St James to Muizenberg to Kalk Bay

Date: 9 January 2010

Location: St James

Walkers: Dorothy & Helen

**** Route plotted here ****

Previous walk in this area here.

We set off from Dorothy's place in the middle of St James towards Muizenberg, along Main Road.



There was a lot of holiday traffic on the road, slowed down further by the road works. I'm not sure why more people don't take the train. This Muizenberg-Simonstown line along the coast must be one of the most scenic train routes in the world.



The mountains loomed above on our left.



We passed a row of amazing papery trees. I wonder they are?



I love the grand buildings along here: the Herbert Baker-designed Rust en Vrede, the old Natale Labia Museum and the mansions on Boyes Drive.





As we got into Muizenberg we passed Het Posthuys museum in the small thatched cottage, and then the rather elegant station building. After stops at a second-hand furniture store and a second-hand bookshop we made our way to the beachfront. The area was upgraded a couple of years ago and is full of colour and character. If only they'd knock down that nasty ol' sky-rise.




The beach was busy with folks enjoying the lovely weather and the cool on-shore breeze. We turned around here, heading back towards St James, this time following the catwalk.




This concrete walkway extends from Muizenberg to St James beach and runs between the railway line and the rocks. While it is lovely to be next to the sea, I particularly like looking towards the mountain and the houses of St James. I can see Dorothy's house! *waves*




At St James we went through the subway and back onto Main Road, and continued onwards to Kalk Bay. The hedge alongside the road here has been trimmed recently which has opened up the view. Simon's Town is across the bay.



After a bite of lunch we ran our errand in the village and then walked back to Dalebrook tidal pool for a refreshing swim. What a good day out and about!



(Photos by Helen)
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