From Cape Town, travel south-west on Kloof Nek Rd/M62 to the pass with Table Mountain on the left and Lions Head on the right. Turn left here at the junction and follow the signs to the cable car station. Depending on how busy it is, you may need to park at one of the first switchbacks. Generally a traffic volunteer will help direct parking.

From the cable car station, take the main trail that climbs steeply up to the contour path. The trail start is on the east side of the cable car station, where buses are usually parked. The steep path joins the contour path in 0.5km. At the junction, go left on the contour path. The path is mercifully flat for 1.5km. Stay right at the two major junctions.

The contour path passes through a drainage offering shade a nice respite from the heat. Just past this nice shady spot, go right and begin the steep 2km trudge up the Platteklip Gorge. Big steps and unrelenting steepness make this feel like a Stairmaster. High in the gorge are a few opportunities to rest in the shade.

Once on top, a junction is reached. I would recommend going left 1.8km to visit Maclear's Beacon. This is the highest point on Table Mountain and offers good views along the way. Going right at the top of the Platteklip Gorge takes you to the upper cable car station in about 10/15 minutes (0.8km).