Back to the Silvermine River Walk

Date: 12 March 2012

Location: Silvermine

Walkers: Michele, Helen & Dorothy

**** Route plotted here ***

Previous walks along this route here and here.

Once again we left a hot and sunny city bowl to find Silvermine overcast, cool and breezy. We decided on the River Walk route as it follows the valley and is in no way exposed. And out of the cold wind it was great for walking. We followed the sandy path as it meandered along, climbing up the valley at a very mild gradient. Easy stroll, even for unfit ladies like ourselves.






Stopping to smell the flowers. This erica, in various shades of pink, had tiny little flowers and a honey-like scent.




Other pink flowers: sweet-scented Keurboom tree, Virgilia oroboides.



Spindly Indigofera filifolia.



And a different variety of erica. So pretty!

And red too: Tritoniopsis triticea, almost over now.



The second half of the walk is in the forest. Here the path runs close to the river and we saw no water running at all. The waterfall was dry. Summer is nearly over so rains should come soon - we need them.



The dam looked dark and moody, with cloud very low.



We followed the same route back down to the start.


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Silvermine River Walk Revisited

Date: 18 June 2011

Location: Silvermine

Walkers: Helen & Dorothy

**** Route plotted here ***

Previous walk along this route here.

Dorothy and I decided to make the most of the sunshine and go for an amble along the popular River Walk route in Silvermine. This walk starts near the main entrance gate, and follows the valley up to the dam.



It is a particular favourite amongst dog-walkers, and it is good to see their needs catered for with free poo bags and bins available at the start of the walk.



We followed the sign and took the path through the bush.




We made a small detour to visit the pond near the picnic area. It was at full capacity. We heard much croaking from the resident frog population.




The path is easy walking, with a gentle climb through the fynbos.



Behind us the view was of Silvermine East with False Bay beyond.



Wasn't much to see in the way of flowers, but the vegetation looked green.



Further on we walked into the forest and close by the stream. Nothing nicer than the sound of a gushing water, and so different to summertime when there's seldom much more than a trickle running here.




As we crossed the small bridge there were even waterfalls!




The last stretch was mostly along wooden boardwalks. Very easy walking!



We turned around at the dam and followed the same route back.


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Silvermine River Walk

Date: 27 April 2009

Location: Silvermine, off Ou Kaapse Weg, Table Mountain National Park

Walkers: Helen, Michele and Dorothy

**** Route plotted here ****

Our route started at the entrance gate to Silvermine West. The path runs parallel to the road up to the dam, on the south side of the river.


(Photos by Helen)

The Silvermine river was completely dry, despite the recent rain.


(Photo by Helen)

The first section of this walk was very easy, just a gentle climb up the valley, through lovely rich fynbos.





(Photos by Helen) (Photos by Michele)

About halfway along we got a great views of the surrounds.



(Photos by Michele)

As always, lots to see: lizards, spiders and lovely flowers...





(Photos by Michele) (Photos by Helen)

We then walked on, into a delightful forest. This second section of the walk was just as easy as the first.


(Photo by Michele)

The lush vegetation suggests there is usually much more water about.



(Photos by Helen) (Photo by Michele)

Parts of the route were along wooden boardwalks.


(Photo by Michele)

We continued on a little further...


(Photo by Helen) (Photo by Michele)

... until we reached the dam. We returned to our car along the same route.

(Photo by Michele)