The best locations to hike other than Table Mountain  are Silvermine Nature Reserve and Cape Point (the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. ) Having said this limited shaded walks are on offer in Silvermine and none in Cape Point.  Therefore rather stay with shorter walks and start early in the morning at this time of year.  In winter this doesnt apply but still precautions like hats and suncream are vital.

You may prefer to do two walks up Table Mountain.  Then perhaps choose  one from the western side, Kasteelspoort and one from the eastern side, Skeleton Gorge.  Both are equal in scenery and variety and are a challenge for most. Starting early means you remain in the shade as you ascend Kasteelspoort  and Skeleton provides the shade of the magnificent indigenous forest so youre on a winner either way!

For any advice on what route is best for you or where else to hike in and around Cape Town please dont hesitate to ask.  The only problem will be time to see as much as possible so dont expect to have a inactive stay in this glorious city!

Next I made a long bus journey to Puerto Natales, the gateway to hiking the world famous Torres del Paine National Park.    Here lies the well know ‘W’.  The French Valley, Gray’s glacier and the magnificent ‘towers’ themselves are the highlights of this  3-4 day trail.  The perfect panormas with snow covered peaks are breathtaking.  So to are the strong winds and biting cold - and this is summer!  However there was no rain, clear skies and you simply need some warmer layers so come prepared.

Last stop was Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia - the city at the end of the earth.  TheTierra del Fuego National Park is well worth a visit.  Here there are easy day walks through forest and by rivers and lakes.   I enjoyed the cruise on the Beagle channel and thoughts of Darwin’s explorations came to mind.

This is a unique part of the world, remote, wild and windy!  I definitely recommend it.  However as always it is good to be back on home turf and of course the new wonder of nature - Table Mountain.

Jeans are out as they are usually to tight fitting and certainly not good in hot condtions.  I have even know people to take them off! If it happens to rain jeans are not quick drying and uncomfortable.  Loose fitting clothing and layers are the best policy.  You dont need to buy expensive gear but you do need a sturdy pair of walking shoes (boots are not essential) and decent thicker socks.   Shorts or long pants - cant tell you for sure - it depends on the forecast. For the most part shorts are good in summer and long pants for winter.

Take a hat, sunglasses and suncream (pretty obvious) especially in the summer months and a light jacket even in the hotter might be needed.  I provide water, snacks and lunch on the full day and I also have backpacks that you can borrow if you dont have one.

Please ask if you have any questions but hopefully this helps and remember your camera - your most important item!

Kasteelspoort is proving to be a very popular route and of course the dramatic photo on the rock is atttracting those wanting to impress their friends - or frighten their mothers! The three valleys en route to the Front Table make this a very varied route and there is another surprise photo for those who wish to put their head in the hippo’s mouth (sorry you have to do the walk to understand)!

Please dont hesitate to ask any advice about hiking Table Mountain or I can also answer most questions about Cape Town as well.  Our aim is that you have the best stay ever and of course that you will come back.

I also visited Yangshue with its amazing karst topography. This area is a definite if you are planning a trip to China.  Exploring on bike is the best option and the steep climb up Moon Mountain on foot well worth the effort. There is also a spectacular sound and light show on the river with the karst formations as the backdrop.  Certainly like nothing I had seen before and with hundreds of players many in canoes I doubt you can see anything like it anywhere in the world.

In Hong Kong I only managed one hike due to the weather so I cant unfortunately report on trails in the New Territories.  I did just a short hike (the Dragons Back) on Hong Kong island.  Lovely views and nothing at all strenuous so all can do it.

Hiking in Cape Town and of course Table Mountain is still top of my list and right now in the middle of winter its been 25C in the day and Camps Bay beach was packed last Sunday.  So winters in Cape Town are not so bad after all - come and experience it for yourself!

