Silvermine Highlights Circuit, Noordhoek Lookout and Peak return via Elephants Eye Cave – (Silvermine NR, Cape Town – Western

This circular route through the Western section of Silvermine covers some of the reserve’s highlights. Elephants Eye Cave, the Silvermine Dam as well as Noordhoek Lookout and Peak are some of the top attractions on this Western side of Ou Kaapse Weg. This route covers all four starting and ending at the dam where there is ample place to park. After leaving the dam the path is a wide gravel road which gradually ascends the slopes. From here views to Fish Hoek, Simonstown and even further South begin to appear as the trail turns West at a corner. Shortly thereafter, Noordhoek lookout is a spectacular viewpoint, it’s only a short detour up to a small outcrop where the foundation of an old building once stood. After the viewpoint the road continues a short while longer before a split to the left takes one on a single-track path towards Noordhoek Peak. Once the peak is reached the views down to Hout Bay suddenly appear, it’s a pleasant surprise and hard to believe that the views from Noordhoek Lookout could be beaten, yet this view from Noordhoek Peak is even better. Provided not shrouded in cloud It’s one of those views that remain striking, even if one has seen it many times before. What’s great about this approach or route is that the view doesn’t appear until the very last moment, just as you summit. Sitting low slightly below the peak was a great way to admire the view and get out of the wind. Its worth setting aside a good few minutes here so definitely worth budgeting your time accordingly. After some time at the peak the route heads down another single-track path until the road is joined. Then its along the gravel and left on another joining gravel road towards Elephants Eye Cave. There is the option to include “Noordhoek Bench” at the top of Blackburn Ravine, this is another viewpoint which one will have to detour from the road to reach. It’s a very similar view to that of Noordhoek Peak but its arguably slightly less impressive so we decided to skip it and head straight for the cave. The gravel road concludes near the old fire lookout and then it’s the single-track path to Elephants Eye Cave. The cave is always impressive and generally popular in all but the worst weather. After a stop here the route heads back along the same path to the old fire lookout and then continues with the single-track foot path. After passing the Tokai Plantation Parking intersection the road is met once again and then it’s a straightforward descent back to the Silvermine Dam. This route is easy for most thanks to substantial sections of gradual gravel roads. Ou Kaapse Weg takes out most of the gain allowing for great views with relatively little effort. The route can be warm and exposed to the sun in summer so a hat and sunscreen are a must as there is little shade available. A windbreaker is a good item to pack all year round as it can change to windy and cool at almost any time, especially up on the peaks. Silvermine is generally safe, entry points are monitored by Sanparks rangers, but vigilance is always required when hiking in and around Cape Town. If possible, walk in a group of at least 4 and leave all valuables at home. Please report any suspicious activity to the authorities without hesitation. The reserve is generally very clean but its popular, more people generally equates to more litter. Please carry out whatever you bring in and better yet consider picking up any plastic or other litter should you happen to stumble across any. Disclaimer: Please note that I am not qualified to be giving local driving, hiking or walking recommendations as I am not a trained guide or knowledgeable about the routes, difficulty, weather, or safety conditions in this area. These trails, like all my recorded activities on Wikiloc, are merely a journal or recollection of my experiences with some information which I personally would consider interesting. The information provided about this hiking or walking trail and its associated GPX recording is for the purpose of entertainment or reading and review only, the information presented may not be up to date or comprehensive enough. Trail and safety conditions, routes, difficulties and weather-related risks can change over time and vary from individual to individual. Any activity undertaken is therefore done at your own risk and requires you to verify information with local authorities, guides or experts in the field or local area before embarking on any such activity that may pose risks. As per the terms agreed to when signing up for this application or website, I or Wikiloc assume no responsibility for damages that may arise from using this information in any way, shape or form.