Judas Peak

Judas Peak is the 12th peak of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and towers over Llandudno and Hout Bay. It is a tough hike and gets quite steep at times and does require some scrambling. Also once you have climbed out of the gulley above Llandudno it can be a little tricky to find the summit (especially if the weather has come in).

That said, this is a particularly rewarding hike which offers fabulous views of Hout Bay, Llandudno, Chapmans Peak, and the ocean all the way to Kommetjie (see the photo above). The path moves through some steep sections and gulleys which make it a little more exciting than your average slog. The vegetation is particularly beautiful and because it is rarely climbed this peak seems untouched and you are unlikely to meet anyone.

The Route:
The path starts at the gate to the Ruyteplaats estate (it's on the left of the gate) and moves up through a pine plantation. Stay along the edge of this plantation around the top - you hike along a fence on the left of the plantation and then along the top of the plantation. Eventually you reach a point where the path moves up from the plantation and quickly meets a T-junction (there are some old fallen pines here). You need to take the LEFT turn at this junction which quickly moves up the hill.

This path climbs rapidly towards Judas. You climb above the first rocky layer and then the path moves around above Llandudno. This can be a little scary for those afraid of heights because the path runs above one cliff and below another. Eventually you reach a steep gulley which rises almost to the top. At the top of this gulley get onto the path and keep left and you will get up towards the summit.

• Note that this is one of Cape Town's tougher climbs and you should not attempt it in bad weather. Preferably climb with someone who has done it before.
• There is a path all the way long the top of the Twelve Apostles all the way to Table Mountain. In fact that is part of the route for the several trail runs including the Table Mountain Challenge, Hout Bay Trail Challenge.
• Make sure that you have enough time to enjoy the climb - don't go up close to sunset