Bretagne and Paarl Rock Loop - Paarlberg Nature Reserve (Paarl)
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 6.83 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,129 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation loss
- 1,129 ft
- Max elevation
- 2,133 ft
- TrailRank
-
79
5
- Min elevation
- 1,286 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Moving time
- 3 hours 3 minutes
- Time
- 4 hours 24 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1959
- Uploaded
- October 16, 2022
- Recorded
- October 2022
near Paarl, Western Cape (South Africa)
Viewed 835 times, downloaded 16 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Starting and ending at the Paarlberg main picnic site this trail mostly follows well established Jeep tracks through the nature reserve. The route initially winds up the Jeep track until a pay-point is reached this is where vehicles will have to pay to enter. As hikers at the time of writing we were not charged a fee to enter (do your research as this may change). Thereafter the trail splits left at the fork and follows the contour above Nantes dam. Here the views over to the granite rocks are clear and uninterrupted. Thereafter one will reach Christmas camp picnic spot, this is a great place for a break as there are big shady wild olive trees and bathroom facilities. The trail then approaches the imposing Bretagne and Gordon rocks from the West before a staircase goes up between them. At the top of the staircase one can then climb to the summit of Bretagne rock following the same way back. Thereafter it’s a short walk to Paarl Rock and the VOC cannon before following the Jeep track back to the parking lot at the picnic area. Overall a relatively easy trail with not much elevation gain, shade and heat can be an issue and in rainy conditions the granite rocks can be very slippery. Take care when approaching ones car if the picnic area is quiet. We were pleased to see a few security guards but they might not always be on duty. Awesome scenery and flora all around. The giant granite boulders are truly spectacular and quite unique for a cape hiking experience.
Waypoints
Flora
1,316 ft
Picnic
Payment required
Intersection
Waypoint
Lake
Fauna
Park
Panorama
Photo
Summit
Cave
Archaeological site
Car park
Comments (2)
You can add a comment or review this trail
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Easy
Very nice trail not difficult or technical at all, beautiful scenery and flowers. Hat and sunscreen essential in warmer months.
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Easy
Incredibly beautiful and engaging 🙌