This is the view from the Noordhoek lookout point on the new circuit. A large portion of the circuit itself that goes up Chapman’s Peak can also be seen in the image.
A variety of trails in and around Noordhoek now feature on a hiking app thanks to the efforts of the Noordhoek Ratepayers’ Association (NRPA)
NRPA planning portfolio member Bas Zuidberg, who was working on mapping footpaths, bridle paths, and cycling paths in the area, had been using the South African app, Forge, for a while, but he noticed that it did not show the footpaths that residents were using.
“There were paths on private properties that were not accessible, and the paths that we use, they did not have,” he said.
On Wednesday July 6, he reached out to Alex Weiss, who handles media, content and design at Forge, and shared his maps with them. He also gave feedback on the maps they currently had on the app.
In response, Forge worked with Mr Zuidberg to publish a host of local footpaths, including a “Noordhoek Panorama Circuit“, which went live on Thursday July 21.
“At Forge, we are passionate about local tourism and nature conservation, and were delighted to be approached by Bas at the NRPA to showcase the nature trails in and around Noordhoek,” Mr Weiss said.
He added: “Working with local communities genuinely helps us provide information that is both accurate and useful to users. These collaborations also help in getting further buy-in from the community, to feel as though Forge is their local app, which it 100% is, particularly Noordhoek as it was part of the first map we released back in 2019.”
The panoramic circuit, which takes you all the way around the Noordhoek valley on a 21.26km long trail with a 1125m elevation gain, offers 360° views from Hout Bay to False Bay and beyond.
There are also other more leisurely strolls that can be taken around the village of Noordhoek, and popular hikes up Chapman’s Peak and through the Silvermine Valley can be accessed from Noordhoek.
The maps include accurate and verified trails, GPS navigation, emergency calls and offline maps which can be downloaded for use without mobile coverage. The app also hosts trails further afield with trail maps covering several thousand kilometres of trails in over 40 well-known hiking areas across five provinces. Paths in the app are categorised according to their difficulty, the terrain they cross and whether dogs or mountain bikes are allowed.
According to Mr Zuidberg, the footpaths on the app have been picked up very enthusiastically by residents on the route, and guest houses are also embedding the map on their websites and sharing it with their guests as part of things to do in the area.
“These maps are great for visitors to the area but also for our residents. Sometimes you don't realise what you have on your doorstep. When you're not in a car, you notice a lot more, you see a lot more of nature and meet a lot more people, you're connected with your environment,” he said.
Forge is a South African-made application for smartphones. It is free to download from the Forge website or from Google Play and the Apple App Store.
You can find the Noordhoek Panorama Circuit on the app or under “Table Mountain Routes” at www.forgesa.com