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Cave Peak, Echo Valley and Rock Arch Loop - Kalk Bay Hiking Trail

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Varied, atmospheric, and full of surprises, this less-traversed Kalk Bay hike explores the mountain slopes of Cave Peak above Kalk Bay and Clovelly. The hike showcases some of the most distinctive features of the area, including numerous cave entrances along the cliffs, the cool Afromontane forest of Echo Valley, and a return journey through an unusual natural rock arch back to the saddle between Kalk Bay and Clovelly. Start — From Kalk Bay or Clovelly, ascend to the saddle between the two suburbs, then turn toward Cave Peak and walk upward to the base of the cliffs. Climb — At the foot of the cliff, traverse left for a few hundred metres to a wide cleft in the rock face. Scramble up a steep path using a simple root-assisted pull-up at the top. Continue along the upper slopes of Cave Peak. Forest Section — ...
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High and Lower Steenberg - Silvermine Hiking Trail

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A rewarding Silvermine hike across High and Lower Steenberg,  located in the Silvermine Nature Reserve on the South Peninsula in Cape Town. This Silvermine hiking trail features open ridge walking, excellent views, and an attractive fynbos-lined single-track, with steady ascents and a straightforward jeep-track return. Start — From the Silvermine East parking area in the Silvermine Nature Reserve , follow a steady, moderate ascent to High Steenberg. Continue onto the ridge, following a rocky path toward Lower Steenberg with one easy step-down scramble. To Lower Steenberg — On reaching the jeep track, turn left briefly before leaving it to ascend onto Lower Steenberg. The route then follows the ridge along Lower Steenberg back toward a transmission mast. Return — Circle the mast and continue along the jeep track until a right-hand turn-off leads onto a stony path running parallel to the trac...
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Silvermine Skyline Path

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The Silvermine Skyline Path is a classic Silvermine hike in the Silvermine Nature Reserve in Cape Town. Offering spectacular views over Hout Bay and Noordhoek, this Silvermine hiking trail is perfect for hikers seeking both adventure and scenery. Looking for more Silvermine hikes? See our full list of Silvermine Hiking Trails Start — From the Upper Silvermine Dam parking area, take the gravel road to the left of the dam heading back toward Ou Kaapse Weg. Ridge Traverse — Take the first right turn to reach a ridge overlooking Silvermine Dam. At the T-junction, turn right again and ascend to the ridge summit, enjoying sweeping views across the reserve. Return Loop — Continue along the ridge until a split allows a left turn down to the gravel road. Follow this road past Noordhoek Peak , then take the sandy path...
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Cave Peak Hike - Kalk Bay

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The Kalk Bay hike to Cave Peak begins with a steady climb, with rocky sections near the summit that require some careful scrambling. At the top, the open summit rewards you with sweeping views over Fish Hoek.   From there, the trail follows a high traverse past the Clovelly entrance of Boomslang Cave before looping back and descending through a forested section at the base of the cliffs along the lower traverse, offering a varied mix of ridges, forest, and cliffside paths. Start — Begin either from Kalk Bay or Clovelly  and hike towards the saddle between the two suburbs before turning up to Cave Peak. Scramble & Climb — At the base of the cliffs, complete a 2m slightly challenging scramble followed by a relatively steep section to the top. Another short scramble is required just before reaching the top. This is best attempted along the right-hand side against the cliff. Traverse ...
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Trappieskop Hike - Kalk Bay

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The Trappieskop hike is a short, accessible Kalk Bay hike rising above Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek , offering stunning views over False Bay and the coastline. This hike is one of many in the Hiking in the South collection across the Cape Town South Peninsula. Route Overview — Starting from Clovelly or Kalk Bay, the hike follows a circular route up the mountain on a stony trail. The ascent culminates in an excellent viewpoint with sweeping views over Kalk Bay Harbour. Descent — The return route descends on the Fish Hoek side, passing a lookout point overlooking Fish Hoek Beach. While steep in places, the trail is manageable for most hikers. 📍 Meeting Point  —  Either Godfrey Rd in Kalk Bay or Clovelly Rd in Clovelly. 📌 Meeting spot Kalk Bay  —   Google Maps 📌 Meeting spot Clovelly  — ...
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Blokhuiskop - Kalk Bay and Clovelly Hike

