How long is the Hermanus Cliff Path?

The Cliff Path Management Group records 11,747 metres from the New Harbour to the Klein River mouth at Grotto Beach. Plan on about four hours if you walk the full length.

Is the Hermanus Cliff Path free?

Yes. There is no entrance fee. Fernkloof Nature Reserve above town is also free to enter; maps are sold at the visitors’ centre and donations are welcome.

Are dogs allowed on the Hermanus Cliff Path?

Dogs are welcome on a leash on the Cliff Path. At Fernkloof they are only permitted on the lower Blue Route — not on the higher mountain paths.

Hermanus Cliff Path hike: distance, whales and dogs

The Hermanus Cliff Path is the walk most people mean when they search that phrase: a free, mostly level coastal route along Walker Bay. The listing on Hikeza is Hermanus Cliff Path. Distances and rules below come from the Cliff Path Management Group and Fernkloof Nature Reserve, not a blended “Hermanus hike”.

Distance: 11.7 km
Grade: easy
Time: 4 hours
Fee: Free
Dogs: On a leash
Parking: Street and beach parking at access points including the New Harbour, Kammabaai, Voëlklip and Grotto Beach.
Phone: 028 313 8000

Full listing · Directions · Official page

The walk itself

Official length is 11,747 metres from the New Harbour in the west to the Klein River mouth at Grotto Beach. The surface has been upgraded to exposed-aggregate concrete about 1.2 metres wide. Much of it is level enough for a slow walk rather than a scramble. Access points include the New Harbour, Kammabaai, Voëlklip and Grotto Beach — you do not have to walk the full 12km in one go.

Southern right whales are typically in Walker Bay from around June to December, which is when the path is busiest. There is no entrance fee.

Dogs, safety and who to call

Dogs are welcome on a leash. Walk with a companion and leave valuables at home. Overstrand Emergency Services: 028 313 8000. Hermanus Public Protection: 087 550 5295.

Fernkloof above town

Fernkloof Nature Reserve is the mountain half of the same reserve system: free entry, 06:00–19:00 in summer and 07:00–18:00 in winter, maps at the visitors’ centre. Dogs must stay on a lead and only on the lower Blue Route. There is no restaurant on site. If you want elevation after the cliffs, this is the verified listing — not Kogelberg, which we have not confirmed yet.

Official path page: Hermanus Cliff Path (Fernkloof).

Browse the Overberg hub or Hermanus listings.

Questions

How long is the Hermanus Cliff Path?: The Cliff Path Management Group records 11,747 metres from the New Harbour to the Klein River mouth at Grotto Beach. Plan on about four hours if you walk the full length.
Is the Hermanus Cliff Path free?: Yes. There is no entrance fee. Fernkloof Nature Reserve above town is also free to enter; maps are sold at the visitors’ centre and donations are welcome.
Are dogs allowed on the Hermanus Cliff Path?: Dogs are welcome on a leash on the Cliff Path. At Fernkloof they are only permitted on the lower Blue Route — not on the higher mountain paths.