Red Herring Trading Post

October 6th, 2010 by admin 281 comments »

The Red Herring Trading Centre is situated at the foot of one of the world’s most spectacular mountain drives within walking distance of the pristine white sands of Noordhoek’s Long Beach.

From a restaurant and pub deck that emerges aerie-like from an ancient Milkwood forest, visitors are treated to breathtaking views that span the 8km beach from the boulder lined base of majestic Chapman’s Peak to the coastal town of Kommetjie and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Traditionally the hub of the old Noordhoek village, the centre is home to the landmark Red Herring Restaurant and Skebanga’s Pub.

Although newly refurbished, the Red Herring Trading Centre has been a focal point of Noordhoek’s artist rich community for nearly two decades, playing host to quality local bands and providing a stop-off point for walkers, horse riders, surfers, bird and whale watchers as well as sun seeking holiday makers who travel from far and wide to experience the unique natural beauty of this region.

Flamingos in the Noordhoek vleiThere can be few places left on this earth where tranquility, immeasurable beauty and the splendour of an unspoiled African coastline and mountainside combine within striking distance of a cosmopolitan city – as they do in this far corner of South Africa.

Cape Town, with its vibrant night life and rich cultural heritage is a mere 35 minute drive away.

It is believed that the Milkwood tree (Sideroxylon inerme) can dispel bad dreams. So, in this valley, where starry skies are favoured above street lights and horses have right of way on the roads, your sleep in one of the area’s many B&B’s or self catering cottages will be broken only by the hoot of owls and gentle call of the night jar.

(aer·ie or aer·y also ey·rie or ey·ry (âr, îr) n. pl. aer·ies also eyr·ies. 1. The nest of a bird, such as an eagle, built on a cliff or other high place.)

Noordhoek beach

September 7th, 2009 by admin 210 comments »

nh beach horses

Noordhoek Beach is over 8 km long, and is the most unspoiled and best protected on the Atlantic Cape coast. At one end it is defined by Chapman’s peak plunging into the sea, and at the other, by the Kommetjie lighthouse. The beach is backed by National park-protected wetlands, and as a result is free of the urban sprawl that characterizes many other Cape Town bays.

Behind the wetlands rise magnificent mountain slopes, densely overgrown with green coastal fynbos. Horse riding is common in Noordhoek. Many residents own horses and keep them on their properties. There are also riding schools. There are many trails through the wetlands and along the beach. Noordhoek village has a rural, country feel, with an attractive common and paddocks, and charming local shops, restaurants and bars. It is connected to the Cape Town area via one of the world’s great roads, the spectacular Chapman’s Peak drive, with its incredible views of the Atlantic coast.