This easy to moderate scenic 5km hike, up and return, starts at the Pieter Cruythoff Memorial, which is on the Bothmanskloof Pass on the R46. Only 1km from Riebeek Kasteel, the walk is ideal for children.
First get yourself a permit from the Riebeek Valley Tourism on the square in Riebeek Kasteel. +27 22 448 1545.
Once you have parked at the Pieter Cruyhoff Memorial and admired the view, walk up beside the road to the top of the pass. Please be careful of traffic. At the top, you will see a stile (GPS 33°24’9″S 18°52’13″E) – this is the beginning of the hiking trail.
After walking a short distance through the cleared patch, you will see the route indicated on your left by a white footprint on a rock. From here the path is clear and similarly marked.
As you ascend, you will see great views of Table Mountain and the surrounding landscape. After contouring around beneath Aasvoëlkop, the path ends at a fence, just beyond which is an overhang – a perfect place to stop and take in the view of Riebeek’s Kasteel and beyond, before descending the same way.
Please note that this route is through private property, and permission for access has been given by Mr Pieter du Toit of Kloovenburg and Mr Gert Kotze of Meerhof. At all times respect this and do not stray from the marked route. You may enter the Waterval Kasteelberg Nature Reserve, at the end of the path, which is a free ramble without marked paths. For this you must have experience in mountain exploring in wild terrain.
More info on the town of Riebeek West | More info on the Swartland area |