This route starts with a stroll through the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens before we start the hike up Skeleton Gorge, one of the most scenic routes up the mountain. The indigenous forest, provides welcome shade as we tackle the steps upwards. At half way there are some ladders to scale and a short rock scramble – none of which is difficult. Breakfast rock signals the top of the gorge and the opportunity to enjoy great views over False Bay, south towards Cape Point and east to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. We stroll along the edge of the eastern flank of the mountain admiring the variety of fynbos and fascinating rock formations before taking a short detour through Castle Rock cave to a     unique view point. From here we make our way slowly down Nursery Ravine before returning the gardens. Time for this route is 3 ½ hours.