#8 Pipe Track Scramble
The City Bowl's favourite Pipe Track meets a proper scramble adventure, insane views and a descent your quads will remember. Finish on a high that stays with you all the way home.
The views are spectacular, but the climb deserves your full attention: expect big steps, loose rocks and exposed sections, with over 500 m of elevation gain packed into roughly 1.7 km. If you're uncomfortable with heights or technical scrambling, this route may not be for you.
Route information
Last verified · October 2026
Why it made the challenge
Why we chose it
We chose this one because it shows how much adventure lies just above the familiar Pipe Track. It combines lovely runnable sections with a proper mountain scramble, giving you a taste of the wilder Twelve Apostles and the iconic Kasteelspoort descent. And even on the stretch back, the changing perspective towards Lion's Head makes the same trail feel fresh.
Scenic highlights
- A runnable, easygoing start along the Pipe Track
- A proper scramble up Diagonal Route
- Stunning views and nature along the Twelve Apostles Path
Key challenges
- A technical scramble with big steps, loose rocks and exposed sections
- Over 500 m of climbing packed into roughly 1.7 km
- A steep Kasteelspoort descent that is a proper quad breaker on tired legs
What makes it special
An easygoing start, a proper scramble and a descent your quads will remember. This loop pairs the runnable Pipe Track with a steep climb up Diagonal Route, a short stretch along the Twelve Apostles Path and a scenic descent through Kasteelspoort.
Step-by-step navigation guide
- 0 km
Start on the Pipe Track
Start your watch at the information board and follow the Pipe Track. Enjoy the next 2.5 km: it's a lovely runnable stretch with stunning views of the Twelve Apostles, and a gentle warm-up before the climbing begins.
- 2.57 km
Turn onto Diagonal Route
Look for the green pole marking Diagonal Route and take the path uphill.
The warning board about technical scrambling is not exaggerating. Expect steep climbing, big steps, loose rocks and some exposed sections. The route is marked, but this is a proper mountain scramble, so take your time and watch your footing. You'll gain over 500 m before reaching the top at around 4.3 km.
- 4.3 km
Join the Twelve Apostles Path
At the top of Diagonal Route, turn right onto the Twelve Apostles Path and follow the signs towards Kasteelspoort. Enjoy this brief chance to catch your breath and give your legs a little recovery before the descent.
- 4.71 km
Head down Kasteelspoort
Take the path down Kasteelspoort. The views are stunning, but the steep descent can be a bit of a quad breaker. Take it at your own pace and keep an eye on your footing.
- 6.56 km
Rejoin the Pipe Track
At the bottom, turn right onto the Pipe Track and follow it back towards Kloof Nek. The hard work is behind you: enjoy roughly 3 km of lovely runnable trail back to the information board, then retrace your steps to the parking area.
Stop your watch where you started. Don’t forget to publish your result to the Cape Trail leaderboard, and if you got some good photos out there, share them on Instagram or add them to the community photo folder below.
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.
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.
The easiest place to park is the Kloof Nek corner parking area. From there, cross the road carefully and walk less than 100 m downhill to the Pipe Track information board.
The views are spectacular, but the climb deserves your full attention: expect big steps, loose rocks and exposed sections, with over 500 m of elevation gain packed into roughly 1.7 km. If you're uncomfortable with heights or technical scrambling, this route may not be for you. There have been safety incidents reported in this area in the past, so go in a group and don't go alone. The Pipe Track is shaded in the morning but fully exposed in the afternoon, so start early on hot days and carry plenty of water.
No drinking water on the route. Carry plenty of water, especially on hot days.
Patchy, mostly fine along the Pipe Track
Dogs allowed, permit required.
Daylight hours only.
SANParks Emergency: 086 110 6417
From the Trail
A little glimpse of the route through the eyes of the Cape Trail community.
Got a good one? Share your photos with us and we might add our favourites to the gallery.
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.
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#2 Magic Forest
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#12 The Groot Half
Constantia Nek, Table Mountain