Escape to the mountains and explore the Eight Bells estate by foot! We offer a range of hiking options, from easy strolls along the mountain stream under the shade of mixed woodland trees to more rigorous hikes up Protea Hill to the indigenous fynbos with panoramic mountain and coastline views. You can get a map of our hiking trails, known as the Rooster Trails, at the Hotel Reception. All hiking trails are free for in-house hotel guests and are R30 per person for day visitors.
Colour-coded and signposted trails at Eight Bells Mountain Inn – download map towards the bottom of the page
Rooster Trails:
Farm Dam: 30 minutes (1,3km) (blue)
An easy walk to the dam to relax, listen to the birds and watch
the waterlife in a tranquil setting.
Hamlet Hobble: 45 minutes (1,7km) (green)
A circular walk downhill crossing a bubbling brook, past old houses
and trees before taking a leisurely stroll up the gradual slope back
to the hotel at the pool side.
River Rumble: 60 minutes (1,9km) (yellow)
A delightful walk amidst trees, ferns and lush green flora which
hugs the banks of the little stream that is crossed twice.
Cedar Climb: 2 hours (3,9km) (orange)
A more serious climb where many birds and other forest animals
may be spotted. Enjoy walking amongst protea and fynbos before
taking the red route back on the home stretch.
Ridge Lookout: 2 hours (4.0km) (Brown+Red)
An enjoyable but serious climb up a rocky ridge where watsonias
grow to the lookout point with views over the Ruiterbos and Leeukloof
Valleys. On a clear day you can spot the sea at Groot Brak, Dias Strand
and Mossel Bay harbour.
Protea Hill: half a day at a leisurely pace (4,2km) (red)
Spent hours identifying the proteas and fynbos, which thrives on
Protea Hill, or just sit back and enjoy panoramic views of the majestic mountains and surrounding countryside. Not for beginners.
