Cape Hangklip Climb - (Pringle Bay)

Cape Hangklip climb is an easy to moderate route that has spectacular coastal views. The trail starts from a suburban road in Pringle Bay and follows the stream into the valley before ascending up to the summit. The trail then cuts down a different route following a ridgeline before meeting up with the original path. There is an option for a short detour to overhang caves if you wish to explore them or are in need of a spot for shade. Hikers are spoilt for views in all directions with new bays and vistas opening up around each corner. The entire Cape peninsula from signal hill to Cape point is visible on a clear day across false bay. Looking eastward over Betty's Bay one can see to the mountains of Hermanus, Gaansbaai and the Helmel en Aarde's Babylonstooring. Flora as can be expected in the Kogelberg area is abundant and diverse with plenty of unique specimens. At a certain altitude near the summit Blue Disa orchids appear and are plentiful. As for difficulty this should be an easy trail for experienced hikers but more moderate to difficult if one is not fit or experienced. Don't be fooled by a cool ocean breeze, the sun is strong in summer months so definitely pack sunscreen. The trail does get a bit faint and lost in some places and splits into unmarked directions but the general direction of this trail recording should help guide. There is a steep cliff on the Western and Southern side of Hangklip, be careful exploring on the summit as gusts are common. This route can easily be done in reverse and that might make for a shorter and easier return to the parking area. The trail can be quiet so as always exercise caution when staring and finishing but private security regularly patrols the suburbs of Pringle Bay so this should serve as a deterant to potential threats. Overall I highly recommend this trail it has some of the most scenic coastal views from any trail in the cape and it is quiet when compared to anything similar in Cape Town. If you are looking to avoid crowds but want coastal views this is a great alternative to lions head. It is probably of similar difficulty albeit a bit longer than the standard route up lions head.