Hiking in the Cape Winelands Mountains
The mountains of the Cape winelands offer some fantastic and extensive hiking. Only an hours drive from Cape Town they offer a change of venue and some different views.
Here are some photos of the Perdekop Trail in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve above the picturesque winelands town of Franschoek. The trail is 14km in length and is a circular route. From the peak it is possible to see Cape Town and Table Mountain in the distance.
The Perdekop Trail
The highest point on the Trail is Perdekop Trail which is 1575 metres so it is not a trail for inexperienced or unfit hikers. During the the summer month it can be extremely hot and finding water on the route is not guaranteed so an early start is essential. Alternatively if a strong South Easterly wind is blowing the mountains can be covered in cloud and the walk can be freezing so being well prepared is vital.
At the beacon
During the winter, even on a beautiful day it can be cold so once again you need all the regular hiking gear.
The path is marked but not always clear so if you don’t know someone who knows the route take care, especially it is is overcast. Although only 14km in length you need to allow a full day for this trail.
For information on this trail and on other hiking routes close to Franschoek or Stellenbosch contact Ridgway Ramblers.
