Hermanus cliff path finally reconnected after years of delays

After years of disputes and delays, Hermanus’s famous cliff path has finally been fully connected.

Premier Alan Winde officially opened the long-awaited 800-metre stretch at Poole’s Bay, completing a continuous 12km scenic walkway with sweeping ocean views.

The cliff path along the coast of Hermanus is a standout feature of this popular town in the Overstrand region of the Western Cape.

Its stunning panoramic ocean views are a drawcard for locals and visitors alike, particularly during whale season.

For years though, an 800-metre section was disconnected, forcing people to break up their scenic walk by heading up to the main road road to get past a so-called 'private area' at Poole's Bay.

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This long-running dispute was resolved in 2023 when the provincial environment department granted permission for a 1.2- meter-wide section to be built to link the two halves of the path.

Further delays followed though, and it's only now in 2025 that this part has been completed and officially opened.

Premier Alan Winde was there to do the honours, and posted a video as he celebrated the development, taking a walk with fellow-officials. It shows them happily greeting other visitors and features the famed Hermanus whale crier.

'Now you can enjoy a full 12km walk from the New Harbour all the way to Piet-se-Bos near Grotto Beach', he proclaims.

The Hermanus Cliff Path Action Group echoed the Premier's expectation that this development would attract even more visitors to their shores, and boost local businesses.