We swapped the car for a walk along Old Stellenbosch Road in Somerset West, enjoying the leafy scenery, mountain views and quiet charm of this local favourite.
Every now and then, it’s nice to leave the car at home. Instead of driving, we decided to take a leisurely walk along Old Stellenbosch Road in Somerset West, popping into KWIKSPAR De Helderbosch to pick up a few freshly baked buns and one of our favourite treats, their famously soft, sweet and wonderfully moist cinnamon doughnuts, before making our way home again.
On the return journey, I found myself stopping every few minutes to take photos.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Old Stellenbosch Road. The mature trees arching over sections of the street, the lush greenery, and the occasional glimpse of the Helderberg mountains create a setting that’s easy to appreciate when you’re not rushing from one place to another. Walking at a slower pace gives you the chance to notice all the little details that are so easy to miss from behind the wheel.
It was one of those beautiful sunny mornings that reminded me how rewarding it can be to simply explore your own neighbourhood.
A street full of character
One of the things I enjoy most about Old Stellenbosch Road is that it still feels like one of the area’s quieter, greener streets. The combination of established trees, generous verges and mountain views gives it a character that’s becoming increasingly rare.
Of course, like many roads around Somerset West, the potholes remain the one feature most locals would happily do without. They’ve become a familiar part of the landscape over the years and can be hard to ignore, especially on foot. It’s a pity, because they take a little shine off what is otherwise such an attractive street.
Even so, Old Stellenbosch Road continues to be one of our favourite local walks.
Whether it’s picking up fresh buns or our family’s favourite cinnamon doughnuts from KwikSPAR, enjoying the scenery or simply slowing down for half an hour, it’s a reminder that some of the nicest outings don’t require travelling very far. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing a familiar street from a slightly different perspective.
