St. Francis: Rock Hopping & Toddler Wobbling - Two Harbours Trail

So, Pepper and I found ourselves in St. Francis Bay one fine morning. Naturally, Pepper had BIG plans: sand boarding, learning to surf (because the sea clearly needed more hazards), and a list of other ambitious ideas.

But here's the thing—it was December 31st. Crowds? Check. No parking? Check. Endless queues? Double-check. Oh, and unless we were secretly rolling in wealth, those plans weren’t going to happen. So, what’s the fallback for someone like Pepper, a “son of Hag”? Hiking of course!

This time, Google and reality decided to hold hands and align perfectly. Directions? Spot on. Distance? Accurate. It was a New Year’s miracle. We parked in the designated lot, and off we went on a trail.

What’s to love? Well, this route is safe, spotless, and so well-maintained. The coastline views? Absolute magic.

The trail is family-friendly, complete with plenty of spots to catch your breath (or pretend you’re admiring the view while you recover). Want to keep it simple? Stick to the main path. Craving a bit of adventure? Try the boulder-hopping sections. Just be sure your knees and sense of balance are up for the challenge—it’s family-friendly, not a stroll on the beach.

Because we’re such seasoned hikers, we decided to boulder-hop—or rather, Pepper boulder-hopped with all the grace of a mountain goat, while I teetered like a toddler learning to walk. I tried explaining the concept of age and balance to Pepper as he gleefully parkour-ed his way across the rocks, pausing only to cast a glance back at his old, wobbly mother with that unmistakable “you’re slowing me down” look.

Did he get it? Of course not. Will he one day, when he’s the one wobbling over rocks? Oh, absolutely. And do I hope he remembers the impatient eye-rolls he threw at his mom during his sprightly youth? You bet I do.

There are rock pools—tiny, sparkling worlds tucked between boulders. Each one feels like a secret treasure trove of aquatic life. It’s a little dose of wonder in an already stunning setting.

Note to self: next time, leave Pepper to his power-walking and let him rush ahead, oblivious to the magic. I’ll be here, lingering over the views, inspecting every tiny fish and sea anemone, and living my absolute best life, thank you very much!

So, in a world of queues and overpriced dreams, hiking once again came to the rescue. So, here’s to trading surfboards and sand boards for sturdy shoes and unforgettable views. It might not have been Pepper’s original plan, but it was the perfect way to end the year.

RATING

AREA: St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa

COST

Free—because nature is the ultimate budget-friendly escape!

DIFFICULTY

Easy to moderate and technical. Word on the street is there’s an all-flat trail option, but I wouldn’t know—I didn’t bother looking. We’re boulder-hopping adventurers, after all.

LENGTH

Okay, hear me out... all the info said around 5 km, but what does that even mean when it’s not a loop? Is it 5 km there and back? Or just there? Because if I’m right (and let’s face it, I usually am), this is definitely 5 km in total. Or maybe not. Who really knows? Hiking math is chaos.

TIME

It took us around 2 hours—but let’s break that down. Some of us were boulder-hopping like agile mountain goats (looking at you, Pepper), while others (cough) were more in the realm of boulder-toddling.

If you’re a Pepper-type hiker, you might smash it in an hour. Realistically, plan for anywhere between 1–3 hours, depending on how much rock-pooling, bird-watching, or dramatic boulder-navigation your heart desires.

ELEVATION

Minimal this is more about scenic strolls than steep climbs.

MARKERS

Well-maintained and clearly marked, so even the navigationally challenged (yes..totally us) can enjoy this hike.

HIGHLIGHTS

Stunning coastline with dramatic rock formations with beautiful rock pools.

ABLUTIONS

None directly on the trail, but facilities may be available at nearby parking areas or restaurants.

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

While the trail itself is all about nature, St. Francis Bay is full of amenities to enjoy post-hike—unless it’s December 31, and it’s me and Pepper. In that case, just imagine crowds, chaos, and no parking. Good times.

ON A FINAL NOTE

I’d call this a walk on the beach for people who lived in the dark ages… you know, back when technology didn’t ruin everything. Basically, what us "old folks" did for fun. Today? It’s been re-branded as a hiking trail.

Tried explaining that to Pepper, but I could practically hear his eyes doing a full 360° roll... but instead of grabbing him by the scruff of the neck and dragging him into the past, I thought, “Eh, why bother?” I let it go... because maturity is about knowing how to pick your battles wisely.