View from Uitkyk Lookout across to Wemershoek

This is one of our favourite hikes when we only want to go out for a couple of hours. The gales from the previous day had blown themselves out and the day was fantastic for hiking, clear blue skies, light breeze and great visibility. As we already had tickets for the Franschhoek Uncorked festival we decided to go for a short hike and then head to Rickety Bridge for a wine tasting link to Rickety Bridge

Scherpenheuwel massif in the Franschhoek Conservation Area (foreground) from the Franschhoek Pass road

Rather than  heading straight up to the Lookout we decided to add on the short loop up to the Vista Point and enjoy the views over Franschhoek and across to Scherpenheuwel which we contoured round last Sunday Scherpenheuwel hike link. It was then down to Breakfast Rock passing by a slope covered with protea bushes which had been in bloom when I hike this trail last June. This time of year there were very few flowers out, of any description, and I am not sure if this is because of the drought or it is too early. November, December, May and June are normally great times to see a wide variety of different flowers.

The small stream just before the start of the climb up to the Outlook was flowing where we topped up our water bottles and as normal had a short break. Onwards and upwards to the viewpoint, which we were lucky to have to ourselves. We had a light brunch of cheese and salad (plus the inevitable rusk) counting our blessings to be out on such a fantastic day before heading back down the way we came.

The Reserve has put in a lot of work to improve the quality of the trail since the fire in 2015 which is good to see, especially given how much this Park is used.

Both looking forward Rickety Bridge, which we thought would be a quick stop before heading off to other wine farms. As it turned out we stayed there for the rest of the afternoon. They had some great live music, the burgers were great (we will be back to try the restaurant proper) and we bought a couple of bottles of each of the wines on offer as we thought they were very good. It was lovely to sit on the lawn, lovely vibe from the other guests, and look up to where we had been hiking a couple of hours earlier.

Link to detailed route page click on route title [route-snippet id=”84″ featured=”image”]