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 Mon, Aug 3,
3:09 PM (19 hours ago)
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to knoland, katleensimpson45, kathleen.simpson, namflamingo, kati, kmeslane, kayleighdevlin, kaylene.beagrie, me, kledwards, gill.bowley, ken, russellk, kerrilowrie, kmtk, kerryfeldman, oneillathome, kerryrademan
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Dear All,
We continue to have thankful hearts for Gods goodness to us and, living
where we do, being abundantly blessed by the outdoor opportunities that we
have around us - and to enjoy rich fellowship in His wondrous creation. We
have had some amazing weather recently, providing opportunities to get out
there and enjoy the winter weather more rain is needed to fill up our dams
and we trust the Lord for His bountiful provision.
Then a bit of advance notice of the relaunch of the
Christian Advertising
Network (CAN for short). We are hoping to launch the website before the end
of August. The aim is to provide a free to advertise platform for Christians
in business to promote their business offerings, and Churches and Christian
Organisations to promote their ministry work and events and courses that
they are hosting. We will also have a market place section where whatever
you want to sell or give away can be advertised also completely free of
charge. As part of the launch and prior to the actual launch we will send
out an email to all those on the Christian Hiking Network data base to
provide them with more information.
Ongoing thanks go to our hike leaders for keeping CHN
active with always an
interesting variety of activities.
We are always keen to continue to extend the hike leader base if you are
interested in getting involved, such as, but not limited to, leading or
organising activities please message Allan on 082 4965914.
Away trips and hiking trails confirmed for 2026
These are as follows;
Antjie se pad 20 to 25 September in the Eastern Cape Kouga area. This is
a multi day trail. It is a reasonably challenging
trail. Please contact
Louwrika on 082 9464672 for further information and to be put on the waiting
list.
Hermanus trip 24 to 27 September, We have
accommodation booked for 20
people spread across three houses. We plan to hike in Fern Kloof as well as
doing part of the cliff walk where hopefully we will experience the whales.
We are fully booked if you want to be put on the waiting list please
message Allan on 082 4965914. (we do have people who
are booking their own
accommodation and will join the activities with us)
Beaverlac 19 to 23 October. We have booked several of the cabins. Our
cabins are fully booked please message Allan on 082 4965914 to be put on
the waiting list. In addition we have some in our group who have booked
campsites - there are still campsites available for you to book if you would
like to join us.
Fynbos Trail 27 to 29 November this 3 day trail (two nights) is between
Standford and Gansbaai. It is currently fully booked.
Please contact
Louwrika on 082 9464672 if you would like to be on the waiting list.
Heuningvlei 12 to 17 December our annual trip to Heuningvlei in the
Northern Cedarberg. Please message Allan on 082 4965914 to book your place.
Fish River canyon 29 June to 3 July 2027. Bit in advance but please
contact Louwrika on 082 9464672 if you are interested in doing the Fish
River canyon. (please note - 2027 next year)
In addition to the above other away trips under consideration for 2026 and
into 2027 include ;
Genadendal hiking trail (2 days)
Greyton a variety of hikes are available in the area
Travellers Rest (Northern Cedarberg) long weekend with day hikes from our
accommodation
Groot Winterhoek four day trip hiking trip
Montagu possibly based at the hot springs
Groot Vadersbos based in Cape Nature accommodation and hiking in the area
is being considered.
Baviaanskloof planning on booking self-catering accommodation and
exploring some of the many kloofs.
Wild Coast five day trail ending in Port St Johns would look at a mid
year date
Please also feel free to message Allan on 082 4965914 with ideas that you
have for day hikes, away trips and hiking trails.
Our program of day hikes for the next couple of months is set out below.
Some of these dates may change and updates will be posted on the Hike Info
Whats App Group. If you are not on
this whats app group and would like to be
added please message Allan on 082 4965914. Regarding well behaved dogs
joining the hikes please check before hand with the hike leader apart from
there being areas on the mountains where dogs are not allowed the hike
leader may also prefer not to permit dogs to join.
