SummitFit Adventures

21/06/2026

Located just behind Houw Hoek Hotel, approximately 16 km outside Grabouw on the road to Botrivier, this spectacular trail of roughly 11 km offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Western Cape. Along the route, hikers and trail runners are treated to panoramic views of Grabouw, the Elgin Valley, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and even the Bot River Lagoon, nestled between Arabella and Benguela Cove.

This was the destination of our SummitFit Adventures trail running expedition yesterday, and despite the visible signs of recent wildfires, the landscape remains remarkably beautiful and resilient.

The origins of the name "Houw Hoek" are the subject of several theories, but the most widely accepted interpretation is "Hold Corner." The name refers to the notoriously steep descent that 18th-century travellers encountered after crossing the mountain via Gantouw Pass. To safely navigate the gradient, wagon wheels had to be locked while teams of oxen carefully controlled the descent down the mountain.

The historic Houw Hoek Inn, originally built in 1779 and officially licensed in 1834, holds the distinction of being South Africa's oldest licensed inn.

This remarkable area forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognised biosphere renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty.

Beyond its rich history and stunning landscapes, the area offers an incredible range of activities. Visitors can enjoy world-class ziplining with Cape Canopy Tours, kayaking, padel, a virtual golf facility, a relaxing spa experience, and of course, some of the finest hiking and trail running routes in the country.

Houw Hoek is truly a destination that deserves a place on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list.

Want to experience this trail for yourself?

Contact SummitFit Adventures and let us guide you on an unforgettable journey through one of the Western Cape's most iconic landscapes.

13/06/2026

The Old Wagon trail on Gantouw Pass.

Between around 1660 and 1830 this was the route travellers had to take to get from the Cape over the Hottentots Holland Mountains into the Overberg region.

It followed a trail that the Eland herds used to make their way through the mountains.
Gantouw is the Koi San word for Eland.

This was a steep and treacherous route and to avoid their wagons from rolling down the mountains the trekkers would lock the wheels of the wagons and then have their oxen pull it over and down (anything from 24 up to 56 oxen would be used for this)
The sheer weight of the wagons, over time, left deep cut out tracks in the rocky path that is still visible there today.
Their are also some canons up in the hills here still which we didn't get to, so a trip back there is due soon.

Want to join for this little hike back in time.
DM us and book your spot.

08/06/2026

14/05/2026

And now I am fully ligit!

Let's book some hikes🏕️

10/05/2026

Lion500 Challenge.
Summits: 295,296,297, and 298 of 500.
Total Distance: roughly 1341km.
Total Elevation Gain: roughly 105 790m.

A perfect day for mountain adventures. Mild temperatures, almost no wind, no rain, and stunning views.

The route was different today with the closure of the "jeep track" so all summits were done via the Kramat trail.
Long, steep, and technical this trail brings a different challenge.

I was under the impression that these summits would finally get me to 300 but it seems I miss calculated and was on 294 and not 296 summits.

So.... Still 2 short but will aim to fix that next week.

Overall a fruitful day. 4 summits done getting fitter by the day.

No matter how many times you summit this mountain it is always magic.

Nice running into Barry Washkansky from we along the way.

Quite a busy day out on the old lion.

Want to experience Lion's Head book a hike with me +27 67 130 536

10/05/2026

*Saturday 09 May 2026*

Another epic mountain morning.
Today's adventure took us to the Western Slopes of Table Mountain above Camp's Bay.

Starting from Theresa Avenue we took the route past Slangolie and up Corridor Ravine to the magical Tranquility Cracks.

The morning started clear but soon grew cloudy and misty and by the team we reached the cracks the weather had changed a lot.

From here we followed the 12 Apostles trail for a quick visit and photo moment at the Dive Board above Kasteel's Poort before making a final stop at the Rendezvous Cave.
From there we descended down Woody Ravine back to Theresa.

We do guided hikes on Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Helderberg, Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, and Fernkloof.

Book your next adventures here:
SummitFit Adventures
067 130 1536

10/05/2026

Lion500 Challenge.
Summits: 295,296,297, and 298 of 500.
Total Distance: roughly 1341km.
Total Elevation Gain: roughly 105 790m.

A perfect day for mountain adventures. Mild temperatures, almost no wind, no rain, and stunning views.

The route was different today with the closure of the "jeep track" so all summits were done via the Kramat trail.
Long, steep, and technical this trail brings a different challenge.

I was under the impression that these summits would finally get me to 300 but it seems I miss calculated and was on 294 and not 296 summits.

So.... Still 2 short but will aim to fix that next week.

Overall a fruitful day. 4 summits done getting fitter by the day.

No matter how many times you summit this mountain it is always magic.

Nice running into Barry Washkansky from Take a Hike along the way.

Quite a busy day out on the old lion.

Want to experience Lion's Head book a hike with me SummitFit Adventures

Lion Unlimited
inov-8 South Africa

01/05/2026

Ready for the Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge 38km tomorrow.
Haven't done a big race in a while.
Super excited!

26/04/2026

Cecilia Forest and Skeleton Gorge Waterfall Loop.

Nothing more stunning than a trot through the forests on a rainy day.

The idea (or hope) was to be done and gone before the rain hit.... Not to be.

Before we even reached Skellies it was raining buckets.

It's hard to believe sometimes when you are here that you are merely a few minutes drive away from the city.
How blessed are we.