Brakkloof Ridge
Rocks!
An
easily accessible and enjoyable short ridge walk with great views
and an easy rock clamber up to the cache.
Note: This cache may be conveniently combined with Brakkloof Ridge
Summit cache (GC1NF94) which is approximately 20 minutes further along
the ridge and Brakkloofrant Bonus cache
(GC32EFA) another 20 minutes beyond
that.
Take the well documented route from up onto
Brakkloof Ridge from Fish Hoek via the Ravine Steps (see Easy Walks
in the Cape Peninsula by Mike Lundy for full details of this and
other fine walks).
Park at S34 08.468 E18
25.676 (a large parking
area just on the left off Kommetjie Rd shortly after it leaves the
M4 roundabout). If you wish to save yourself 50m climb (and
descent) an alternative parking spot is on Mountain Rd at
S34 08.573 E18
25.597 which is also
the start of the mountain trail.
Head up the trail straight ahead (ie. which starts to the left of
the functioning water fountain at S 34 08.590 E 18 25.579). At S34 08.615 E18 25.591 fork right. At S34 08.585 E18 25,526 fork left. At the stone signpost
S34 08.683 E18
25.547 take the right
fork as indicated Path via Ridge to Beacon.
When you come to the next stone signpost at
S34 08.739 E18
25.514 fork right as
indicated Ridge Beacon.
The path passes through some fine fynbos which has regenerated
after fires and extensive work by the government and the Fish Hoek
Vegetation Control Group removed many alien invaders (mostly
rooikranz and hakea). Evidently this has only been partially
successful as it is clear that the aliens are returning in some
areas with a vengeance! Biological controls seem to be the best
long-term answer.
Carry on along the easy winding now sandy path gradually ascending
along the ridge to the site of the cache which is just to the right
of the path at the top of a jumble of rocks some 4-5m above the
ground. Ascend up the obvious crack using the easy hand and foot
holds. Turn right at the top and step over/jump across the crevasse
onto the top of the adjacent rock.
The cache, a small cylindrical camo-container (approx 8cm long x
3cm wide), is hidden on this rock.
From here, either continue along the ridge trail to
Brakkloof Ridge Summit Cache (GC1NF94) - and further to Brakkloofrant Bonus cache
(GC32EFA) - or retrace your steps to return to your
starting point.
A small detour left at the stone signpost at
S34 08.683 E18
25.547 which you passed
on the ascent will take you back to the start via a short
alternative route passing a wooden bench with a fine view at
S34 08.569 E18
25.522 and down to the
water fountain.
There are now at least 11 caches in the easily
accessed Else's Peak/Brakkloofrant area which can be combined in
many ways depending on approach preferences and availability of two
vehicles which may be left at each end of the desired
trail.