Helderberg West Peak Loop - (Helderberg NR - Somerset West)

The Helderberg West Peak as its name suggests is the Westernmost of the Helderberg Peaks standing at 1003m above sea level (GPS recording due to clouds and the changing air pressure made the altitude reading about 20m or so too low on this recording). This route while easier than conquering the dome still presents a good days hiking with ample elevation gain. The trail starts and ends at Helderberg Nature Reserve where one must pay an entrance fee, R30 at the time of writing per person and its R20 for a vehicle, check the website or call if you are unsure. The trail ascends through the garden area crossing a few streams before reuniting with the jeep track. The jeep track heads Northwards winding up the slopes, all the routes are well marked and signposted in this reserve. After following signs to the protea trail, then the leopard loop, and then in Disa Gorge the trail splits from red and green (leopards loop and Woodie's walk) to the pink trail (west peak and the dome). Disa Gorge is the forest section of this trail and getting there is easy and straightforward up wide jeep tracks, however be careful as they can be slippery after rains. After the forest section of Disa gorge the trail winds steeply upward one can immediately notice the change in trail gradient from this point. After steeply ascending the trail then levels out and follows a narrow ledge to the gully where one ascends up to the col or neck where the trail splits from west peak to the west and the dome trail to the east. The ledge is the first risk area as there is some exposure and a high cliff where one will want to be careful of their footing. Be careful of shoelaces catching on branches for this section as the fall is extremely far. The next section up to the col is straightforward and the path is clear. Then the split to the West Peak is well signed and the path is clear for the first few meters before it becomes cairns that will lead the way thanks to the recent fires less than a year ago. The trail steepens on the last section up to the peak and its a segment of bouldering and looking out for cairns to the top. Luckily this section doesn't last long and soon the path is found again and the way up clear and hard to miss. at the top the views are great with a steep cliff on the West Face creating a drop off view with the arc of False Bay below. After enjoying views at the summit one can descend down via the same way, but taking the way down on the west side along the ridge is less steep overall but do have some technical sections. After getting down the technical section there are a few sections where the path is exposed on ones right. Here one will want to be extra careful but the sections where the path is next to the ledge are brief. Thereafter the path winds down before meeting the jeep track again and heading down back to the Nature reserve offices. In summary this is a great hike with substantial elevation gain and rewarding views. The route is interesting and its a plus that it can be done as a loop and not in and out the exact same way. There are some sections that may test those who have a fear of heights but these sections are short and the path in these areas is not technical but one will have to mind their footing. Helderberg Nature Reserve is safe, well managed and a great option if you are looking for a moderately challenging but enjoyable hike.