.

    A wooden bench at km 1.2 makes a good first water stop.
  3. 4.5 km

    Ridge junction

    Stay right at the cairn. The left line drops to a parallel valley.

    In cloud, the junction is easy to miss — slow down here.
  4. 7.2 km

    High point

    Saddle with 360° view. Good wind shelter behind the rocks if needed.

  5. Photo coming soon
    10.0 km

    Descent

    Gentle runnable contour back down. Watch loose gravel after the bend.

  6. Photo coming soon
    12.4 km

    Finish

    Back at the parking. Submit your activity to log the route.

Important

  • Route information is provided as a guide only.
  • Conditions may change without notice.
  • Always assess weather, trail conditions, route suitability, and your own abilities before setting out.
  • Participants are responsible for their own safety and decisions at all times.

Safety & responsible trail use

Cape Trail provides guidance, not guarantees. Please read before heading out.

Seasonal water

Water sources shown on routes are seasonal and may be dry. Never rely on natural water sources — always carry sufficient water.

Route conditions

Trail conditions may change due to weather, erosion, maintenance work, fire, flooding, or other environmental factors.

Navigation

Route descriptions and photographs are provided as guidance only. Users remain responsible for navigation and route-finding decisions.

Weather

Mountain weather can change rapidly. Users are responsible for checking conditions before starting.

General responsibility

Users participate entirely at their own risk.

Route results

The record board for this route.

Best times posted by Cape Trail participants this season. Climb the board by returning and improving your time.

#ParticipantBest timeDate
1
Nadia Naidoo
Cape Town
1h 26m8 May
2
Nina Patel
Muizenberg
1h 28m19 Jun
3
Aisha Levy
Stellenbosch
1h 29m30 May
4
Pieter Mokoena
Newlands
1h 31m11 Jun
5
Kim Mthembu
Newlands
1h 30m27 Apr
6
Ruth Adams
Constantia
1h 31m22 Apr
7
Nadia Levy
Hout Bay
1h 33m13 May
8
Nadia Marais
Sea Point
1h 36m10 Jun
9
Aisha Coetzee
Constantia
1h 38m3 Jun
10
Nina Naidoo
Hout Bay
1h 42m15 Apr
11
Owen Patel
Constantia
1h 46m21 Apr
12
Daniel Dlamini
Constantia
1h 47m15 May
13
Pieter Reyes
Kommetjie
1h 40m21 Apr
14
Daniel Patel
Cape Town
1h 52m29 May
15
Ruth Pretorius
Tokai
1h 51m21 Jun