Hermanus Cliff Path
Hermanus Cliff Path
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5.0
707 reviews
Excellent
559
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133
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12
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Anthony B
London, UK21 contributions
Jan 2021
The cliff path is interrupted at Mollergren Park but from Grotto Beach until then was about 3.5km where every step was breathtaking. Mountain and sea views with little forest canopies and secluded beaches all the way. You have to see it to know what I mean and if you can, you should
There is plenty of public safety guards patrolling to ensure your safety as well
There is plenty of public safety guards patrolling to ensure your safety as well
Written 31 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lolipop177
Liverpool, UK378 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The most beautiful path with different cliff views or beach views around each bend. The houses that sit along this path are stunning also. The whole walk from one end to another is about 9k and it’s just absolutely beautiful. Would love to come back in whale season as can imagine that’s just mind blowing doing this incredible walk and seeing what lies beneath the sea.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dewald R
Cape Town Central, South Africa3,438 contributions
Dec 2019
While on holiday I frequently went for a morning jog along the Hermanus Cliff Path, which is also known as the Fernkloff Cliff Path. The path is well maintained and very beautiful. It provides stunning views of the ocean, the town of Hermanus, the new harbor and, if you are lucky, you might even spot some whales (during the right time of the year). The path varies between elevations, but nothing too strenuous, making this a perfect option for casual strolls to high paced runs.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaveBFindlay_Ohio
Findlay, OH29 contributions
Dec 2019
The Cliff Walk is the famous long paved pathway above the shoreline of the Hermanus oceanside. The path is only a few meters from the actual ocean. Beautiful views are offered along the way, but I wouldn't rate it higher than any other oceanside views I have seen. Unfortunately, there were no ocean animals visible on the day that I was there. I have walked and run in many places around the world without a problem, but I did have an accident here. The footing was uneven in an area and I fell down on my knee. It took me a few minutes to be able to get back up, but I will not have any lasting injuries. If you use this path, be sure to watch your step, especially on the edges of the walkway.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
Solihull, UK398 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A must do when you're in Hermanus... Easy walking with great views and stop offs in the many bays and creeks. Good shoes + water recommended as very limited places to get food and drinks
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guys1982
Northamptonshire, UK133 contributions
Oct 2019
We were lucky enough to be staying in Hermanus for a few days, so were able to walk along the cliff path a few times during our stay. It has the most stunning views of the coastline and sea. There are seats to sit at and enjoy the view and abundant flora and fauna. We particularly enjoyed watching the dassies.
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
Hermanus, South Africa425 contributions
Dec 2019
The path goes all the way around Hermanus. We visited one section on the Sandbaai and Onrus side of Hermanus. Its a paved path with wooden bridges across gullies. In patches the path joins up with the road but after a short distand it meanders down toward the beach again. There are little rememberance plaques set into the path honouring deceased pets, friend and parents. Our route took in Davies pool and well as a small tidal pool further toward Vermont. Vegatation is lush. The view of the sea and the rocks is awesome
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison Denison
30 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Fabulous walk! At this time of year the amount of flowers and bird life that we saw was astonishing. The path hugs the coastline and you can walk as far or as little as you want and still get great views.
The Dassies are cute, and enjoy sunning themselves on the rocks, and you can sit on one of the many benches and scan the water for signs of whales. We saw at least five, but they were not very close, although great views through binoculars.
We had two weeks in South Africa, and we consider Hermanus, and this walk as one of the highlights of our trip.
If you are anywhere in the vicinity, don’t pass up the opportunity to visit.
The Dassies are cute, and enjoy sunning themselves on the rocks, and you can sit on one of the many benches and scan the water for signs of whales. We saw at least five, but they were not very close, although great views through binoculars.
We had two weeks in South Africa, and we consider Hermanus, and this walk as one of the highlights of our trip.
If you are anywhere in the vicinity, don’t pass up the opportunity to visit.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anschen M
Hermanus, South Africa21 contributions
Dec 2022
The cliffpaths in Hermanus covers a long stretch from the New Harbour to Grotto bay. It can be quite a long walk but I enjoy shorter stretches when I walk with my dog on a leash. My dog always accompanies me on my travels. I often come across the HPP guys that is here to protect visitors. Here and there are some young kids without supervision and they always ask for money. Overall, a lovely experience. Even saw whales and dassies on my way.
Written 9 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luc Victor
.817 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
This is about 12 kilometers of breathtaking and picturesque walkable seaside views, lovingly maintained by the local government. This not only brings joy to the locals in the area but tourists as well. The love and care of the community permeates and the welcoming vibe of the region enthralls. This is one activity you can keep doing when in Hermanus. Hopefully, the future generations will continue to maintain the viability and beaty of the cliff path.
Written 8 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a cost to the Cliff Path walk? Can we walk parts of it for free?