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Start this Kalk Bay hike at the saddle between Kalk Bay and Clovelly , ascending Cave Peak for great views along the ridge to Blokhuiskop. This Kalk Bay trail offers a mix of rocky sections, forested cliff paths, and fynbos, winding along ridges before doubling back to the starting point. Overview — This out-and-back hiking trail begins either in Kalk Bay or Clovelly and leads to the saddle between the two suburbs. From there, the trail ascends to Cave Peak before traversing along the cliff base and continuing to the summit. From the top, hikers can walk across the mountain plateau to Blokhuiskop. Optional Loop — For the adventurous, a narrow passageway descends to the Clovelly side , allowing for a loop around Blokhuiskop. This option requires careful route finding and will be challenging to find for those unfamiliar with the are...
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Elsie's Peak Climbing Traverse - Glencairn Heights

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This rewarding short Elsie's Peak Trail is one of the more unusual routes in the area, featuring some scrambling with climb‑ups and downs. It takes an unconventional route around Elsie's Peak along a climbing traverse at the base of the cliffs, offering some easy scrambling and striking ocean views throughout. Start — The hike begins in Glencairn Heights and winds inland up and around Elsie's Peak. Follow the path as it curves back towards the sea, then take a left down towards Mountain Rd for a short distance followed by a sharp right on an indistinct path leading to the base of the cliffs. Traverse Section — The route circles around the front of Elsie's Peak , including some easy crawling, scrambling, and step-down sections. The path eventually connects with the Glencairn descent back to the starting point. ...
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Elsie's Peak Circular Hike - Fish Hoek

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The Elsie's Peak hike in Fish Hoek is a local favourite offering a good short workout with great views across the ocean. This Elsie's Peak trail is easy, scenic, and perfect for a short circular hike on the Cape Peninsula. Start   — From Berg Street in Fish Hoek, this easy and relatively busy path curves around the mountain towards Glencairn before heading to the top of Elsie's Peak . It offers excellent views of the ocean towards both Fish Hoek and Glencairn. Return — The return route loops back on the Fish Hoek side of the mountain to join the path that leads down to Berg Rd . 📍 Meeting Point  —  1 Berg Road, Fish Hoek 📌 Meeting Spot  —   Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time  —  ± 2hrs 📏 Distance  —  3.8km ⛰️ Elevation Gain  —  229m 🟢  Grade  —  Ea...
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Kalk Bay Hike - Kalk Bay Peak and Spes Bona from Ou Kraal

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This is one of the best hikes in Kalk Bay, taking you through the Mimetes Valley, up towards Kalk Bay Peak, and back down through the cool Afromontane forest of Spes Bona. Start — From Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive, follow the trail toward Bailey’s Kloof before ascending steadily through the Mimetes Valley . Contour Section — After turning left toward Kalk Bay, the route passes Kalk Bay Peak before descending into the shaded Spes Bona Forest . Return — The loop closes by following the historic Old Mule Path back to Ou Kraal , completing a scenic circular hike. 📍 Meeting Point  —  Ou Kraal at the start of the Old Mule Trail on Boyes Drive, St James. 📌 Meeting Spot   —   Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time  —  3hrs 30min – 4hrs 📏 Distance  —  6.9km ⛰️ Ele...
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Lakeside to Muizenberg Peak, St James Peak and Ou Kraal

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This well-marked hike runs from Lakeside to Muizenberg and St James Peak, offering spectacular views along the way before finishing at Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive. Start — From  Boyes Drive in Lakeside, this point-to-point hike begins with a steady ascent. The first turn at the top to the left leads you toward Muizenberg Peak , then crosses over the top of Pecks Valley and continues on to St James Peak. Descent — From St James Peak , the path veers down and continues over Baileys Kloof , descending to Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive. 📍 Meeting Point  —  Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive (just before Sharkspotters driving from Kalk Bay) 📌 Meeting spot Ou Kraal  —   Google Maps 📌 Meeting spot Lakeside  —   Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time  —  3hrs 30min 📏 Distance  —  5.3km ...
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Silvermine River and Steenberg Ridge Hike

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This Silvermine Hiking Trail traces the Upper Silvermine River from the main gate, leaves the river trail to ascend Steenberg Ridge,  and completes the loop back down to the dam, for an optional swim before heading back down along the river. Start — This out-and-back hike begins at the Upper Silvermine parking area (Gate 1)  just to the left of the pay point. The trail follows the Silvermine River upstream parallel to Steenberg Ridge. River & Ridge Section — Continue along the river until reaching a cycle crossroad. Turn right, cross Silvermine Reservoir Road, and pass through a small parking area before climbing gently toward Steenberg Ridge. The trail then runs along the ridge with Silvermine Dam visible on the left. Return — At the end of the ridge, turn back toward Silvermine Dam and return along the riv...
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