Miaspoort Trail (Italian cross)

Type: Day hike
Location: Du Toitskloof Pass ±74 km from Cape Town
Beauty: 4/5 (Views over 80 km in either direction)
Difficulty: 7/10 (877 m ascent over 3 km)
Technicality: The trail contains a fair amount of boulder hopping, as well as loose gravel paths on steep terrain.

The Miaspoort Trail is an out-and-back trail, located just before Du Toitskloof Pass on the R101. The trail is roughly 74 km from Cape Town (7 km from Paarl), with the start of the trail located on the Paarl side of the Du Toitskloof Pass.

Map of the Miaspoort Hiking Trail near Du Toitskloof Pass.

The trail winds steeply up to the Italian Cross (Huguenot Peak), which was erected to commemorate the deceased Italian prisoners who died building the pass during the war. The trail is only 7.7 km long; however, do not let the distance fool you, as the majority of the hike is spent walking uphill. As a result, the hike will take roughly five hours to complete, including a coffee or lunch break once you have reached the Cross.

Start of the Miaspoort Trail near Paarl.

For such a short trail, it offers a great amount of diversity. You will be required to scramble over a few boulders fairly close to the start. From there, the single track bends to the left, forcing you to cross a small stream enclosed by a thicket of trees. From here on out, it’s uphill all the way as the path slowly winds up the left side of Huguenot Peak, ascending 877 m over 3 km. The rocks and pebbles are loose underfoot, so trekking poles are strongly advised, especially for the descent.

Don’t be put off by the steep initial incline — you’ll be well rewarded with waterfalls and panoramic views over Paarl and Malmesbury along the way. Once you reach the crest, you are over the worst and soon treated to views of rocky outcrops similar to those found in the Cederberg, with the road to Worcester winding away in front of you.

Crossing a small stream surrounded by lush vegetation.

Once you have reached the crest of the first climb, the single track turns right towards Huguenot Peak, with a few more challenging gradients along the way. Be on the lookout for klipspringers — they are plentiful in the area!

After a few more kilometres of vast fields of blossoming fynbos, you will finally reach the Cross. The view from the summit is breathtaking, spanning more than 80 km, with the ability to see Muizenberg Peak and Table Mountain from your vantage point, 1,318 m in elevation.

A visitors’ box can be found at the summit.

Take a good, long break at the Cross and treat yourself to a cup of coffee or hot chocolate — after all, you’ve earned it!

Enjoying coffee with a view at the summit.

Gear recommendations

• Sunblock
• Cap or hat
• Trekking poles
• At least 2 litres of water
• A windbreaker or rain jacket for when you’re at the top

Start of the trail and parking

The start of the trail can be found on Google Maps at these coordinates:
33°44’15.7″S 19°04’42.7″E

You can park your car 100 m down the road, towards Paarl, here:
33°44’16.9″S 19°04’30.4″E

Access permits

Permits are required for this hike and are obtainable through CapeNature.
Tel: 021 659 3500 / 021 483 0190

Download the CapeNature Limietberg Nature Reserve brochure and map here.