This past Saturday, despite the threatening clouds and rain (and general coldness), I ventured off to Silvermine for what I planned to be an amazing tun. As I drove up, the clouds seemed to be lying pretty low, which meant for some awesome mist running. I was too excited for words.
The route I did turned out to be pretty tough, as I discovered around fifteen minutes in when I felt like I was dying. I started at the parking lot, headed left and up the bike track, and then up again to the left side of the dam. From then on it was much easier, but trust - that first incline section is killer. From then on out, it was a fast-paced jog, except through some very technical, very wet single track. This route is amazing, around 8km and can be done at a much more relaxed pace. The end result is absolutely worth it.
The run takes you around the dam, and then up to the Hout Bay look out. It was crazy windy, so only stayed there for a few minutes before jogging back down to the dam, and back to the parking lot. All in all the run took 1h15m or so, avg hr was 171 (peak 189), and around 1000 kcal burnt. This run is
highlyrecommended, even as a hike. As a bonus there is a secret cave just off the trail. If that's not enough, take a look at the pics below.
The route, more or less. Foot paths were taken on the top left route:
