Suitkyk is the Best
Day Hike — 5th July 2009
by Dave Barry
Members: Dave Barry (Leader), Sally Jones (Vice Chairman), Derek Jones, Bertha and Tonie Lazarus, Jenny Olivier, Malcolm Honeywill, Pat Reynolds, Fiona Martin, Carole Dougall and Joy Loggerenberg, John Meyer
Visitors: Louise Becker, Hesther Hoff, Vicky Bowey
 My favourite day walk is undoubtedly Uitkyk. For me the hike offers a reasonably long and challenging walk with breathtaking views. Although the heat can be oppressive on this walk and would generally need an early an early start to avoid discomfort, this time the weather was far cooler than before – and this made a big difference. As a result a relatively brisk pace was built up and kept by all throughout the 13 km circular route.
 Uitkyk refers to the lookout point above the cliffs at Hartebeestpoort Dam - and this is where we headed after parking our cars in a lockup parking enclosure comprising braai facilities, a shower and a loo. From there we descended to the tunnel running under the R513 motorway and then up towards the kloof between two peaks.
T Tunnel under the R513 motorway
There had been good rains during the months leading up to the hike, so vegetation was quite thick for the area and provided beautiful scenery on the way up. But the true majesty of Uitkyk lies in the magnificient views from the various look out points on the way to the eastern summit of 1517m representing an altitude gain of 337m. Of course not wishing to chance the slightly more arduous and more exposed eastern peak, hikers can choose the 1474m western peak.
Heading towards the twin peaks
 From the top you have wonderful views of the dam, the Magaliesberg range stretching as far as the eye can see and the surrounding country spoilt by the odd platinum mine. During the descent there are more splendid views through a gulley above the dam.
Breathtaking scenery all the way up
Generally speaking the route back is far more gradual than the approach, which tends to be more exacting and tiring, especially when it is hot. But that day it was beautifully cool as I have said before.
Returning from the summit
Back at the car park enclosure we enjoyed our braai’ed and packed lunches.
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