Thursday, October 7, 2021

Silvermine Panorama/ Skyline Route

 Silvermine Panorama/ Skyline Route,  this circular route,  provides stunning views of both False Bay on the one side and Hout Bay on the other. 


The trail starts at the Silvermine Dam, at the end of the tarred road that leads in to the reserve, with the first part of the walk along the edge of the dam, before a short winding path leads off a jeep track to the plateaux above.  Eventually the path leads to the viewing platform at the top of Blackburn Ravine, with a much photographed view over Hout Bay.

The circular route branches off shortly before the platform, leading up to the ridge above. It is a walk of about an hour from here to the highest point at Noordhoek Peak. The views over the Atlantic coast are quite spectacular and include a designated viewing sight of the nesting place of a pair of black eagles (the nest can only be seen, not reached).
From Noordhoek Peak the path follows the jeep track for while before the path branches to Silvermine Ridge and back to the dam and car park. The hike takes about 3½ to 4 hours.


Sunday, October 3, 2021

Wood or also called Not-Woody Butress

Wood or also called Not-Woody Butress 


The Wood Buttress is on the Atlantic side. It is a thrilling route with a fair amount of moderately easy scrambling. In other words, climbing up rocks using both arms and feet.
The route is not very exposed. Above all, the rocks are made for climbing with plenty available hand- and foot holds. Therefore it is an ideal trail for those inexperienced in scrambling. If you do not want to scramble at all, Kasteelspoort is the trail for you.

The altitude at the start of this trail, is 330 m. Consequently, the elevation gain to the top of Wood Buttress is only 400 m, ending at 730 m. However, the top of Table Mountain, at the Cableway, will take you to 1060 

Only a few know the route over the Wood Buttress. Therefore you are likely to walk alone and really experience nature.

It takes +/-3 hours to hike to the top of Wood Buttress at a comfortable pace, including photo stops and rest stops. The size of the group as well as fitness levels will largely determine the duration. During the hike, stop at the Old Cableway, with the iconic sufboard rock in the background.

The descent
Descend the mountain either by Kasteelspoort or Woody Ravine, which add +/-2 more hours to the hike.

Reason to choose this hike:
If you enjoy scrambling, are reasonably fit and wants an exciting, beautiful hike. You must have no fear of heights! Fear will not only prevent you from having fun, but it will also put you in danger, as a large part of this trail involves scrambling.



Friday, October 1, 2021

Marloth Hiking Trail

 Marloth 


The Swellendam Hiking Trail is often compared to the Otter in terms of difficulty – hikers must have suitable experience. All food and cooking gear must be carried with. There’s plenty of clean water en route, and each hut is close to a perennial stream.

Day 1’s hike is long, so aim to arrive at the office early. 

It’s possible to reach every hut by lunchtime (except for Day 1) if you start early.

Day 1: Office to Boskloof Hut – 15km/7 hours

After signing in,  cars can be parked behind locked gate. Try get a lift with a park officer to the start at Duiwelsbos (you might have to hike in the 2km to the start). The trail jumps right into the action with a steep zig-zag climb through the fynbos – a long day awaits, so take it easy and conserve your energy.

About halfway the trail swings North and heads over the mountain, with the majestic Boskloof gorge dropping down on the right-hand side. Numerous small streams, use each opportunity to fill up. After a sting-in-the-tail final uphill it relax at Boskloof hut, take a refreshing dip in the nearby rock pool and enjoy peace and quiet.

The original wooden Boskloof hut burned down some years ago, and has been replaced with 2 spartan sheet metal huts. 


Day 2: Boskloof Hut to Goedgeloof Hut – 12km/5.5 hours

The trail starts with an uphill. It then crosses into a wide valley, where it follows the Langkuile river upstream. This part of the route is fairly flat.

Soon the Goedgeloofnek will be reached that looks down the other side of the mountains to the Robertson Valley. Only (steep) downhill from here! Far below, the Goedgeloof hut complex will be visible, count on just more than an hour’s descent to the hut from the Nek.

Compared to Boskloof, Goedgeloof is luxurious. There are two dormitory buildings with bunk beds and mattresses, eco toilets, a cool stream nearby, and a great communal kitchen with a picnic table and stoep to admire the sunset. The hut is on private property and swimming is prohibited at the nearby dam.



Day 3: Goedgeloof Hut to Proteavallei Hut – 10km/5 hours

This is one of the easiest days.  The path ambles along before a stiff climb up to Warmwaternek around the 3km mark, with an elevation gain of 500m. Take it slowly and steadily – after this initial climb, the rest of the day is a breeze. 

From here the trail winds along the Protea Valley to its namesake hut. En route, the so-called “Clock Peaks” and the imposing 1710m Misty Point (often true to its name) stand guard over a breath-taking landscape that teems with proteas!

The hut is a wooden beauty with a large covered stoep, two dormitories with bunk beds and mattresses, and long drop outhouses some distance away. 

Day 4: Proteavallei Hut to Wolfkloof Hut – 7km/4 hours

The trail, aptly named the “Kruispad”, crosses over again to the Swellendam side of the mountain. 

After the usual uphill (gains 200m) there is a view over the farmland and faraway Indian Ocean. Descend into Kleinhoutboskloof, where the path precariously hugs the mountainside as it descends. It’s not too technical, but take care with the loose terrain!

The bottom part of the trail is an easy cruise down to the Wolfkloof gorge – look out for King Proteas on the way. Nestled down by the river is the final wooden hut, with a separate basic lapa and fireplace.

The river close by,  has several large pools to explore and swim in. The hut has a lovely big grass lawn in front. Amenity-wise, there are bunk beds and mattresses, a basic long drop outhouse and a cold-water shower. 

Day 5: Wolfkloof Hut to Office – 10km/5 hours

The last day has a rather sneaky climb up and out of Wolfkloof to the next gorge, Hermitagekloof. There’s a small ravine here with a rock pool and lovely shade for a quick brunch.

The trail then quickly descends into pine plantation (this is about the halfway mark for Day 5). Another quick switchback climb then lead out onto a wide jeeptrack that meandered back to the office. 60km done and dusted!.

 You can grab a shower close to the office building complex. 

It is a challenging, but an amazing hike. 

👣👣👣

South Africa Tour

South Africa Tour Day 1 to 47

South Africa Tour I will go on a virtual tour through beautiful South Africa during lockdown 2020...