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An easy trail through glorious fynbos with fabulous views over Clarence Drive (R44). The start is opposite the entrance to the Kogel Bay beach. No permit is required. (A fishing permit is required for access to the beach.)
The trail starts with a steep, rocky 100m ascent up to the plateau that runs along above the R44, but below the high ridge that is a key feature of the R44 drive. Once on the plateau, the path is easy, sandy and well maintained. After running along the plateau for 3 km it descends back down to the R44.
There is a steep zig-zag path that climbs 600m to the top of the ridge. It meets a jeep track there that runs all the way from Steenbras Dam to Rockview Dam, but access along the jeep track is not permitted. So this would only be 600m up to admire the view and 600m down. Strictly for the cazy fit! Excluding that 'diversion' the trail is about 8km and could be walked in 2-3 hours, but this is a trail to be savoured, not rushed. Sit down, listen and watch the sunbirds perch on a nearby branch.
Start clearly maked. Parking is a short way up the road to the left.
Well maintained, sandy paths with bridges over streams
After descending from the plateau, the path become 'interesting' as it crosses the wide boulder field created by the 2023 floods that destroyed many sectons of the R44. The path across is vague with few cairns (2026) but that could change after any flooding. If the path is not visible, simply go straight across. There is a clear path out the other side, hidden until one steps on it.
Descent down loose boulders to cross the boulder field
Looking upsteam
Looking downstream. Note the large concrete water tank hanging periously in mid-air.
The 'little' stream that one can step across. Beware if flooding!
They must be joking! This is immedietly after crossing the boulder field where no path is visible. But a reassurance that one has arrived at the correct exit.
Taken from the bridge on the R44. Amazing that the bridge survived the torrent of rocks that washed down.
From the bridge, looking towards Kogel Bay beach. Walking back to the parking along the beach instead of the road would be nice, but access difficult. And it would be a very unpleasant walk along the loose boulders, so unless you are a purist and masochist, stick to the road.
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