Galpin Hut Overnight Circuit via Aasvoelkop – (Fernkloof NR – Hermanus)

Galpin Hut is one of those rare oddities that are accessible to members of the public and it’s a relatively short and easy hike to reach it. The facilities at the hut are more than sufficient in providing the necessary comforts. It is the perfect introduction to spending a night out in the mountains for novices and it can be enjoyed equally by experienced enthusiasts alike. The views from the hut are superb, especially at sunset where one can see the sun setting over the coastline which is visible all the way from Hermanus to Cape Hangklip on a clear day. Fernkloof Nature Reserve is impeccably managed, its trails are clear, security is vigilant and tactical, and there is little to no alien vegetation to be found. Fynbos flourishes here in abundance and the sheer variety from kilometer to kilometer and from season to season sets it apart from your average reserve in the Cape. This recording, albeit longer, follows an alternative interesting route to reach the hut when compared to the straightforward route up to the hut (the option used to return on the second day). This allows one the option to visit the Three Dams for a swim and or continue up Droekloof for sweeping views of Walker Bay and the Klienriviersvlei lagoon near Mount Cyclopia. After enjoying the fynbos clad mountain plateau for a stretch, a gradual but sustained climb takes one around Mount Pistulata where a signposted intersection will show the way up to Aasvoelkop. The climb up to the Aasvoelkop is far steeper than anything else on the day but its rather short-lived and the views from the summit are spectacular. The peak, with trigonometric beacon number 76, sits at 823.7 meters above sea level and has sweeping views over the Hemel en Aarde valley to Caledon, as well as all the way to Hans se Kop, Moordenaarskop and Sneeukop above Somerset West. On a clear day there is the potential to spot Misty Point above Swellendam, a section of Cape Point over False Bay, and even Mozambiekkop (Sleeping Beauty) above Riversdale can theoretically be seen according to Peakvisor, of course a perfectly clear day with no haze will be required to confirm these sightlines. After climbing Aasvoelkop and returning to the intersection down the same path, the route continues on behind Platberg offering an almost constant view of the Hemel en Aarde Valley and the Babilonstoring range. After Rounding the Platberg the trail begins to head Southward before meeting a stream, you should be able to spot Galpin Hut above a while before this and be on the lookout for the highly localized Retzia Capensis on this stretch. The stream provides quality drinking water, and you should fill up here for your evening’s water requirements. Water was available in January 2024 but this may not be the case later in summer or in very dry years, check with the office if there is water reported up there when you collect the keys. The water in the tank at the Hut can be boiled for cooking and cleaning but we were advised to rather drink the flowing water from the stream. When approaching the hut, you may scare off a troop of Baboons as we did, they seemed weary of us and scampered off, not much of an issue but be aware that they are in the area and take your precautions with keeping food protected and concealed. The Hut is in a prime location protected from the worst of the Southeaster’s force and has a view of the coastline all the way from Hermanus to Hangklip with Onrusberg at around 493m asl to the West cutting your horizon view of the ocean . A short way on from the hut’s Western side the myriad of paths lead to a vantage point which allows you to sit and experience the sunset through the gap in the rocks (like this recording’s cover picture). A great place to take your evening drink and dinner to soak up the view. If the wind dies down and cloud cover is minimal you can enjoy a view of the stars, Hermanus might contribute to some light pollution so loadshedding might work to your advantage if astrophotography is in mind. When entering the hut take note of the emergency numbers on the door, take the padlock in with you and lock the hut from the inside before falling asleep, the area is generally very safe and at the office you can opt for a silent GPS panic button which alerts rangers and authorities for extra peace of mind. The bunks are comfortable by conventional hut standards and even though the wind was howling outside it, personally I found it to be of my better nights’ sleep out in the mountains, The cool temperatures and the darkness blocking the early morning light may have had something to do with this. Write your experience down in the visitors’ book and have a read of the comments. In our book an argument trail of sorts developed as to whether the small rodent often seen hopping outside was a Cape Elephant Shrew or a Sengi. After spotting it and with a small amount of research with perfect cellular reception at the hut, we concluded that both are in fact correct, two different names for the same little Elephantulus Edwardii Mammal. The next morning, if taking the direct route back, one can afford to sleep in or have a slow-paced morning. The route down is rather quick and straightforward with the only real steep descent sections being the upper parts of the Adder Ladder. Once down at the bottom of the Adder Ladder, we opted to take the short detours and circle around Lemoenkop as well as visit the Fernkloof Waterfall before heading back to the office to drop off the keys (these are entirely optional but are both quick and easy to visit). At the time of writing booking the Hut will cost R400 for a night and this can be split by up to 4 people. Information to book online can be found by searching for Fernkloof Nature Reserve or Galpin Hut and visiting the website. I Thoroughly enjoyed this experience and would highly recommend attempting it. You might find yourself visiting more often than you anticipated.