With Clarissa, a fellow mega-hiker, and Patrick I once more headed for Helderberg’s Dome. This autumn Saturday was hot and windless. On previous occasions over the years I have not climbed all the way to the top of The Dome and I was determined do it this time. But then perhaps I was younger and fitter because although it was only about 12.5 km x 1160m it felt a lot tougher than I remembered…The route starts at the very pleasant Helderberg Nature Reserve where one can spend many hours wondering through the fynbos.

Follow one of the tracks up to Disa Gorge, exit up the right slope and traverse a ridge into the next gulley. A track hugs the cliff up into the neck, from where you cross to the northern aspect and follow the contour path east. Climb a steep kloof that could be tricky in wet months and then bear left up a steepish ramp to follow the ridge to the Dome. It’s worth the effort…