I will spend a couple of days in Beijing - that will be enough to see the highlights.  I have also planned to do a day of biking around the hutongs (old sections of the city) and  suspect this will be the most interesting for me. You see the city as it was before modernisation and get a feel for life as it was.

After Beijing I travel overland to Hong Kong with some interesting stops along the way, the Terracotta Warriors probably the  most famous.  In Hong Kong I spend two or three days of hiking - yes there is great hiking in Hong Kong!  One day will be the the New Territories and one on Hong Kong island.  Having been there once before and not realising the potential I intend now to explore the other side of this territory which is much less trodden

For those wishing to book walks Craig will be in charge as previously and answering emails and leading walks.  I will be away from 8th June to 30th so sorry if I have missed you.  I’m back in July and will be ready to go again. No doubt I will miss Table Mountain but new  pastures are always good to discover!

The more adventurous will discover the delights of flora and fauna on Table Mountain.  Those really wanting to explore away from the crowds must head for the Back Table before ascending to the front flat plateau.  Here you encounter only a few fellow hikers  and sometimes none at all!  The fynbos is lush and more varied. rock formations abound as well as hidden valleys, crevasses and cracks.

For those looking for a truly memorable hike on Table Mountain  be sure you choose a walk that includes the Back Table - feel free to ask for advice.  Table Mountain is truly a wonder of nature.  However only the more energetic are going to experience the authentic Table Mountain - the vast majority miss out so dont be one of them!

Best advise I can give is to come prepared.  In winter warmer clothing is a must with a decent rain jacket and gloves and hat also.  In summer often just a T shirt suffices but you cant count on these conditions so have at least one warmer layer to put on.

Starting early means we avoid the heat on the way up and get the shade on the western side of the mountain (Kasteelspoort), less but some on the northern side (Platteklip Gorge) and the forest of Skeleton Gorge on the eastern side provides shelter from the sun.  Of course when on top there is little shade but by then the temperature is lower and often there is a breeze to help us cool off.

Lots of water is required on the hot days so I will always provide plenty for you as well as some food to keep us going.  Overall no matter hot or cold you will be happy you have hiked instead of catching the cableway - I  guarantee it!

Alternatively another ‘add on’ is to extend to Maclear’s Beacon while hiking from the top of Kasteelspoort to the Front Table. Pass through the Valley of the Red Gods and the Valley of Isolation. On reaching Echo Valley turn into the valley instead of heading up the ladders to the cableway.  Echo Valley is an unfrequented area of Table Mountain and offers a spectacular view towards False Bay and the Hottentot Holland Mountains.  At the end of the valley join Smuts Track that leads from Skeleton Gorge and arrive at Maclear’s Beacon 30 minutes later.

Please don’t hesitate to ask for advice or suggestions.  Most important I need to know how much time you have available, your age and fitness and if you have hiking experience.  There is so much to do in Cape Town the problem is often finding the time to see as much as you can.  However I might add with some authority that hiking Table Mountain should be your priority and definitely top of the list!

Platteklip Gorge offers very little shade unless you are a very early bird.  If the south easter is calm and therefore not functioning as the air con, it can be like a furnace in the middle of the day.  You are ill advised to hike this route after 8.00a.m. on most days.  Kasteelspoort on the Camps Bay side is a little more forgiving with shade provided by the mountain itself until 8.00a.m. to 8.30a.m.  This still means a start time of 7.00a.m. the best time to set off - if not a little earlier.

Skeleton Gorge is one of the few routes with forest - and indigenous forest at that.  You can avoid the sun altogether until you reach the top - well almost!  Once on top of the Back Table however that’s it and you need to be prepared with your hat and suncream.  Usually once this high the temperature is 4-5C cooler and on most days there is anything from a light breeze to a strong south easter blowing.

When on holiday a sleep in in the morning is always something to look forward to but if you are planning to hike Table Mountain rather have that nap in the afternoon.  It may be a little hard at the time but not only do you escape the heat of the day you can also have Table Mountain all to yourself!