Advanced Constantia Nek, Table Mountain

#12 The Groot Half

One of the most scenic 21 km routes on the Cape Peninsula. A rewarding mountain climb with long stretches of runnable singletrack and panoramic views on both sides of the mountain.

21 km

Distance

1598 m

Elevation gain

6h 30m

Walking est.

- · -

Route master

Attempts

Completions

Route information

Distance

21 km

Elevation gain

1598 m

Difficulty

Advanced

Your status

Not completed

Last verified · June 2026

ScenicRunnableRockyExposedLoop

Why it made the challenge

Why we chose it

This route captures the full Table Mountain experience. Contour paths, a classic ravine climb, the upper plateau, a panoramic Atlantic summit at Grootkop, and a long flowing return that runners love.

Scenic highlights

Constantia Nek start
Nursery Ravine ascent
Grootkop viewpoint
Atlantic Ocean panoramas
False Bay views
Reservoirs and Overseer's Cottage
Long runnable return section
Classic Table Mountain route

Key challenges

Sustained climb through Nursery Ravine
Long day on the mountain, pace yourself
Exposed upper sections, weather can change quickly

What makes it special

What makes this route special is the constant change of scenery. Starting above Kirstenbosch, the route climbs through the rugged slopes of Nursery Ravine before reaching the upper sections of Table Mountain. From here, the views shift dramatically towards the Atlantic side, with Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles, and the coastline stretching below. The route combines steep mountain climbing, open plateau running, reservoirs, and long flowing return sections, making it one of the most rewarding long routes on Table Mountain for runners and hikers alike.

Step-by-step navigation guide

0.0 km
Trailhead
Park at Constantia Nek parking and walk a few metres up to the trailhead. Start tracking your route at the information board, then continue uphill on the gravel road towards the contour path.
2.9 km
Towards Nursery Ravine
Keep following the signs for Nursery Ravine. At the split by the wooden steps, keep left and continue along the contour path.
3.6 km
Nursery Ravine
Turn onto Nursery Ravine. This is where your first proper climb starts. It's steep and strenuous, so don't push too hard here. You're still right at the beginning of the route and there's plenty ahead.
4.6 km
Top of Nursery Ravine
Well done, that's the first big climb behind you. Enjoy the views from the top and turn left.
After approximately 60 m, look for a small single track turning off to your right and follow it towards the reservoirs. The trail eventually widens into a concrete path. Continue until you see the bridge across Woodhead Reservoir on your right.
Woodhead Reservoir
Cross the bridge over Woodhead Reservoir and continue straight along the path towards the next junction.
6.7 km
Old railway track
At the junction, turn left onto the old railway track. Follow it for approximately 700 m until you reach the Twelve Apostles Path. Turn left again. This is the trail you'll now follow towards Grootkop.
approx. 7.4 km
Twelve Apostles Path
Settle in and enjoy this section. The trail is fairly runnable here, without any major sustained climbs for a while. There are a few rocky and scrambly patches along the way, but otherwise this is a good place to pick up the pace if you feel good and enjoy the views.
9.9 km
Rocky section
You'll reach a steeper rocky section. Scramble directly over it, or, if you're not comfortable with the scramble, take the small detour around the rocks on your left. It will bring you back onto the Twelve Apostles Path.
Keep following the path towards Grootkop. The terrain becomes slightly tricky to follow for a short bit as it crosses another rocky section. Once you're over the rocks, make sure you pick up the trail again. From there, the path becomes clear and well maintained.
10.3 km
Look for the Grootkop turn
When you reach the distinctive narrow gap between two large rocks, almost like a little cave, you're getting close to Grootkop.
You're roughly 100 m from the turnoff, so keep an eye out for the path turning off to your right.
Turn right and climb the final section to the top.
10.6 km
Grootkop
Yay, you made it to Grootkop! Don’t look for a beacon up here, Grootkop is only marked by a cairn.
Enjoy the views, take a breather, have a snack, then return the same way towards the reservoirs.
14.8 km
Back across Woodhead Reservoir
Retrace your route along the Twelve Apostles Path and the old railway track, then cross back over Woodhead Reservoir using the same bridge you crossed earlier.
Once you've crossed the bridge, do not return via Nursery Ravine. This is where the route turns into a loop. Follow the concrete path uphill to your right towards Overseer's Cottage.
This is a great runnable section if your legs are still feeling good. Continue past Overseer's Cottage, then follow the gravel road all the way down towards Constantia Nek.
21.0 km
Finish
Follow the gravel road back to the trailhead and stop your watch at the same information board where you started.
Well done, you legend! You've just finished the longest route of the season. We hope you had a lot of fun out there.
Don't forget to publish your result to the leaderboard from your profile, and share your adventure with us on Instagram. Tag @capetrail_challenge so we can see how it went.

Route Highlights

A few more reasons to add this route to your list.

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.

Route results

The record board for this route.

Verified completions only, one row per athlete using their best accepted attempt. Climb the board by returning and improving your time.

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Before you go

Practical details to help you complete the route safely.

Parking

Constantia Nek parking

Safety notes

Big day out on Table Mountain. Long exposed sections. Carry water, wind protection and check the forecast. Avoid in low cloud or strong south-easter.

Water availability

Small seasonal streams in Nursery Ravine after rain. Carry at least 2L.

Cell reception

Patchy

From the Trail

A little glimpse of the route through the eyes of the Cape Trail community.

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