Brodie Link Beach Loop - (Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - Pringle Bay)

Recording done on 09 Aug 2023. This trail is an easy loop in the Cape Hangklip or Betties Bay areas and can be competed by most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. The trail features Fynbos, Beach Walking and some stretches along the tar where one will have to be careful of traffic. There is an option to bypass the tar by navigating back into the Brodie Link Reserve behind the row of residential houses on Betty’s Bay’s Western extremity which I have marked in the waypoints. Personally, this was a challenging hike as early on I fell through the walking bridge onto a flexed knee and to my detriment decided to continue the trail. Nevertheless under normal circumstances the trail is easy and features minimal altitude gain. There is a steep descent as one heads for the beach but other than that the hike presents no significant challenges or exposure to heights. Water and sun exposure may be an issue in warmer months so pack water and sunscreen just in case. A cool breeze off the chilly Atlantic can make conditions quite cool so consider packing something warm even if the sun is out. The trail departs from the same parking lot as the Cape Hangklip hike and continues all the way up in a Southernly direction until a clear summit overlooking the beach reserve below is reached. From here the descent is steep on sand and Fynbos roots before the trail levels out and heads for the beach. Once reaching the coast the highwater mark trail is followed East, be sure not to venture inland as you will be venturing onto private property and risk setting off an alarm. After venturing around the sea farm peninsula, the trail lead to the beach once again and heads north towards the suburb of Betty’s Bay before joining the R44 back to Pringle Bay. Once the outskirts of Pringle Bay are reached the trail follows a jeep track and then a single-track footpath behind the neighborhood of Pringle Bay and back to the Cape Hangklip parking area. Overall this is a great scenic trail to attempt if one is looking for some variation without much altitude gain. I would consider avoiding the road section if I do this trail in future and look for the route behind the neighborhood and through Brodie Link but this may not be entirely possible if fenced or gated (I will need to investigate further and comment). There is no entrance fee for this part of the reserve, if you unsure about access call the Kogelberg offices to be certain. The area is generally safe but as a precaution walk in a group and consider leaving your valuables at home if possible.