This is a beautiful coastal path of 27km there and back. Allow at least 8 hours and it is moderately challenging on mainly flat ground with some uneven surfaces. It passes 2 to 3 meters away from the cliffs, but should be okay even for those nervous of heights. It starts from the rocky promontory Cape St Blaise, at the Lighthouse parking with some steep steps and ends at Pinnacle Point. The elevation gain is 933m.
Start early and take water, hats, glasses and sunblock as it is exposed with the sun blazing on you. The sun itself can make you feel drained! You can turnaround at any time, or plan to do 8kms by ending at Dano Bay. If you are going to stop part way, book a car/arrange transport in advance in season, otherwise you will need to walk back too.
There are route markers and the path is well maintained. Along the way the views are spectacular and you are likely to see dolphin, whales, in season, fynbos, birds and small mammals.
When you reach the golf course estate’s security gate you are about half way and need to sign in. The trail can be a little confusing through the Pinnacle Golf Course and some lovely estate houses, and this section takes about half an hour.
Allow time as there are soon steps down to a beautiful beach, and in summer you might want a dip.
Near the end of the trail is the wonderful Tunnel Mosaic Project. This 55-meter tunnel has beautiful mosaics. The one wall blends the town’s modern and historical essence in a vibrant mural with the South African flag, Nelson Mandela, the Mossel Bay clubhouse, Pinnacle golf course, and historical sites of Bartolomeu Dias’ legacy, the Koi San Culture, Pinnacle Point Caves, and ancient Gondwana land. The other wall shows the marine life and beaches of Mossel Bay.
There is a bar and place with food at Pinnacle Point… particularly useful for those walking back.
This is a popular route, so you are unlikely to have it to yourself.. there are joggers and hikers enjoying it too.
Some History:
3 February, the day that Bartolomeu Dias first landed, is also the day Patron Saint day of Blaise. The early maps of Mossel Bay show the Bay and promontory named after St Blaise.
Saint Blaise was Armenian and an early Christian bishop and martyr, one of the most popular medieval saints. He worked hard to encourage the physical and spiritual health of his people. While freedom of worship was permitted in the Roman Empire, persecution of Christians continued in Armenia. At a point, Blaise, to escape persecution, retired to a cave in the hills, surrounded by wild animals, faithful in prayer.
In 316, Bishop Blaise was arrested for being a Christian. On the way to a jail, a woman set her only son, who was choking on a fish bone, at his feet. Blaise saved the child. Though amazed by the deed, Governor Agricola proceeded to beat Blaise with a stick and tore at his flesh with iron combs before having him beheaded.
In another tale, Blaise, while being led to a prison in Sebastea, came across a poor old woman whose pig had been stolen by a wolf. Blaise commanded the wolf return the pig, which it did – alive and uninjured – to the amazement of all. When he reached Sebastea, the woman came to him and brought two fine wax candles in an attempt to dispel the gloom of his darkened cell.
Paintings of Saint Blaise often depict him surrounded by wild animals, or with two candles crossed in his hands. The similarity between the steel combs of his torture and wool combs contributed to Saint Blaise being acknowledged as the patron saint of wool combers and the wool trade. (From the Mossel Bay Advertizer)
Some Nearby Listings
The Post Office Tree..
Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex...
Stadl Art. Johan Sta..
90 Marsh St, Mossel Bay Centra...
Bartholomew Dias Mus..
1 Market Street, Santos Bay, M...
