One of the positive unintended consequences of Lockdown is that many people have rediscovered the outdoors and are enjoying the benefits of being in nature, both for their physical health and their mental wellbeing. And while this is great, many of the mountain trails have become congested and even more popular than our shopping malls used to be. With rows of cars stretching for kilometres before you reach the trail’s starting point. A good way to avoid the crowds is to start early and to do a less popular trail.
 |
| Waleed, Kygo and The Lion |
We did a 4km trail at the back of Lions Head to Signal Hill. This is a great alternative to Lions Head, especially with Kygo (our rottweiler), as he won’t be able to manoeuvre over the big rocks and up the ladders.
We started the trail in a parking area where you’ll find a small white, green and gold building. It is known as the
Kramat of Shaykh Mohamed Hassen. A kramat is a shrine where holy men of Islam are buried. According to
SA Venues.com, these men, many of them noblemen, were brought as prisoners from Arabia, India and Malaya to the Cape Colony by the Dutch settlers.
 |
| The Kramat |
This is an extremely scenic walk as you experience the majestic mountains that have put Cape Town on the map. You start the walk with the Lion in the background as you head towards Signal Hill. You will have an unimpeded view of Table Mountain and Devils Peak to your right and the Atlantic Seaboard to your left. You will also see the entire City Bowl.
 |
| The majestic Table Mountain and Devils Peak |
 |
| Follow the path all the way to Signal Hill |
 |
| Can you see Robben Island in the distance? |
 |
| The sun, the pollution and the City Bowl |
The trail is quite rocky with small (sometimes sharp) stones so you’ve to tread carefully. There are quite a few offshoots from this trail that lead to viewing points with benches where you can sit and take it all in. Depending on the time of day you go and the weather conditions, you can often see paragliders take off along this path or at Signal Hill.
It is also home to the Peninsula Shale Renosterveld a unique vegetation only found on the slopes of Signal Hill and Devils Peak. We watched some buzzards soaring above and the sky showed remnants of pollution from the recent Jonkershoek fire.
Signal Hill was the historic lookout point where they used signal flags to communicate with ships coming into the Bay. It is also where the noon gun, a large canon, is fired from daily to announce midday.
 |
| The views are spectacular |
 |
| Some more Kramats |
 |
| Watching the ships |
 |
| Enjoying a break |
When you arrive at Signal Hill, you are welcomed by a number of picnic tables where you can have a seat. There are amazing spots to take scenic pictures. The viewing point overlooks the Green Point Urban Park and the Metropolitan Golf Club.
There is a very aptly named Guinea Fowl Trail Coffee Stop (because of all the guinea fowl found here) where you can buy some refreshments. Signal Hill remains a popular spot to enjoy a magical sunrise or sunset. We were lucky because the weather was superb. There was no wind and even just before 7am it was quite warm already.
 |
| Behind us you can see the Metropolitan greens |
 |
| An abandoned bunker |
 |
| On the way back you can see The 12 Apostles in between The Table and The Lion |
How to get to this trail?
If you are travelling up Kloof Nek Road towards Table Mountain, when you see Tafelberg Road to your left, you will turn right into Signal Hill Road. Follow the road pass the first starting point for Lions Head, you’ll see the parking area on the right. Continue pass the second starting point for Lions Head until you see a road to your left that leads to the parking area of the kramat.
What to pack?
Bring water, a hat and don’t forget to wear sunscreen. Depending on the weather you may need a warm top. Pack a snack or even a picnic basket and enjoy the views.
Show this blog some love
If you've enjoyed reading this blog, feel free to recommend this trail to someone by clicking the share button. Or leave a comment or a reaction :)
You can also follow our adventures on Kygo's Instagram or Facebook.
Happy trailing…
Imtithaal
Where do you need a permit for walking a dog in Cape Town?
ReplyDelete