Seekombuis to Tietiesbaai Loop – (Cape Columbine NR – Paternoster)

This easy loop starts and ends at the Seekombuis restaurant in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. It is a good option for a walk when staying in Paternoster or somewhere close by on the West Coast. A short drive out on Paternoster’s main road past the Waterfront will take you to the start of the trail, or if you are looking to cover a few extra kilometers you could head off from town. The loop in this recording follows the road up past the entrance of the lighthouse complex before descending to Tietiesbaai. Here at the camping area, there are ablutions available. The trail then moves onto the rocks of Stofbergsebank for a view to the South across Noordwesbaai. From here the trail heads back to Seekombuis along the coast past Cape Castle and the Sea Shack accommodation. There is an option to continue further from Stofbergsebank along a single-track path all the way to Swartriet near Jacobsbaai, but this is a long way and likely done in one direction or combined with an overnight stop. The trail is scenic and since so much of it follows the coast there are ample beach coves and rocky capes and outcrops to explore if you choose with little to no chance of getting lost. Heading inland will take you right back to the dirt road which will lead back to the entrance or the campsite at Tietiesbaai. The water is often a bright shade of light blue in sunlight and the coastal rocks make for some interesting coastal scenes. During this recording the Cape Columbine Lighthouse complex was closed. If you wish to visit the lighthouse consult a few information sources and contact the relevant authorities to ensure that it is open to the public and so that you can visit in the hours required. During this recording the fog was thick and eventually lifted, but the foghorn was booming relentlessly every minute. If in a similar situation in the winter months, consider protecting your ears by timing the horn with a watch and place some distance between you and the horn between soundings. Alternatively walk lower down towards the rocks and then traverse back up to the road. After the foghorn the trail passes the Sea Shack accommodation before arriving back at the Seekombuis Restaurant. This spot with its tables in old boats on the sand right at the shoreline is the perfect place for drinks and a meal after the walk, and they have ablutions available if you decide to dine there. The parking lot has a fair amount of space, and the atmosphere at the restaurant is casual and relaxed. This loop is a personal favorite in spring when the West Coast flowers begin to bloom, the whole area erupts into bright color with the surrounding blue waters providing a superb backdrop. A good alternative if West Coast National Park is busy or booked full. There are no areas of danger or exposure to heights on this trail the only caution will be to look out for cars speeding on the dirt road and to take care on the rocks or near crashing waves. There may be an entrance fee to enter the Nature Reserve which might change with the seasons and or over time, of this and the amount I am not entirely sure. It might be a good idea to take a small amount of cash just in case. Overall it was a very easy and relaxed walk more than a hike. Its suitable for the whole family provided they are able bodied. In summer it will be a very good idea to take sunscreen and a hat as shade is at a premium in this area. In winter the fog can be quite cooling. In all months make sure to bring sufficient water and a jacket if the wind picks up as it can be cold when blowing off the Atlantic Ocean.