Written 22 May 2021
Hallo, ist der Küstenwanderweg kinderwagentauglich?
Written 4 March 2019
Bonjour à tous
La visite en fauteuil roulant est-elle possible ? Si oui, avez vous des circuits de départ ou autres.
Merci d‘avance !
Fabrizio
Written 20 January 2019
Bonjour.
Le grand part de la promenade est possible à faire en fauteuil roulante, mais il y a quelque échelon. Dans tout cas, la part du promenade habilitée est excellent.
Written 16 February 2019
No, you can't ride a bike on the cliff path. It's a foot path only
Written 5 January 2019
Ciao, posso sapere in che mese siete stati in Sudafrica e aver visto le balene?
grazie.
deborah
Written 4 November 2018
Ciao, scusa il ritardo nel rispondervi. Ad agosto
Written 17 December 2018
What is best place to see whales? We are
Coming 28th of september 2018?
Thanks
Written 21 September 2018
We were in Hermanus in mid August and could see them all along the coast. Just drive to the town centre, easy parking and walk along...
Written 10 November 2018
Ciao, a livello pratico, il percorso é ad anello? In quanto tempo é percorribile ? Grazie mille
Written 2 July 2018
No, non è ad anello, segue la costa rocciosa del mare della città di Hermanus. Farlo tutto è lungo, noi ne abbiamo fatto solo un pezzo perchè pioveva.
Written 3 July 2018
We will be driving to Hermanus from Cape Town in August for the day. Where would be the best place to go to watch the whales from the shore? Also we would like to walk the cliff path. Where should we park and which direction should we go in to see the best bit? We are happy to walk for a couple of hours - with refreshment!
Written 11 June 2018
Hi Cathy. We have been visiting Hermanus since 1994 - have walked parts (not all) of the Coastal Paths many times, but they have all been on the Stanford side of the Town.
From what we are familiar with, I would suggest you consider - drive through (or around the ring-road of) Hermanus and out on the main road R.43 along the coast, probably signposted to Stanford.
Carry on right out of town until you get to an island with a garage - leave the Stanford Road and take the right hand road, which again follows the coast. Go past a little café on right (Bread & Butter?) or stop off for a coffee if you have been driving all the way from Cape Town. A bit further on, turn right down past the lovely hotel Birkenhead House - your sat nav will pick that up and I think there is a road sign, to tell you when to turn right.
To the left is a small, public car park where you can start your walk. There are toilet facilities there but no shop or café. This is where we have usually started our walks. We are now in our 70's so the walks get ever shorter!
According to Google maps, Hermanus to Birkenhead House is 3.7 kms.- a little over 2 miles. The coastal path back to Hermanus is paved/concreted all the way to Hermanus, I believe - a bit up and down at times, with a few steps. We haven't done the complete walk, but I don't know of any difficult parts from talking to those who have.
I don't think it a strenuous walk back to Hermanus and you will know how long to allow for you walking 2+ miles, but you may well think that an hour would be sufficient, even allowing for plenty of photos on the way. You will be overlooking the beaches all the way and the views are stunning.
When you reach Hermanus Town, perhaps an excellent lunch - large or small - at Café Burgundy - right on the front overlooking the sea. There's a nice small shopping arcade not far away, with the Town just behind.
Then an hour's walk back to the car and off back to Cape Town. I would think the journey will take the best part of 2 hours depending on times of day/traffic etc. That's quite a day all in, but I'm sure you will also enjoy the drive over the passes and down to Hermanus.
If you think that is too far to walk, there are several little roads off right from R.43, some of which lead down to the coastal path and have places to leave your car. You might feel that's a bit isolated, whereas the beach/car park by Birkenhead House is very well frequented.
My only fear is that going in August, you might be too early for the whales. In spite of what some of the Tourist Guides say,I would have thought that the best times would be mid/end of September, through October and November, so, hopefully, you will be there in late August.
Do hope this is helpful to you. It's a magical place to be in (even without the whales). We go every year now for 6 weeks in January/February to escape our winter, so always miss the whales, so do enjoy!
The year we did 'do' the whales, we drove all the way down from Port Elizabeth, seeing whales every day. All the southern coast of South Africa is, in fact, a succession of huge bays - all were filled with whales. In just one bay, I counted 60 whales (or 60 tails)! At Hermanus, driving past the old jetty, we saw a mother and baby right up alongside of the jetty, with people on the jetty, just looking down - something very special!
Written 12 June 2018
Could we take a buggy/pram along the cliff walk? Is it paved/tarmac’d or a natural footpath with mud/dirt/soil underfoot? Thanks
Written 7 November 2017
A variety of surfaces - mostly would be accessible for a buggy. There was a wooden bridging section out of action not far from the natural pool area which is accessed by steps. However, it can be bypassed at road level.
Written 14 November 2017
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