Initial Trail Thoughts

We're only about 1/3 of the way through the feasibility part of the project, but we have begun to think specifically about a set of trails that could meet the project goals for helping local communities, conserving the environment, and be successful, sustainable tourism products in the CWCBR.

Here is our current thinking, as it was outlined and shared at our recent workshops across the CWCBR. If you didn't have a chance to attend, please offer your thoughts on any aspect of these, such as names, routes, etc., including what we might have missed or what could be added to improve the trails. If you did, we of course welcome more input!

Coastal Trails

Eve’s Trail: Yzerfontein to Langebaan (2 night; 3 day)

Starts at Yzerfontein and runs north along 16-mile beach, before turning inland over the dunes to Abrahamskraal in the WCNP for the first overnight stop. An existing cottage, owned and operated by the West Coast National Park sleeps four.

From Abrahamskraal the trail winds across salt marshes into chalk dunes to the second overnight stop at Seeberg or Mooimaak, overlooking the lagoon.

Day 3 is a downhill trek to the lagoon and Langebaan.

The option exists to extend the trail by one night with kayaking or boating on the Lagoon, diving and or a cruise to the outer islands of Malgas and Jutten, with the fourth overnight stop on Marcus Island.

5 Bay Trail: Groot Paternoster to Jacobsbaai (3 night; 3 day)

This is a 3 day hiking or cycling trail with key attractions being coastal scenery and history. Approximate distance is 30km.

The trail starts in Groot Paternoster and follows the beach to Klein Paternoster with overnight accommodation in any of the many existing guesthouses and home stays.

The trail follows bays, small beaches and rocky outcrops with lovely tide pools, past the Cape Columbine Lighthouse to an overnight camp at Trekoskraal. A dilapidated camp currently exists on site. This would need to be re-furbished completely, and permission obtained from the private landowner.

From Trekoskraal the trail continues along the coast to Jacobsbaai, where hikers can spend the last night supporting existing accommodation establishments.

Inland Trails

Farm Trail ("The Darling Dream"): Darling to Yzerfontein (2 night, 2 day)

From Darling the trail winds through a series of privately owned olive and wine farms to the highest point in Darling.

The trails meanders through renosterveld and fynbos where one can see flowers, game and birds, en route to Khwa Ttu for the first night at the San Cultural Centre.

The trails then drops down through fynbos, renosterveld and strandveld to Tygerfontein farm along the coast to Yzerfontein.

Development of this trail will involve negotiation with landowners, who have provisionally bought in to the development of this trail.

Total Distance in 20km

Canoe Trail: Berg River (Hazekraal) to Velddrif (2 night; 3 day)

The trail starts at Hazekraal at the junction of the Sout and Berg Rivers.

The trail follows the Berg River to Bokkomlaan in Velddrif with overnight stops at the historic Kersefontein Farm and Cloeteskraal Chalets.

Total distance is 55 km

Cycle Trail: Pella, Mamre, Darling, Elandsfontein, WCNP, Yzerfontein to Khwa Ttu

Blaauwberg, Atlantis, Pella, Mamre, Darling, Elandsfontein, WCNP, Yzerfontein to Khwa Ttu

Still needs to be tested

First overnight Darling

Second overnight Elandsfontein

Third Night: Flaming Joes in the WCNP

Fourth Night: Khwa Ttu or cycle back

I'll see if I can post a legible map of these trails to help you get a clearer sense of them