We look to grade the hikes to try to ensure that the persons ability is
suitable to the hike. (if not on the emails then it
will reflect when
information is put on the Hike Info Whats App Group)
The grading works as follows ;
Degree of difficulty in terms of effort takes into account steepness,
amount of uphill, length of hike and walking terrain ; easy = 1, moderate =
2, challenging = 3, difficult = 4, severe = 5
Height exposure and scrambling involved takes into account the degree
to
which the hike exposes the hiker to drops and the level of rock scrambling
involved. No height exposure or scrambling involved = A ;
some height
exposure and easy scrambling involved = B ; moderate height exposure and
moderate exposure involved = C ; significant height exposure and
challenging scrambling involved = D, significant height exposure and
climbing involving the use of ropes = E.
Accordingly a hike graded as 1A will be the easiest while the most
challenging will be a 5E. If you are uncertain about your ability to cope
comfortably with a hike please contact the hike leader beforehand. We also
look to provide further information duration of the hike ie
time and
distance, the height gained and the terrain if this is challenging.
A few points, particularly if you are new to hiking. Know your fitness
level and what you are able to cope with, carry a warm top preferably water
proof even in summer, always have enough water with you, wear suitable
clothes and footwear, have on you contact details and your medical aid
details (just in case) and listen to and follow the leader (dont go ahead
of him/her without permission)
The day hikes/activities from the beginning of August to October 2026 are
set out below. Full details of these and others planned will be provided on
the CHN Hike Info Whats App group. If a planned hike is to be postponed or
cancelled because of adverse weather conditions this will be posted on this
whats app group.
a. Saturday 8 August led by Pauline (Garlic) this will be
a hike from
Constantia Nek up to Eagles Nest and then looping back by way of an
alterative route.. The arrangements are to meet at 8,30 am at the Constantia
Nek parking area. This hike is graded 2,5 A. Please
contact Pauline on 083
7282984 if you need more information and/or plan to join this hike.
b. Sunday 9 August St James Church hike led by Leon
this will be a
walk along the Atlantic Promenade, (Sea Point) It is graded 1A. The
arrangements are to meet at 1 pm in the Saunders Rock car park (Bantry Bay
side of Sea Point) Bring along a packed lunch to enjoy at the halfway mark
and tea and cake are provided, free of charge, at the end of the walk.
Please message Leon on 082 3203416 or 021 9390749 if you plan to join this
hike and/or need more information.
c. Saturday 15 August led by
Toni this hike will be in the Silvermine
East Reserve (non-pay side) to Muizenberg Cave. This hike is graded 2A. The
arrangements are to meet at 8,30 am at the second boom
on the non-pay side
of the Silvermine Reserve (at the usual meeting place) Please contact Toni
on 082 6880534 if you plan to join her or need more information.
d. Friday 21 August led by Sinclair this will be a walk
along the Sea
Point beachfront followed by supper at the Sea Point Ocean Basket. The
arrangements are to meet at 6 pm outside the entrance to the Sea Point
swimming pool. Please message Sinclair by Thursday, 20 August, on 083
3006747 if you plan to join him.
e. Saturday 22 August led by
Graham this will be a return to the Houw
Hoek Nature Reserve to do the loop and a bit more. The loop is about 11 kms
long and about 5 hours duration including stopping time. A good level of
fitness is required. The arrangements are to meet at the Houw
Hoek Hotel
(just off the N2) at 9 am. For further information and/or you plan to join
this hike please contact Graham on 082 5796544.
f. Saturday 29 August led by
Louwrika details of this hike will be
posted on the Hike Info Whats App Group.
g. Saturday 29 August led by Jim
this hike will be to Elsies Peak. to
the summit and also possibly to do the traverse around Elsies
Peak. The
arrangements are to meet at the top of Golconda Street, Glencairn at 8,30
am. This hike is graded 2B. For further information and/or you are planning
to join this hike please message Jim on 084 5131898.
