Hiking on Chapmans Peak
Chapmans Peak Drive which must be one of the most spectacular stretches of road in the world, leads around the mountains of the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. The road itself is chiseled out of the steep sides of the mountain with some sheer drops into the sea below. Some controversy has surrounded the road in recent years with its regular closures due to rock falls.
However, for those of us who prefer a rather older form of transport the immediate challenge is always to climb the mountain around which the road winds. This is actually a relatively short walk with the reward of some of the best views in the Cape.
The view of Noordhoek Beach from the path up Chapmans Peak
My favourite way up Chapmans Peak is from Noordhoek Beach. From the car park you walk onto the beach at the boardwalk and after about 100m you walk up some rocks on your right and then take a path leading into the fynbos. If you end up walking into Monkey Valley by mistake retrace your steps and walk futher towards the sea. After a short time you cross Chapmans Peak drive itself so take care initiallyand keep the dogs on their leads. After crossing the road the path leads steeply up the slopes of Chapmans Peak through some magnificent fynbos. Views of Noordhoek beach as far as Kommetjie and right across the Peninsula to False Bay are outstanding. The path then follows a ridge leading around the back of the mountain. From this ridge take a rest to appreciate the views of Chapmans Peak drive and Hout Bay. At this point cycling up the pass looks easier than walking up the Peak.
Looking down on Chapmans Peak Drive
Chapmans Peak itself is 593 metres high so the walk to the top takes about 2 hours. The best views are had from the Lower Chapmans Peak, which at 547 metres is slightly lower but its position to the Hout Bay side of the 2 offers better views of the road below. This means a further 20 minutes walk around the back of Chapmans Peak.
Looking over Hout Bay from the top of Chapmans Peak
The return journey can be back the same way, or carry straight on to the saddle with Noordhoek peak and take a left turn down to the road. If you choose this second route you need to have left a second car in the parking area here.
