Beach Walks

The Eastern Cape beaches are pristine and varied. Lots of beach walks in the vicinity of Bathurst are well worth giving a try.

DIAS CROSS TRAIL – 6 KM

The Dias Cross stands on the Kwaaihoek headland (promontory), which is reached by a spectacular six-km walk from the Bushman’s River mouth along the beach and over shifting dunes. The monument is a replica of the stone cross (padrao) erected by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeo Dias and his crew in 1488. It marked the point where they turned round after becoming the first Europeans to round the Cape of Good Hope and sail along the South African coast. The cross collapsed over the centuries, but Wits University historian Eric Axelson managed to locate its fragments in 1938. The reassembled padrao is kept at Wits, while the replica erected at Kwaaihoek continues to serve as a prominent landmark and a popular hiking destination. The platform there commands panoramic views over the Indian Ocean and coastline. (The Cross can also be reached by a much easier, flat two-km walk along the beach from the resort of Boknesstrand on the other side.)

EAST BEACH TO RUFANE RIVER – 8 KM

A lovely walk along the beach from our port Alfred East Beach to Rufane River mouth and back, approx. 8 km.
Both humans and dogs alike, can enjoy a saunter along the water front and go for a swim or paddle in the ocean.
The river mouth, which is only on the rare occasions breaking through to the ocean, has sweet water and is the ideal place for a rest before turning back.

KLEINEMONDE TO FISH RIVER LIGHTHOUSE

The Great Fish Point lighthouse is situated at Great Fish Point near the mouth of the Great Fish River 25 km from Port Alfred. The construction of the lighthouse was built and was lit on 1 July 1898. The 9 metre octagonal masonry tower painted in vertical black and white stripes is situated 76 metres above sea level and is approximately 800 metres from the shoreline. The light flashes once every 10 seconds with a range of 32 sea miles.

KASOUGA SHIP WRECK – 12KM

The wreck is a saltwater fishing spot approximately 6 km from the village of Kagouga. The only way to the wreck is along the sandy beach. |

The Wreck is a good fishing spot, especially for Kob. The Ship wreck as it is commonly known, is a rock and surf fishing spot, where in 1965 the trawler Cape St. Blaize got washed up on the sand banks due to high gale force winds. The ship had 13 members on board and all got out safely.