h. Saturday 5 September led by
Andrew and Barbara details of this
Connect Church Fellowship hike will be posted on the Hike Info Whats App
Group
i. Saturday 12 September
details of this hike will be posted on the
hike info whats app group.
j. Sunday 13 September St James
Church hike - led by Andrew and
Margie this will be a hike up to Muizenberg Peak from Muizenberg. This hike
is graded 2B. The arrangements are to meet at 1 pm in Muizenberg on the
opposite corner to the surf shop. Bring along a packed lunch to enjoy at the
halfway point and tea and cake are provided, free of charge, at the end of
the hike. For more information and/or you are planning to join this hike,
please message Andrew on 072 9094066 or contact him on 021 6718497.
k. Tuesday 15 September this will be the Steenbok Trail
in the
Postberg section of the West Coast National Park to enjoy the beauty of the
spring flowers. Our group size is limited to 20 people. We are fully booked
if you would like to be added to the waiting list please message Allan on
082 4965914.
l. Saturday 19 September led by
Graham this hike will be up to Suther
Peak on the Llandudno side of Karbonkelberg. There is
a bit of scrambling
involved and this hike is graded 3C. The cracks at the top are well worth
exploring as well. The arrangements are to meet at 8,30
am. To get to the
starting point drive up Helgarda Road in Hout
Bay and where the road forks,
go left into Edgar Road which becomes Eustegia Way
and continue to the top
where you will find a parking area which is the meeting point. Please
message Graham on 082 5796544 for more information and/or if you plan to
join him.
m. Saturday 19 September led by Toni this hike will start
from the
Cecilia Forest parking area, then heading to Window Gorge Stream via the
contour path and then back to the start via Kirstenbosch top path. This hike
is graded 2A. For more information and/or if you are planning to join this
hike please message Toni on 082 6880534.
n. Saturday 19 September we plan
to hold another adventure DVD at
Grahams Rondebosch. Starting time is 7 pm. Please message Allan on 082
4965914 if you would like to attend. (numbers may have
to be limited)
o. Sunday 20 September to Friday 25 September Antjie se
pad trail led
by Louwrika as detailed above
p. Thursday 24 September to Sunday 27 September Hermanus weekend as
detailed above
q. Saturday 3 October led by Andrew and Barbara details
of this
Connect Church Fellowship hike will be posted on the Hike Info Whats App
group
r. Saturday 3 October led by Pieter this hike will be the
ascent of
Constantiaberg from the Blackburn Ravine side. This hike is graded 3A. The
arrangements are to meet at the dam parking area in the Silvermine Reserve
at 8 am. This is the pay side of the Silvermine Reserve. There are stunning
views from the top of Constantiaberg. (bit of trivia
the top of the mast
on Constantiaberg is reputed to be the highest point on the Cape Peninsula)
For more information and/or you plan to join this hike please message Pieter
on 072 9115611.
s. Saturday 10 October led by
Graham this will be the Highlands Trail
in the Grabouw/Elgin area. Please contact Graham on 082 5796544 for more
information.
t. Sunday 11 October St James
Church hike led by Andrew and Margie
this hike will be ascent of Lions Head. It is graded 2B. The arrangements
are to meet at 1 pm at the boom on Signal Hill Road. (ie the usual starting
point for Lions Head) Bring along a packed lunch to enjoy at the halfway
point and tea and cake are provided, free of charge, at the end of the hike.
For more information and/or you are planning to join this hike please
contact Andrew on 072 9094066 or 021 6718497.
u. Saturday 17 October led by
Toni this hike will be from Constantia
Nek to the Kirstenbosch dam via the contour path and then back on the Middle
Road. The arrangements are to meet at the Constantia Nek parking area at
8,30 am. For further information and/or you are
planning to join this hike
please contact Toni on 082 6880534.
v. Monday 19 October to Friday 23
October Beaverlac as detailed
above
In addition to these planned hikes/activities we may drop in further hikes.
If so, details will be posted on the hike info whats
app group.
The continued use of the various Whats App Groups has
worked well. They
have kept people connected and have facilitated short notice communication.
