I had heard of Echo Valley before, but not Spes Bona. Today, 2nd July 2016, became the day that I experienced both – in all their wintry glorious undergrowth to the sound of running water and occasional birdsong. I walked with Heidi, Kim and Lynn, all seasoned hikers and training for the Whale Trail later this month.
Between the mountain ridges of Kalk Bay towards Muizenberg, there are a number of valleys – the first on the KB side is Echo Valley. The next one along is called Spes Bona (which means Good Hope!) Our route was up Echo Valley, over the ridge and back through Spes Bona.
We parked on Boyes Drive, quite close to Kalk Bay and headed up the path at the clearly marked sign…
The ascent is steep and you need to be quite fit for this roughly 7km hike. Set aside 3 hours. We did it in 2 hours and 34 minutes, but if you want to stop and have a snack, there are a number of breath-taking spots to do just that. The views are worth it. The path carries you up until you eventually arrive at a sign which offers you the Echo Valley option along with a couple of others. Follow the route past running water and pleasant landscape…
Walking through Echo Valley is lovely.
It has this enormous sheer wall on the right side, which is reminiscent of a recognisable mountain…
You soon get to a sign which offers you an option to head left to Boomslang cave. Kim advised we do the forest walk instead, as with all the rain the caves will be very wet. I was quite happy to follow that advice…not the cave I worried about….boomslang didn’t sound too attractive!
Echo Valley forest is not much further on. The path takes you deeper into the valley and through a beautiful cool section of undergrowth where the walking is made easier by well placed boardwalks…
The boardwalks wind and twist their way to the other side.
Once you get up toward the other side of Echo Valley, there are a couple of options. Ours was to head right up the path where you go over a ridge and down to the Amphitheatre. I had heard of the Amphitheatre before and was expecting a humongous broad impressive space – instead it is a small sandy patch with a map upon a rocky stand. The sign to Spes Bona is clearly marked. Having descended to the Amphitheatre you ascend to the top of the ridge heading back towards Kalk Bay. This is now the return trip. The views are spectacular….
The area is well sign posted, giving clear direction…
Spes Bona forest lies in the valley below…
The path down is rocky and a bit heavy on the knees, but you soon get to boardwalks that take you through the peaceful forest…
Coming out the other side you will come to a main path – turn right and you will find yourself coming back a sign that directs you to Boyes Drive. Don’t take the first one – keep going until you get to the second. The view from this path is quite something…
What a wonderful winter’s day on which to enjoy this beautiful area. I’m game for another and my companions know it so well, it’s a treat to go with them.
Climbing mountains definitely mimics life. There are deep valleys and high mountains. There are easy paths and strenuous ascents. There are rocky sections and spectacular views.
This morning I read a well known verse, turned into a Sunday School song. It comes from Proverbs 18:10
The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
When the mountains of life seem too high to climb. When the valleys are too many and too miserable, run to the Lord – there you are safe.
These are the days.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