5 of my favourite outdoor spots in Cape Town

There are moments when one just feels that they need to get outside and breath. The proximity of the commons and its relative safety meant that this was often the place that I would go.

It’s a well known fact that if you go running around the Commons on a typical afternoon, you’re almost guaranteed to run into someone you know. This is because it can sometimes feel like the only open green space in the Southern Suburbs (not true, but some of the other spots it’s ill-advised to head to alone as a female). The general movement is anti-clockwise so if you’d prefer not to constantly be looking into people’s faces as you sweat and pant, I’d recommend joining the crowd. If you’re more inclined to smile as you pass each person or don’t want to ever feel isolated, heading the other way round is a good bet.

I’d highly recommended that you don’t just stay on the well paved circumference but that you venture into the depths of the common. In spring and summer there are millions of little flowers to see amongst the grasses. In winter, the common becomes more of a vlei and so the paths become muddy, full of puddles and small ponds, but if you don’t mind the occasional wet shoe then the paths are still wonderful to wander. Keep an eye out for some local small wildlife that lives here. Bonus points awarded to the commons for the amount of dogs one gets to see and pat.

Times I’ve visited: >100 (Parkrun accounts for just over 50 of these)

Best parts: no hills, dogs, flowers

Walking in the forest was one of my all time favourite activities. If you’re like me at all and need to hide from the hussle and bussle of life occasionally then Newlands Forest is the place to do it. There’s an almost endless variety of paths to take and with time one learns how to reliably end up at fantastic look out points, Lady Anne Barnard’s cottage, or a waterfall. It’s a popular place for dog walkers in the later afternoon and weekends so if you’re concerned about safety then these times will reassure you.

If you’re in need of a good catch up chat with a friend or a more heart-to-heart talk then the forest is ideal. Something about walking side by side without having to constantly check each other’s facial expressions leads to some very honest conversation. There is many a thing I learnt about a friend on a walk in the forest that they just wouldn’t have shared if sitting across from you in a coffee shop. This also works with those family members who are notoriously quiet. There’s no pressure to fill the silence as you both walk along, enjoying the breeze through the trees and the escape from the city. Newlands Forest is an especially good option for days when you want to get out but the scorching sun prevents any exercise.

Times I’ve visited: >40

Best parts: shade, dogs, quiet

Seapoint Promeande is the place to be if you want to do some people watching. Strolling along with a friend or sitting on the grass enjoying the sunset leads to some fabulous sightings of the people of Cape Town in all their splendour. Much like Rondebosch Common, you’re highly likely to bump into someone you know; so maybe wear your nice active gear rather than that t-shirt with sweat stains and holes.

If you’re looking for cute instagrammable moments, then the variety of artwork lining the shore will surely draw you in. Otherwise, take a moment to listen to the waves crashing, the gulls sqwaking and try not to be run over by a bicycle or someone trying to beat their personal best at peak foot traffic hour.

Times I’ve visited: >20

Best parts: people watching, dogs, ocean views

If you’re wanting to watch the sunset from a scenic spot without getting sand in your shoes then Clifton Rock is the place to go. After parking for the beach, one heads between the houses following a little path that pops out on a large expanse of perfectly situated boulders that allows you to look at the sunset or turn around and gaze upon Lion’s Head and the 12 Apostles. There’s really no direction to look in that the view is not marvelous. Be warned that a windbreaker and some hot tea are sometimes the better options than a summer dress and cool drink due to the sea breeze that hits you. It’s a fantastic spot to go to as a bigger group or just as a few.

Times I’ve visited: >5

Best parts: views, quiet, no sand

Just a hop, skip and a jump from town, this is one of the best places I’ve found to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, I only found it in my last week in Cape Town which is why the visit count is not much higher. As you head up the road towards the cable car, take a right and find the parking spot (It’s on google maps so don’t stress). After a short hike up to the cliff face, one has views over Camp’s Bay and the ocean with conveniently shaped rocks for sitting on and enjoying the vista before you. You can hike further but for a sunset adventure it’s perfectly acceptable to just make it to the first rocks. The hike up isn’t too steep and is well maintained so you can quite easily walk back down once the sun has disappeared using a torch or phone light.

Times I’ve visited: 1

Best parts: views, short walk

There are two portions to Silvermine that I think need to be brought to attention. The dam and the hikes.

Now, I haven’t done many of the hikes but I can tell you that if you’re trying to convince a friend that hiking is fun then the walk to Elephant’s Eye Cave is the one to start them on. It’s long enough that you feel like you’ve had a good walk without being too far that your friend is going to start questioning your (and their) sanity. It takes you to a cave with jaw-dropping views over the Southern suburbs but the walk to get there (unlike Devils Peak, Table Mountain or Lion’s Head) is a relatively flat one. There are some hills to keep things interesting but you never get to the point of hating the sight of another set of steps (Looking at you Skeleton’s Gorge).

Another bonus is that when you come back along the path you will end at the Silvermine Dam which is perfect for a swim. There’s many braai and picnic spots around the dam with the one side being almost exclusively picnic spots on grass and the other being braai circles built into the mountainside (You may not be able to braai in the summer months due to the risk of fires spreading).

Times I’ve visited: 3 (I think)

Best parts: dam to swim in, picnic spots, views, all of it