Muizenberg Catwalk (½ – 1 hour)
An easy walk that anyone can do, but check the tides before you set out – at high tide you could encounter a bit of sea spray!
Start on the seaside of Muizenberg Station. The walk stays on the seaward side of the railway line and offers excellent whale and dolphin watching opportunities as well as birds and rock pool life.
Across the line is the historical mile, with many interesting buildings. Walk as far as St James and Danger Beach (2km) and return by train if you prefer. A free map of this walk is available from www.slingsbymaps.com – “Walks with a Fat Dog” has a full description.
Zandvlei (2 hours)
Another easy walk, where you’re allowed to take your dog.
Start at the bottom of Windermere Road on the eastern side of the vlei, near the entrance to the Zandvlei caravan park, and continue around the edge of the vlei in a clockwise direction. Beyond Lakeside Station (2km) you need to retrace your steps (4km in all).
The bird life on the vlei is rich and varied, and you’ll be able to watch sailors, windsurfers and canoeists as well. A free map of this walk is available from www.themaps.co.za – “Walks with a Fat Dog” has a full description.
Silvermine Plateau (5 hours)
A tough walk that starts off Boyes Drive, halfway between Muizenberg and Lakeside. The walk climbs steeply up the mountain next to the old Lakeside quarries; from the summit you can ascend Muizenberg Peak and descend to Boyes Drive via Peck’s Valley. Alternatively, you could explore the Silvermine plateau and exit past the waterfall to the parking area at Silvermine (east). It’s strongly recommended that you take a map on this walk; “Silvermine – the map” is endorsed by the Table Mountain National Park and can be purchased online from www.themaps.co.za
Peck’s Valley (5 hours)
Another tough walk that starts off Boyes Drive, above the Muizenberg Police Station. The walk begins at a gateway through the retaining wall. Stone steps take you up the valley, with spectacular views across False Bay. At the summit, you could turn right to the Silvermine Plateau path mentioned above, or left to Muizenberg Cave and St James Peak. It’s strongly recommended that you take a map on this walk; “Silvermine – the map” is endorsed by the Table Mountain National Park and can be purchased online from www.themaps.co.za
Bailey’s Kloof and Mimetes Valley (3 hours)
This tough hike starts off Boyes Drive more-or-less opposite the Muizenberg Station clock tower. It’s a steep but well-constructed path with spectacular views and beautiful fynbos. Notable plants are the golden pincushion trees or kreupelhout (Leucospermum conocarpodendron), the tree mimetes (Mimetes fimbriifolius) and the rare green erica, Erica urna-viridis. When you meet the gravel track either return the way you came or turn south on the track and, after 1km, take a hard left down onto the Hilltop path – it will take you back to your starting point on Boyes Drive. You’ll definitely need a map for this walk – “Silvermine – the map” is endorsed by the Table Mountain National Park and can be purchased online from www.themaps.co.za
“Old Mule Path” (2 hours)
The so-called “Old Mule Path” is the gentlest ascent of the Kalk Bay mountains. Starting from Boyes Drive above St James the path contours slowly up to Ou Kraal as the views of False Bay open out to your left. At Ou Kraal descend left to Wandering Willy’s Weary Wait, a small weir with huge old wild almond trees. From here you can either retrace your steps or turn left and descend the Ou Kraal track to Boyes Drive. It’s strongly recommended that you take a map on this walk; “Silvermine – the map” is endorsed by the Table Mountain National Park and can be purchased online from www.themaps.co.za
From Muizenberg.info