The Whats App Groups that we currently have are
detailed below.
a. CHN Hike info group details of hiking and related
activities are put
onto this group as they are planned. (usually on a
weekly basis) Please
Whats App Allan on 082 4965914 if you would like to
be added to this group.
The general rule to be followed is to respond directly to the hike
leader/organiser (and not on this group) with questions or confirmations of
joining hikes. (only the hike leaders can post on this
group)
b. Constantia Nek early morning hikes (potentially on Mondays, Wednesdays
and Fridays) these are hikes of about 2 hours duration taking place during
the week. Starting time is currently 7 am. (it is a
great way to start the
day we have enjoyed some wonderful sunrises) A reasonable level of fitness
is required as these hikes are at a moderate pace. Please Whats
App Allan on
082 4965914 if you would like to be added to this group. This group has not
been very active in recent times but will hopefully will
become more active
again.
c. CHN Adventure Group this is a
smaller group for those interested
in scrambling, climbing and the more challenging activities. If you are
interested in being added to this group please Whats
App Graham (Dennis) on
082 5796544 or Allan (082 4965914) providing details of your particular
interests and experience.
d. Christian Hiking General this is a Whats
App Group to keep people
connected by sharing humour, words of encouragement, some amazing video
clips of animals, links to church services, worship song clips, puzzles and
more. Please Whats App me on 082 4965914 if you would
like to be added to
this group. (exclusions include political views,
speculative views, appeals
for monetary help etc)
e. We CAN help group for you to advertise/promote your business, to buy
or sell whatever, to swap, to rent out accommodation etc. free of charge. It
is great to see how well this group is working. (exclusions
include requests
for monetary donations) If you would like to be added to this What App Group
please Whats App Allan on 082 4965914.
f. CHN Bargain Hunters this group is for sharing information on special
offers that people become aware of. Examples are closing down sales, end of
season sales by outdoor shops, food specials etc.
It may also be something
that you are selling or wanting to buy at a special price. The idea is to
help others by sharing this type of information. If you would like to be
added to this group please message Allan on 082 4965914.
g. We CAN help others group to help people in need. It is a platform for
NGOs, Churches and individuals reaching out to those in need (particularly
in the townships) to put out there what is needed. Likewise for people who
are decluttering their homes (and lives) to share what they have available
to give away. If you would like to be added to this group please message
Allan on 082 4965914.
h. Foodies group this is a group that can be used to share recipes,
hiking snack tips, special offers in fact anything related to food. To
become a foody please message Allan on 082 4965914 with the word Foody
i. Sinclairs Ocean Basket and beach
hikes - A great way to meet
others and to start with an easy activity is to join the Friday evening
(roughly once a month) Sea Point beach front walk with an optional Ocean
Basket supper thereafter. Sinclair also organises beach walks. If you want
to be kept in the loop on these (this information is also put on the Hike
Info Whats App Groups) please whats
app Sinclair on 083 3006747.
j. Moms and tots Adventure Group outdoor activities in Newlands Forest
and Tokai Lower Plantation on Saturday mornings. Please contact Hannah on
072 9630575 for more information.
k. Events info for the sharing of information relating to Church and
Christian Organisations events. Examples are fetes, guest speakers,
conferences, workshops, courses etc etc. We will also
use this group for any
CHN events planned. Please message Allan on 082 4965914 to be added to this
group.
l. Midweek meanders please message Sue (Lottering) to be added to this
group. Sues contact number is 082 8806693.
m. Prayer group for posting of prayer needs for yourself or people close
to you. For you to also pray for others. Sharing
testimonies of how God is
answering prayer. Prayer requests to be kept
concise. Please message Allan
on 082 4965914 to be added to this group.
Bible verse
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me John 14 vs 6
Disclaimer ; By participating in Christian Hiking Network (CHN) activities,
participants agree that CHN and its leaders/organisers will not be liable
for any injury, loss or damage that might be incurred or result from such
activity.
With a thankful heart for all we have in Christ.
Warm regards
Allan