Hiking & Walking Trails
Besides the Vishoek (Fish Hook) Trail which runs from the bottom of the bank opposite the East side of the Island up to Susan Pardew Avenue in Hersham above, besides Beach Walks there are a number of great hikes and walks for all ages and abilities within the vicinity of The Island.
Close by, there's a riverside hike from the village to what remains of an old power station further up the Great Brak River, though the trail has become badly eroded in recent years. Tread carefully!
Plus as part of the Great Brak River village tourism initiative, a number of "routes" have been mapped, such as the "Art Route", the "Historic Route", the collection of "Short Walks", and yes, even the famous "Fragrance Route" and other "Village Cycling Routes". See the Running & Cycling section for routes designed with the bike rider in mind.
There are 8 km's of Heritage Trails at Oubaai in Herolds Bay which are open to the public (you must check in with their concierge at the front desk first).
Starting on the far side of the driving range near the golf academy, the trail winds its way along the bluffs above the Gwaing River (there is a section of the trail which leads down to the river as well, but you have to double back to return to the main path) following the perimeter of the golf course, passing by the rear of the clubhouse and terminates at either the whale viewing deck or the treetop deck, depending upon which fork you take for the last few hundred meters.
Close by, there's a riverside hike from the village to what remains of an old power station further up the Great Brak River, though the trail has become badly eroded in recent years. Tread carefully!
Plus as part of the Great Brak River village tourism initiative, a number of "routes" have been mapped, such as the "Art Route", the "Historic Route", the collection of "Short Walks", and yes, even the famous "Fragrance Route" and other "Village Cycling Routes". See the Running & Cycling section for routes designed with the bike rider in mind.
There are 8 km's of Heritage Trails at Oubaai in Herolds Bay which are open to the public (you must check in with their concierge at the front desk first).
Starting on the far side of the driving range near the golf academy, the trail winds its way along the bluffs above the Gwaing River (there is a section of the trail which leads down to the river as well, but you have to double back to return to the main path) following the perimeter of the golf course, passing by the rear of the clubhouse and terminates at either the whale viewing deck or the treetop deck, depending upon which fork you take for the last few hundred meters.
Part of the trail which leads to the Gwaing River
|
Birds of Oubaai
|
The Whale Viewing Deck
|
The Treetop Deck
|
Heading in the other direction from The Island, at Mossel Bay, the 13.5 km St. Blaize Trail runs from the lighthouse all the way to Dana Bay (you'll need to take two vehicles - one at the trailhead and another to take you back once you reach the terminus - otherwise, shuttle services which must be booked in advance are available). If you are looking for just a short scramble, you can access the section that runs through the Pinnacle Point Golf Estate. While you are there, be sure to visit the world-renowned caves where stone-age artefacts dating back 71,000 years have been discovered (word to the wise: be prepared for many, many stairs!). Conservation Tours are also available.
For more ideas, check out SA Venues list of Day Walks in the Garden Route or pick up a copy of Colin Paterson-Jones' Best Walks of the Garden
Route or Judith Hopley's On Foot in the Garden Route. On weekends you may be lucky and find Judith at the Scarab Village in Sedgefield where she'll sell you a signed copy.
If you are looking for something particularly special, sign-up for one of Judy Dixon's guided "Moonlight Meanders" along the beach in Sedgefield.
Just a word of friendly advice: never hike alone, and be sure you are properly equipped in the event of a change in weather!
For more ideas, check out SA Venues list of Day Walks in the Garden Route or pick up a copy of Colin Paterson-Jones' Best Walks of the Garden
Route or Judith Hopley's On Foot in the Garden Route. On weekends you may be lucky and find Judith at the Scarab Village in Sedgefield where she'll sell you a signed copy.
If you are looking for something particularly special, sign-up for one of Judy Dixon's guided "Moonlight Meanders" along the beach in Sedgefield.
Just a word of friendly advice: never hike alone, and be sure you are properly equipped in the event of a change in weather!
Walk Around The Island, Up to Hersham and the Vishoek Trail and Back
|
Walking, Hiking, Cycling & Kayaking Routes |