Distance: approx. 13 km’s

The first walking route of the Hermanus Camino takes you through the Hemel en Aarde Valley which means “Heaven and Earth”.

We cover a lot of terrain in the valley. We walk through a stud farm, Haygrove berry farm and low lying mountain fynbos backed by the imposing Babylon’s Peak (1167m), the highest peak in the Hermanus region. Our journey continues through the most beautiful and top rated vineyards in the valley & on the African continent, Ataraxia & Creation wine farms. We end the day’s walking with a wine tasting at Ataraxia.

From there, you will be transported to the overnight venue at Glen Oakes – a magnificent farm hidden away in the mountains above the Tesselaarsdal region. The afternoon is yours – swim in the rock & natural spring pools and make friends with the resident piggies before enjoying a traditional South African braai. You will spend the night in beautiful stone and wood cottages.

Distance: approx. 16 km’s

We kick off day 3 with a gentle climb through Glen Oakes farm up to the back of the magnificent mountain range above the Klein River lagoon. The region is famous for its spectacular fynbos - in particular the most amazing Asteraceae, part of the daisy family. The walk continues at the base of the upper peaks showcasing some of the most spectacular views over the Ruens area and the blanket of green and yellow canola during the winter months.
We will then make our way to the comfort of your third night accommodation which would either be:

• Otium Oasis where you will spend the afternoon in the wood-fired hot tubs.
• Klein Watervalplaas which means ''little waterfall farm."

Distance: approx. 14 km’s

We say goodbye to Jami and Pete, owners of the beautiful Manor House at Stanford Hills. We make our way to Wortelgat, an outreach retreat, nestled under and between some of the oldest Milkwood forests remaining in the Western Cape. The walk is fairly flat as we make our way through the historic village of Stanford along the town's renowned 'Wandelpad'. As we move out of the town, we are welcomed by some breath-taking scenery of the Klein River mountains across the waterway. The route passes one of the most remote wine farms in the region, Springfontein.

Our accommodation at Wortelgat will be in stone cottages on the banks of the Klein River from where the sound of the rumbling waves of Walker Bay can be faintly heard in the distance. After a restorative swim in the lagoon and a quick change, you will be transported back to Stanford for a sundowner cruise and braai where you will experience some of the best estuary birdlife and, of course, fine wines.