There are numerous Memorial Benches along the path, set at scenic spots, so these are ideal if one just needs to rest awhile, smell the sea air or juts take a moment to "be" It's that sort of area - great to restore the soul and enjoy the calming atmosphere on most parts of this walk. It does get busier towards the beach area during the summer months..
- It is the tallest cast iron lighthouse in
South Africa
- It is part of the Marine Protected Area of
Table Mountain National Park
- Although fully automated it is one of the few
lighthouses in the world that is still manned by a lighthouse keeper or
officer.
" In May 1900 the Kakapo was on its maiden voyage from Wales to Australia, when in poor visibility the captain mistook Chapmans Peak for Cape Point. The shipwreck was part of the movie backdrop for the 1960 's movie Ryan's Daughter"
Whilst the movie was shot in Ireland on the Dingle Peninsula, bad weather resulted in many scenes being shot in Cape Town!
Whilst the area near the slipway and small beach are busy, most of the walk towards Long Beach is an ideal spot for watching the various water birds. Feeding on the insects in the kelp is a huge attraction for the birds and there were plenty of bugs crawling around the seaweed! The birds are very welcome to catch all those little critters!
The Mountain views are so beautiful as one heads towards Long Beach - the sea here is enjoyed by stand up paddlers, surfers, canoeists and swimmers. Although, bear in mind, that the water is pretty chilly. Not everybody can be like Lewis Pugh who manages to swim in so many seas around the world with much colder temperatures than the waters of Cape Town.
Now juts imagine that these short steps would take you into you beautiful seaside home - so close to the sea that stormy weather could perhaps be a problem! The homes along this stretch enjoy magnificent views across the bay.
Long Beach stretches for 8 km at the end of this wander - soft white sands as far as the eye can see. We stopped at the start of the beach and returned to our car parked near Slangkop Lighthouse.
For those who enjoy camping you can try the Slangkop Tented Camp set under Milkwood trees. It's just a hop and a skip to either the path to the beach or to the shops in the village.
Then the sunset can be enjoyed with a glass of wine without having to drive back home again!
