TABLE MOUNTAIN

See what beauty awaits if you stray from the paths most trodden. Alison Westwood goes alternative on foot

Table Mountain is a treasure trove of wild and wonderful walks. In fact, you could do a different hike on it every week of the year. Yet most of us stick to the same handful of well-trodden paths, little realising the adventure and beauty we’re missing out on – often just around the corner. Don’t get me wrong. Those old, familiar paths are a great introduction to the mountain, and you should definitely do them all. Just don’t stop there. Keep exploring. You may find that a love affair with this mountain becomes a lifelong passion that brings a bounty of bruises, barked shins and muddy bottoms. Oh yes, and boundless joy. Are you with me? Right, let’s get lost!

Bracing face-first against the wind along the Twelve Apostles range with views towards Lion’s Head.