FERNKLOOF: PUT ON YOUR HIKING BOOTS

The Fernkloof Nature Reserve (FNR) forms part of the Cape Floristic Region. Although it’s the smallest of the six, recognised loral kingdoms of the world, it boasts the highest concentration of indigenous plants per square metre and extraordinarily high fynbos diversity. The reserve is 1 800 hectares in area, ranging from sea level to 842 m and harbours more than 1 250 indigenous, fynbos species.

An A5, soft-cover book in glossy colour includes 400 photographs of the local fauna and flora and is a handy, hiking-trail guide. It costs about R200 from the Fernkloof Indigenous Nursery in the reserve, at the Whale Coast tourism offices and bookshops in Hermanus.

FNR sees visitors all-year-round. Families take leisurely walks, picnic in the charming, landscaped gardens and learn about the reserve’s treasure trove of fynbos at the Visitors’ Centre and the arboretum, in the lower end of the garden. For magnificent views across Walker Bay, choose one of the many hiking trails through the reserve. Maps and brochures are in the Visitors’ Centre or Fernkloof Nursery.

Youngsters enjoy the 800 m path from the Visitors’ Centre to a little waterfall and a forest pool. This follows a stream through a narrow stretch of forest. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times - and are only permitted on the lower paths, the blue and yellow routes. Guided walks can be booked at the reserve - a small charge is levied. Contact Vic Hamilton-Attwell: 082 785 5145 or vicattwell@telkomsa.net

Colour-coded trails form part of a 60 km network of well-graded, signposted paths. Occasional benches allow for rest and an opportunity to soak up the views and take photographs. Pack water, refreshments and snacks - and, on a hot day, a swimsuit for cooling off in one of the dams along your trail.

GREEN ROUTE – 3,5 km │ Duration: 1,5 hrs (leisurely) Numbered posts illustrate features of interest. A moderately-steep, gentle incline, with steps on sections, reaching the summit called Lemoenkop. Spectacular views of Walker Bay, Hermanus and surrounding hills.

RED ROUTE – 3,6 km │ Duration: 1,5 hrs (leisurely) A circular walk on a generally gentle incline with short, moderately steep sections leads to a forest patch called Assegaaibos, with a small waterfall. The trail doubles back to below Kanonkop, where another fynbos path leads to Jeep Track. The route drops southwards to intersect with Blue Route, then to the Visitors’ Centre.

BLUE ROUTE – 2,2 km │ Duration: 1 hr (easy) An easy hike with options for extending it to the contour path, Red Route or the loop within Red Route. It drops towards the gardens, crosses the tar road between the Visitors’ Centre and the ofices, and climbs to Klipspringer, a rocky bluff where these small antelope are seen, returning to the Visitors’ Centre and joining Red Route for the last 600 m.

ORANGE ROUTE – length varies │ Duration: 2 hrs – 1 Day (moderate / dificult) Orange Route’s circuits offer overnighting in Galpin Hut. A moderately arduous walk with steep sections. Inner circuit climbs to 700 m, provides access to Aasvoëlkop and joins Jeep Track. It loops around Galpin Hut and Galpin Kop. Both circuits have views of Walker Bay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, interesting perspectives of the Table Mountain group geology and the mountain fynbos. A middle path runs from Galpin Hut to Jeep Track. The trail is marked in orange from the saddle of Lemoenkop (on Green Route). Distances are from the Visitors’ Centre. For overnight stays in Galpin Mountain Hut call Peter Coxall: 082 570 3403 or email: pcoxall@ mweb.co.za

Location: At the top of Fir Avenue off Main Road, Hermanus For more information: www.fernkloof.org.za

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