King’s Blockhouse

The King’s Blockhouse is a well-known landmark on Mowbray Ridge, on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain. It is strategically placed to command views of Table Bay and False Bay, and combine with the York and Prince of Whales Blockhouses formed a defensive line guarding the land approach to Cape Town and Table Bay.

GPS Coordinates: S 33º57.028′, E 18º27.058′

Probably the quickest way to reach “The Blockhouse” is to park your car at Rhodes Memorial and hike up the trail. You can also reach it by mountain bike, and it is a popular destination for bikers and trail runners.

From a thorough piece on the Battle of Blaauwberg:

“Ironically, these defences had been strengthened by the British as soon as they had taken over Cape Town in 1795. General Craig had learnt from his own success The French Lines had not been carried through to the slopes of Devil’s Peak so he constructed three blockhouses (called the ‘York’, ‘King’s’ and ‘Prince of Wales’) to remedy the deficiency. The King’s Blockhouse was located high up on Mowbray with an excellent view of both Table and False bays. It is easily visible from many parts of the city’s suburbs.” — http://battle.blaauwberg.net/battle_of_blaauwberg_by_tim_couzens.php