Woodies Walk Circuit – (Helderberg NR – Somerset West)

Marked as the Green Route on Helderberg NR Maps, Woodies Walk is the highest official route on the foothills of the Helderberg. To rephrase it is the highest trail in the Reserve that does not involve climbing one of the Peaks (this would be the Pink Route on the Map and requires ample time, a bit of experience, as well as a slight tolerance with exposure to heights). The trail can be completed in about 4 hours if done at pace and about 5 hours for more average walking speeds with breaks.

There are multiple ways to reach the Woodies Walk section, the standard route would involve walking up the Jeep Track all the way to the forested canopy of Disa Gorge. This recording started out on the Jeep track of the Protea Route (Blue) to cover some ground quickly and then connected with the Waboom single track path just after the Caracul track intersection. There are ample variations to arrive at Disa Gorge which can be explored. Once the Gorge is reached be sure to keep to the left or to the West side of the Gorge and traverse up it, rounding a few trees will reveal signs where the Leopard Loop (Red) Splits from Woodies Walk. Consider having a good break in the shade of the canopy as it’s the most substantial section on the trail. Continuing Woodie’s Walk will lead up Disa Gorge a little more and then on to a more or less contoured route which undulates slightly under the rocky cliff of the Helderberg West Peak’s South Face. Here there are ample views over False Bay all the way to Cape Point, the Somerset Rim Mountains form an impressive wall of rock to the East, and eventually Cape Town comes into view when the Corner is reached on the Western edge of the trail. Splitting off near the corner is the intersection which leads up to West Peak, this is well signed to avoid confusion. Taking the lower path will involve a series of switchbacks until the Jeep Track is reached, once again and from the Jeep Track there are ample variations to arrive back at the parking area near the reserve entrance.

This reserve is always a pleasure to walk I for the simple reason that its routes are always well maintained, sign posted, and security as well as access control is well managed. There is a fee to enter (consult the Helderberg Nature Reserve Website for the latest pricing), at Helderberg NR its always an easy departure with the funds as they are used constructively and trails are a priority with new ones being constructed every now and then, this is almost unheard of nowadays. Remember to pack sunscreen and a hat if the sun is out. Packs will need to be filled with water at the entrance as it may be unreliable up in Disa Gorge during the dry season (Nov-Mar). No such luck on the day we attempted so rationing was needed. While generally very clean please play your part in keeping the reserve pristine by not littering and picking up any should you find.