LADY’S SLIPPER

This beautiful mountain reserve is the property of the Mountain Club of South Africa and, although clear and fairly well maintained, the path to the peak is a rugged track rather than a manicured trail. It is steep and loose in places, so should be undertaken by fit and sure-footed hikers. The rocky peaks, pristine fynbos and magnificent quartzite outcrops are sure to impress. It is the easternmost extent of mountain fynbos!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • OPEN DAILY FROM 8AM TO 5PM (6PM IN SUMMER) VIA FALCON ROCK

  • THE TERRAIN IS STEEP, SECTIONS ARE SLIPPERY AND HAS LOOSE ROCKS

  • YOU NEED TO BE SURE-FOOTED AND FIT

  • THE PEAK IS 585M ABOVE SEA-LEVEL; 320M GAIN FROM THE PARKING

  • 1.5 TO 3 HOURS TOTAL TIME, 3.2KM: UP AND DOWN

  • ALLOW TIME TO ENJOY THE VIEW

  • NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 8 YEARS

  • NO DOGS ALLOWED

  • STAY ON THE PATH AT ALL TIMES

  • ABLUTION FACILITIES ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT FALCON ROCK

  • DON’T LEAVE ANY LITTER OR TISSUES BEHIND

  • NO GRAFFITI OR DEFACING

  • STURDY FOOTWARE IS REQUIRED

  • BE SURE TO TAKE WATER AND SUNSCREEN

  • AND A WINDBREAKER (IT CAN BE CONSIDERABLY COOLER ON THE PEAK)

LADY’S SLIPPER TRAIL

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

The Lady Slipper trail starts at Falcon Rock and climbs steeply up the mountain through the fynbos. About a third of the way up, you come to an open rock platform from where there are great views and this is a good spot for a breather. The gradient eases for a short while and then the climb begins in earnest as you make your way up a rugged section to the base of the rock cliffs. From here continue eastward (towards Port Elizabeth) to the shoulder (or “nek”). The path turns sharp left (West) to the summit. The Groot Winterhoek mountain range dominates the skyline to the north, with Cockscomb at its western end. To the south you can see the coast from Port Elizabeth to Cape St Francis and beyond. Return the same way, taking it easy on the way down – it’s very easy to slip.

DIRECTIONS FROM PORT ELIZABETH

Driving on the N2 towards Humansdorp, take exit 713, R102 (R334) Uitenhage/Van Stadens Pass. Turn right and continue towards Uitenhage, 200m after crossing the railway line turn left onto a dirt road. Look out for the signs to Falcon Rock (1.2km). A permit is required, at R20 per person, and is obtainable at Falcon Rock Country Restaurant. Safe parking and ablution facilities are available, as well as a restaurant/pub where you can obtain refreshments (for opening times please contact them).

Falcon Rock Adventure Centre

Falcon Rock is independently owned/operated, for inquiries contact Falcon Rock Facebook page, or phone them on 083 273 456.

The Mountain Club of South Africa, Eastern Province section thanks Falcon Rock for partnering with us, without whom public access to Lady’s Slipper will not be possible.

Checkin and share your photos with us on our Lady Slipper Facebook page