Skeleton Gorge from Kirstenbosch

Skeleton Gorge is a forested route that climbs from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain to the plateau, in Cape Town, South Africa's Western Cape. The trail begins inside the garden on Rhodes Drive in Newlands, about 25 minutes by Uber or Bolt from the city centre. Visitors enter through the main gate and pay the garden entry fee, which is the only charge for the walk. Parking is available at the garden, and the path starts beyond the upper lawns near the Smuts Track junction. The route covers about 6 km one way to Maclear's Beacon and climbs roughly 700 m, going from about 150 m at the garden to about 1,086 m at the beacon. It is a demanding ascent that takes three to four hours up, or five to six hours for the round trip. The first section winds through indigenous forest on roots and rock steps, followed by wooden ladders over steep sections and a stream bed that can be slippery after rain. Higher up the forest opens into fynbos and sandstone slabs, with exposure to wind and sun. Landmarks include the garden's contour path junction, the ladder sections, the Window Gorge and Nursery Ravine junctions, and the stream crossing near the top of the gorge. Water is available from the stream in the gorge during the wetter months, but should be treated, and most visitors carry their own. There are no huts. Descent is either back down the same route, which is steep and hard on knees, or by the Table Mountain Cableway after walking across the plateau. The sensible turn-around point is the top of the ladders if rain or cloud sets in, as the wet rock becomes hazardous.