Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 63, October 2014

GREAT TRAILS O RED HILL F SOUTH AFRICA WESTERN 24 BROUGHT to you by CAPE Words & pics by Jacques Marais, author of: WHY GO The 80km Peninsula Ultra Fun Run, or PUFfeR, may be beyond the average runner, but nothing stops you from running a section of the course, and the Red Hill section is probably the most remote segment, as you are in the mountains right above Simonstown. WHAT YOU GET There are a bunch of trails up in the Kleinplaas Dams region, most with gorgeous views across both the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay. On full moon evenings, it is possible to watch the sun setting on one side, with the moon rising on the other, and you may bump into serval, caracal and grysbok. Although swimming is frowned upon, the parks authorities seem to have no problem with a bit of aquatic lounging on a hot afternoon. WHERE TO RUN You can plan anything from a quickie speed session to something a lot more substantial, and your best place to park is at Pinehaven Village, which is where the PUFfeR route enters Red Hill. Descend along the tarred road past an old farm house before turning left (2.5km) towards Lewis Gay Dam. Pass through a metal boom at the dam wall, climbing along a steep, sandy jeep track. At 3.3km, turn right and crank along a gnarly downhill section, across a stream and over the Elsies River on a wooden boardwalk bridge. Continue up the valley to a T-junction at the top (6.5km), where you turn right, then follow an eroded track meandering amidst rugged peaks until you reach Glencairn Expressway (the Black Hill Road) just on 8km. You can back-track from here for a 16km return run, but should you prefer to continue along the actual PUFfeR route, keep left on the tar road past Sun Valley and up Ou Kaapse Weg. The Ou Wapad gravel road ascends sharpishly to your left just after the San Michelle turn-off (13km), climbing to Silvermine Nature Reserve and the transition to Table Mountain. Your third option is a circular route on tarmac via Glencairn and the coastal main road towards Cape Point, going up the steep 4km Red Hill switchback, for a total distance around 18km. TIME OF YEAR: Sandy in summer; major winter storms LOCAL INFO: www.sanparks.org.za GETTING THERE Follow the M3 towards Simonstown, then turn right onto Red Hill about 1km before you reach the village. After 4km, at the top of the hill, turn right at the sign to Brooklands Water Treatment plant. Pinehaven is immediately on your right. GPS 34º10’58.64”S / 18º24’52.96”E STAY HERE Check out www.capepointroute.co.za. FAST FACTS: 16KM RED HILL RETURN GRADING: Easy / intermediate TERRAIN: 4km tar, 6km gravel road, 2km single-track MAP: Download at www.mtbroutes.co.za ACCESS REQUIREMENTS: Wild Card, or a fee of R40 per day TRAIL MARKINGS: Limited signage at main trail junctions FACILTIES: Secure parking, no ablutions CELL RECEPTION: Along 80% of route BEWARE: Baboons and snakes; thick sand aypack K-Way Hydro Velocity 6 D The K-Way Hydro Velocity 6 hydration pack is an excellent trail running, mountain biking, hiking or climbing bag with place for a hydration system. The six-litre capacity means you can put in a water bladder and still have space for a few trail essentials, with a main pocket plus a smaller outer pocket on the back of the pack. Available at R450 from all Cape Union Mart stores. More info at ISSUE 63 OCTOBER 2014 / www.modernathlete.co.za 24 www.capeunionmart.co.za. WIN To a K-Way Hydro Velocity 6 Daypack, go to www.modernathlete.co.za and click on the competition link. Terms and conditions apply: Multiple entries permitted. Competition open 1 October to 31 October. The Publisher’s decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. 24

Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 63, October 2014 | Page 24