This trail is for the fit and interested explorer. You can start at either the top end (at the start to the Mount Thesiger walk) or at the bottom end (100 metres past the bus stop at the entrance to town).
Just to Eagle's Nest beacon and back to town is a worthwhile trail.
The trail starts from the edge of the tarred road, climbs steeply through the densely wooded forest margin and then climbs up the ridge behind the Coastal Needle's Hotel. It passes under the forested cliffs of Eagle's Nest, climbs the tricky but spectacular staircase then emerges on the heath and grassland of the plateau. A short stroll east to the beacon gives magnificent views of the river, town and surrounds.
The trail then heads towards the mast on Mount Thesiger with a short side path to the top of Pulpit Rock. This part is through overgrown sourveld that is rapidly reverting to forest. Insect life, in this area where different geological and plant zones meet, is particularly rich. The trail then reenters the forest. At the first large clearing an unmarked trail to the right will take you under the cliffs to emerge at Mpantu. A trail to the left (Faire Glen) and another several hundred meters further (Monkey Slide) take you down the stream beds back to the top end of town. Both are very steep and slippery when wet.
The main trail winds through Moffat's Glen, past the Mount Thesiger footpath and back to the main Caguba road. From the concrete road there is a steep but spectacular footpath down the ridge which brings you out at the old quarry at the top end of town. Otherwise the concrete road affords a pleasantly relaxed walk back to town.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
Alternative routes are;
(a) through the old military camp and dowm to Second Beach,
(b) along the bushy track (next to old security gate) and down the valley to Green's Farm,
(c) along the ridge to the water filtration plant.
