We’re not quite as blessed as Cape Town’s southern suburbs when it comes to old trees and shady public spaces, and so our greenbelts tend to have a lot less tree cover, which generally makes those down in say Constantia or Newlands a far more attractive option when picking a spot for a bit of a weekend amble.
That said, I was delighted when I accidentally stumbled upon The Glen in Somerset West, a municipal protected natural area that spills across the Golden Hill and Shady Glen suburbs of SW. Essentially a forested kloof (gorge if you aren’t familiar with this South African term) route, The Glen doesn’t offer a particularly lengthy trek, but it does take you up fairly high up from its starting point, meaning that if you aren’t at least a little fit, it will probably have you lightly huffing and puffing in places.
There is a lovely gurgling stream that runs throughout, and in rainy season you are almost guaranteed to get your shoes and socks wet with the multiple crossings that you have to make to reach the top.
The Glen is a lovely little green space that makes for a rewarding stroll, and because of the dense tree line on either side of you, you feel a little removed from society as you move through the space. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, so often you will find yourself being the only one on the trail and taking in the gorgeous views.
(It also makes for a great place to take your dog out for an exercising walk.)
Related Link: Somerset West