Newlands Forest Short Circuit, Return via Littlewort Trail – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town)

This short loop through the Newlands Forest is an easy circuit that starts and ends at the Forest Parking Lot. The trail heads up the road past the Wildfire Services Office and takes a left at the Newland Forest Information Map Signboard heading in a South Westerly direction. After crossing a few streams on well established gravel 4x4 track the route recorded here splits at various intersections of gravel road before turning Northeast and following a single path through thick indigenous forest over rocky boulders. The trail then loops through rows of gum plantation before meeting an indigenous section at the top of the Littlewort Trail, from here it’s a short path back down to the Information Map Signboard and the parking lot a short way beyond. This is an easy trail for the whole family and it can probably be accomplished in trainers, no boots required and there are ample streams, benches for resting and places to explore to break the walk. The trail is also pet friendly as long as dogs are well behaved and on leads. One thing to note regarding Newlands Forest is that there are a multitude of paths and gravel 4x4 tracks which cross and intersect one another, this could mean taking a wrong turn every so often, but one is not likely to get lost to the point of not being able to find one’s way back. This can and has added a couple of extra kilometers to hiker’s trails in the past, follow signage and use a map or GPS if you are unsure. The scenery on the trail is a mix of indigenous forest and some areas of Pine and Blue Gum plantation. There are some Fynbos sections but on the lower slope it is predominantly forest. The area is extremely popular on weekends even if the weather is not ideal the forest is well supported by swathes of dog walkers and joggers. That being said, parking spots are usually available and uber drop-off is easy to arrange and there is no charge to enter or do these trails. I have never experienced or heard of number of people being limited on the trail either. Although popular on the main routes this recording did yield some sections that were quiet and lightly trafficked, one of the many diversions up a stream or footpath can take one away from the crowds and on to quieter areas. Single footpath tracks seem to be quieter than gravel roads. The forest is a gateway to many of Table Mountain’s other trails, one can either carry on to Kirstenbosch or toward Rhodes Memorial and the University in the opposite direction. When entering the parking area there is a security booth with security or Table Mountain NP rangers on duty which is a welcomed sight. The trail being busy provides safety in numbers but be cautious when venturing off to quieter areas. Consider leaving valuables behind if this is your intention and report any suspicious activity to the Table Mountain NP authorities.