M2KB #8: Dalebrook Short Multi
***Given coordinates are for suitable nearby parking***
This is the 8th of a series of 10 caches on a wonderful coastal walk along the False Bay coast from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay (M2KB) - or vice-versa. The easiest way to do the whole series is to park at or near either station and get the train back from the other end (see train times here).
Otherwise the caches can be done in groups from and back to a convenient starting/parking place, or individually – several as park ