Clifton Third Beach

Date: 2 December 2011

Location: Clifton

Walkers: Michele & Helen

Previous walks in the Clifton area here and here.

It was a horrible howling south-easter in town, so Michele and I took ourselves off to the Atlantic coast for a bit of a stroll and picnic on Clifton Beach. We parked on Victoria Road and took one of the many stepped paths down to the sand. Clifton is a affluent area and it's always fun to peek at the lovely cottages on the way down.




It wasn't long til we reached the sand. It was not entirely wind-free on the beach, but still very pleasant, warm and sunny. Water was freezing though.



Lion's Head loomed above.



We walked up and down a bit...



... then found a sheltered spot between the granite boulders and had some chips and Appletiser. Beaches are very relaxing - it was good to unwind after a busy day. Sand between the toes.



After a while the wind got up again, so we left at about 6.30pm, still broad daylight. On the way back up the stairs we had a nasty experience: a man tried to mug us. As it happened we were alone on the steps at the time, about two-thirds of the way up. A well-dressed man walked past us on his way down, greeted us, very friendly. A moment later he turned back up again and said he would be taking one of our bags. Michele was furious and yelled at him very loudly and angrily and he ran away. I'm not sure who got the bigger fright! We were fine and nothing taken - just really outraged that this happened at all. So our excursion ended at the Camps Bay police station where we went to report the incident.


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Bantry Bay: Victoria Rd again

Date: 12 July 2010

Location: Bantry Bay

Walkers: Helen & Delphi

Previous walk along this stretch here.



We started our late afternoon walk at the end of the Promendade.



After heading up the hill we walked along Victoria Rd through Bantry Bay.



Delphi spotted whales in the bay again! I managed to get one blurry shot of their spray before they dived deep or moved off. Elusive giants.



Further along we got that classic view of the Twelve Apostles range. It never fails to remind me what a beautiful city this is.



We said hello to Lions Head and Table Mountain also.



One of the advantages of living along the Atlantic Coast is all that lovely afternoon sunshine, especially during wintertime. I'm envious!



When we got to Clifton we turned around, catching a soft pink sunset.


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Victoria Road to Clifton

Date: 1 June 2009

Location: Victoria Road,
Bantry Bay to Clifton

Walkers: Michele, Helen

** Route plotted here **

At last, another break in the rain, and a chance for a quick walk in the late afternoon sunshine! YAY!

Starting at Saunders Rocks (the spot on Beach Road where we usually turn around on our Sea Point Promenade walk) we set off in a southerly direction, up Seacliffe Road, and along Victoria Road through Bantry Bay, on the lower slopes of Lions Head.



This area is very built up with many apartment blocks, hotels and large homes. We could see the appeal of living on this Atlantic coast when we caught glimpses of their gorgeous ocean view.



As we rounded the bend, we stopped to admire the Twelve Apostles.



A little further on we could also see Table Mountain (from the side - the upper cableway station clearly visible). Lions Head was now behind us.



We walked on through Clifton. The bay has four idyllic beaches (accessed down steep stairs from Victoria Road) and seemingly endless building projects - as usual, cranes everywhere!




There was no time to go down to the beaches. The sun had set, and we had to walk back quickly before it was completely dark.


(All photos by Helen)
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