Nursery Ravine to Grootkop Loop
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.
Route information
Last verified · June 2026
Route features
What to expect from the trail itself.
Before you go
Practical details to help you complete the route safely.
Constantia Nek parking
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.
Small seasonal streams in Nursery Ravine after rain. Carry at least 2L.
Patchy
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.
Who it's for
Trail runners and confident hikers comfortable with a sustained 1,600 m of climbing over the day.
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
Designed so you can complete this route without a GPS watch.
- Photo coming soon0.0 km
Constantia Nek
Start from the Constantia Nek parking. Take the jeep track uphill and bear left onto the contour path heading north towards Kirstenbosch.
- Photo coming soon3.5 km
Contour Path
Follow the contour path as it traces the eastern slopes of Table Mountain with sweeping views over the Southern Suburbs and False Bay in the distance.
- Photo coming soon6.5 km
Nursery Ravine Base
Reach the base of Nursery Ravine above Kirstenbosch. Begin the steady stepped climb up the ravine.
- Photo coming soon8.5 km
Top of the Ravine
Top out onto the back table. The gradient eases as you traverse towards the reservoirs and the western escarpment.
- Photo coming soon9.6 km
Grootkop Summit
A short climb leads to Grootkop — one of the highlights of the route. Sweeping Atlantic views from Camps Bay to the Twelve Apostles.
- Photo coming soon12.5 km
Reservoirs
Retrace your steps towards the reservoirs. Stay on the main path skirting the water.
- Photo coming soon15.5 km
Overseer's Cottage
Pass the historic Overseer's Cottage. From here the route opens into long runnable contour paths.
- Photo coming soon21.0 km
Finish at Constantia Nek
Flowing descent back to the parking. Save your activity and 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.
Water sources shown on routes are seasonal and may be dry. Never rely on natural water sources — always carry sufficient water.
Trail conditions may change due to weather, erosion, maintenance work, fire, flooding, or other environmental factors.
Route descriptions and photographs are provided as guidance only. Users remain responsible for navigation and route-finding decisions.
Mountain weather can change rapidly. Users are responsible for checking conditions before starting.
Users participate entirely at their own risk.
The record board for this route.
Best times posted by Cape Trail participants this season. Climb the board by returning and improving your time.
| # | Participant | Best time | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kabelo Botha Cape Town | 1h 37m | 6 May |
| 2 | Theo Marais Hout Bay | 1h 39m | 23 May |
| 3 | Yusuf Levy Tokai | 1h 39m | 18 May |
| 4 | Tomás Williams Stellenbosch | 1h 40m | 23 Apr |
| 5 | Lerato Levy Muizenberg | 1h 40m | 21 May |
| 6 | Sara Botha Kalk Bay | 1h 47m | 28 Apr |
| 7 | Sara Pretorius Muizenberg | 1h 48m | 25 Apr |
| 8 | Nina Dlamini Constantia | 1h 50m | 6 May |
| 9 | Owen Marais Constantia | 1h 46m | 18 Apr |
| 10 | Nadia van Wyk Kommetjie | 1h 54m | 2 Jun |
| 11 | Anya van Wyk Kommetjie | 1h 54m | 24 May |
| 12 | Aisha Marais Hout Bay | 1h 45m | 23 Apr |
| 13 | Kim Patel Tokai | 2h 02m | 10 May |
| 14 | Liam Davies Constantia | 1h 52m | 14 Jun |
| 15 | Lerato Joubert Kommetjie | 1h 49m | 21 Jun |
Related routes
Nearby or similar trails in the challenge.
Muiz Peak
Muizenberg, Cape Peninsula
Magic Forest: Echo Valley
Echo Valley, Cape Peninsula
Fynbos Ridge
Silvermine, Cape Peninsula