the Palmiet River Trail, a glorious ramble through the fynbos that offers many opportunities for swimming so, although unshaded, is ideal as a summer hike.

The first marked swimming hole is at about the 1,5-kilometre mark, then you meander up the valley between the dramatic cliffs and folded rocks of the surrounding mountains, crossing tributaries and streams by log bridges.

The trail is an absolute delight. Sunbirds and sugarbirds flit around and the flora is so magnificent that even if you’ve little botanical interest you can’t fail to be impressed.

Although there are numerous places you can swim, there’s a wonderful surprise at about the four-kilometre mark. A sign indicates a beach and, sure enough, there is a perfect beach of white sand next to a deep pool.

This is an easy hike, perfect for beginners.