Nooitgedacht
This 6-day walk is a circumnavigation of Marloth Nature Reserve that can be shortened to five days. The section between Nooitgedacht and Wolfkloof looks acceptable on the map cross section, but be warned that the map hides the path's true devious nature.
There is the odd two or three-hundred-metre climb and descent omitted, for instance; something that might upset you after a long day's hike. Nevertheless, the full Swellendam trail is a five-star hike and one of the finest trails in the country. If you tackling the trail in mid to late summer, look for the bright-green shoots and long, scarlet petals of the flamboyant Disa cardinalis at Nooitgedacht. An inconspicuous but curious protea also found near here is the Protea humiflora.
At the slopes of the Langeberg you’ll notice the seemingly constant presence of cloud around the mountain peaks, and an increase in the number and size of the streams encountered that gives ample indication of your entry into a wetter climate zone.
Tienuurkop
This route was opened only in 1989, to give townies the chance of fitting in a bit of the Swellendam Trail between squash and boozy lunches. As two day hikes go, this one is quite short, though you may be glad of this when tackling some of the steeper sections. The walk to the start of the trail is messy, using logging tracks and tentative paths through plantations to get to Koloniesbos, but the rest is excellent. Just remember to take it slowly and enjoy the climbs instead of fighting them.
To get to Koloniesbos, proceed from Swellendam Forest Station down the road for a few hundred metres, and then turn off to the right along the marked path. The path enters a pine plantation, veers left, and then descends along a logging track to a stream near some deserted buildings. Keep right here, through the bush, and after about two and a half kilometres, you will reach the hut.
Kruispad
Although given as a five-day walk, you can complete this hike in four days. If you wish to do this, it is recommended that you hike either from Boskloof to Proteavallei (20 km) stopping at Goedgeloof for lunch - or from Proteavallei to the end (18 km). The choice is yours. If you wish, you can take a longer variation on day four, hiking from Proteavallei to Wolfkloof via Vensterbank. This will lengthen the total distance of your hike to 56.6 km. The Vensterbank route is very dramatic and steep, and can become treacherous in wet and icy conditions - such as encountered on the descent. If you are concerned about poor weather, take the easier Kruispad route instead.
Keep at lookout for Mimetes genus at Vulture Rock. Mimetes cucullatus, which flowers throughout the year, with clusters of bright-red 'cowls' standing above each of the white tufts surrounding the styles. Thus it is the ‘cowls’ that give them their specific name. Another amazing attraction on this hike is Proteavallei. You should plan to spend some time exploring this valley, weather permitting, because you are unlikely to see such a variety of flowering plants in such a confined area anywhere else.
Dassieshoek
Make an early start to this walk if the weather is hot, otherwise you will suffer some. This is a long trail (starting in Robertson), along the first 11 kilometres of which no respite is offered from the steady climb. To add further stress to the first day, there is no water for the first 15 kilometres. After that water is abundant. Once the crest of the Langeberg is reached, the views south to the Riviersonderendberge and over the Klein Karoo to the distant, hazy Swartberg are fine indeed. This is an ideal weekend hike. Collect your permit at Silverstrand Caravan Park on the western outskirts of Robertson.
You're guaranteed magnificent views of Robertson and the surrounding farmlands and you ascend up the mountain. The return journey to the starting point is short and easy. It is a lovely walk through riverine bush and rich mountain fynbos, with numerous swimming spots available.