New boardwalk on Paarl Mountain
2011-01-27
Lise Beyers
A BRAND new wooden walkway has been erected on Paarl Mountain, bringing the mountain ever closer to establishing itself in the world of eco-tourism. The 300 metre long boardwalk has been built in the indigenous forest area which lies between Bretagne and Gordon’s Rock. The structure has been built out of a durable recycled product which is made of wood and plastic. It is elevated above the forest floor, allowing natural plant growth which has been trampled by hikers, to re-establish itself. Paarl Mountain warden and co-designer of the walk-way, Louise de Roubaix, said that the walk-way had been constructed to attract more tourists, especially foreigners, to the mountain. “We have received positive feedback from tourists who have used the walk-way, and many of them have returned.” The walk is now more accessible, as well as safe, with handrails making the descent and ascent more comfortable. “The walk has always been very popular, but also hazardous as there were loose rocks to contend with. “The inspiration behind the construction of such a route was to make the walk more comfortable for hikers, old and young. “The public can now comfortably wander under the lush canopy of trees, admiring their surrounds, without having to concentrate too much on their footing.” This project is just one of many which is planned for the coming years to stimulate tourism on Paarl Mountain. The public is also invited to enjoy the many other hiking routes on Paarl Mountain, such as the Oukraal/Waterfall, Klip-kers and the Bat Cave routes, which have recovered well after the devastating fire of two years ago. Entrance to the reserve is free during the week, while over weekends visitors can expect to pay an entrance fee of R25 per vehicle and on top of that R7 per person.
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