Some short walks around Great Brak River
103 Steps Walk
This out-and-back walk takes about half an hour if you are fit. It begins at Peperboom Restaurant in Long Street. Turn South and walk 20 meters, then turn right into Sandhoogte Road. The Suiderkruis Security offices will be on your left. Continue till you get to Groenkloof Retirement village which will be on your left. On the right, you will see ‘The 103 Steps’ garden. It is open to the public. There is a labyrinth at the top of the garden.
The Circle Walk
The circle walk takes about an hour and a half and you will walk right around the village. The trail includes walking around the river and village along Long Street and Station Road and crossing the two bridges at either end of the village.
Vleiland & Nature Walk
This 30-minute walk Starts at the library on Long Street. Walk through the Library parking area past the squash court and nursery school. Follow the gravel road around the cricket field, bowls, and jukskei clubs. Follow the wide track to the left and continue along this track through the vlei. There are small allotments with vegetables growing here. There is also a lot of vlei vegetation along the stormwater canals and furrows. there is also a lot of birdlife to see here. The track veers left a small distance before “Die Rooidak Huisie”. Turn left into Long Street and return to the starting point.
The Southern Cross Walk
This out and back takes under an hour and begins at De Dekke Restaurant. You will walk past the complex towards the river. Cross the R102 into Southern Cross Road and head for the beach. When you reach the beach parking area turn right into Orian Road and continue to the end of the road.
The Island Walk
This is a 30-minute out-and-back route that begins at Trans-Karoo on Morrison Road. Walk in an easterly direction for about 50 meters. Cross Morrison Road at The Island turn-off. Go over the narrow wooden bridge onto The Island. There is a road to follow around The Island with paths down to the river’s edge and the beach. Enjoy the milkwood trees and beach vegetation..
Pepper Tree Walk
This out-and-back walk also takes just over an hour and it begins at Hough’s Herb Garden, on Mossienes Street. Turn left and walk to the corner of Station and Mossienes Streets. The pepper tree here is the widest in all of South Africa (11.2 m) at the Chris Spies Art Gallery, cross the road to the right, past the back of Pick n Pay. Pass Belhambra House where the post office is. Alongside Belhambra is the old Bioscope which is now occupied by auctioneers. Continue on to St. John’s Anglican Church. Cross the road towards the river and walk past the little houses which were the original factory workers’ cottages. A bit further you will find a farm gate and open fields. Climb over the style and continue on the farm path as far as the Hydro-Electrical pump house. Do not go in as there has been flood damage and it is impassable. Turn round and go back.
The Circle Walk
The circle walk takes about an hour and a half and you will walk right around the village. The trail includes walking around the river and village along Long Street and Station Road and crossing the two bridges at either end of the village.
