A Walk with a Baby
Met with good friend Cherice today for a walk up one of our local mountain peaks, Swartberg, situated near Simons Town. It is a super walk with astounding views, magnificent flora and easy options to be lengthened by adding in additional peaks of Simonsberg and North Peak.
These mountains rise steeply for over 600m straight out of the sea, and are a daunting prospect for most hikers on a hot day. Less known is the ascent options from the opposite West flank of Klawer Valley. This area is mostly a dedicated Naval base with live firing ranges which possibly put some people off. The entry is past large signs reading "Enter at your Peril," somewhat reminiscent of a pirate story, but foreboding nevertheless. So for those who are brave or foolish enough to continue down the deeply eroded and steeply inclined dirt track, (just about manageable in an ordinary Golf in first gear,) a pleasant surprise awaits. The path leads up via the old military blockhouse, and gives stunning views of False bay, Cape Point and the Atlantic Ocean.
With just a few hundred metres of vertical ascent, and an easy 2 hour return journey, the route is most manageable with a toddler on your back. The only cautions are that the path is steep in places with some exposed edges and some loose stones.... All worth it for the exciting journey and reward of the summit!
These mountains rise steeply for over 600m straight out of the sea, and are a daunting prospect for most hikers on a hot day. Less known is the ascent options from the opposite West flank of Klawer Valley. This area is mostly a dedicated Naval base with live firing ranges which possibly put some people off. The entry is past large signs reading "Enter at your Peril," somewhat reminiscent of a pirate story, but foreboding nevertheless. So for those who are brave or foolish enough to continue down the deeply eroded and steeply inclined dirt track, (just about manageable in an ordinary Golf in first gear,) a pleasant surprise awaits. The path leads up via the old military blockhouse, and gives stunning views of False bay, Cape Point and the Atlantic Ocean.
With just a few hundred metres of vertical ascent, and an easy 2 hour return journey, the route is most manageable with a toddler on your back. The only cautions are that the path is steep in places with some exposed edges and some loose stones.... All worth it for the exciting journey and reward of the summit!
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