Lion's Head circuit: sundowner trail

Track of Lion's Head circuit

Location: Kloof Nek to Signal Hill, then around Lion's Head

Activity: Run
Category: Trail run
Distance: 8 km
Time: About an hour for slower runners.
Description: Steady climb followed by moderate rollercoaster, then a gradual dowhill... and up to the finish. Views to die for ,especially in the evening.
Altitude: 245 m up to 311 m, down to 185 and back up. Total climb 223 m
Gradient: About 10 % for the first kilometre, easing off after then to 6-7 % average.
Rating: Perfect sundowner

The ideal sundowner run

One of Celtic Harriers' Thursday trail running series, this route is, like most of those on the mountain, fairly tough and slow going at first, but moderate after that. Instead of simply doing the Lion's Head circuit, it incorporates an out-and-back section up Signal Hill. Faster runners may do a loop up towards the view point on Signal Hill, but this particular description follows the progress of the third-fastest group (that is, the first-slowest group) on the day, cutting out the loop bit.

From the parking area at Kloof Nek, cross the road at the intersection and head up Signal Hill Rd (below). 

Starting out: Kloof Nek

At 150 metres from the intersection, turn left up the rock steps (you'll need to step across a drainage channel) and continue up the path as it curves almost immediately to the right. Follow the track above and parallel to the tarred road.

At roughly the 800 m mark, the track dips down to road level where the Lion's Head hike starts at a level area with a boom. Proceed up to the gravel track, continuing in the direction of Signal Hill.

At 1,63 km from the start, you reach a clearing - proceed straight through towards Signal Hill.

Near the turn point

Follow the path past the Kramat.

Time to retrace your steps

At the point where the upper tarred section starts at 2,73 km (right), turn around and retrace your steps to the clearing mentioned earlier.

 

Path leads to the right (north)

From the clearing, turn north on a downhill path (facing Lion's Head, turn to your right) towards the Bantry Bay side.

Stop and savour the view.

The path doubles back after 200 m and follows a rollercoaster, generally downhill trend. In places there are breathtaking drop-offs on the right, with magnificent views over the Atlantic seaboard. Generally the trail is quite narrow - it's a hiking path.

At times, it's quite narrow.

Treed area above Top Road

As you skirt Lion's Head on the 200 m contour, you enter a treed area and pass above the highest houses in Fresnaye at Top Road.

Lion's Head circuit: profile

At just under 6 km total (if you have done the Signal Hill section first) you will reach the lowest point on the run.

Nearing the home stretch...

About 500 metres later, you bear left off the main trail, up some steps that take you to a shady clearing.

Looking towards Camps Bay Drive

Pass straight through the clearing in the direction of Kloof Nek. At this point, you'll see Camps Bay Drive/M62 off to your right, with the upper cable station directly above.

Within 900 metres of gentle rollercoaster running, you reach Kloof Road. Turn left up the road, and 300 metres later you will have reached Kloof Nek.

Finish line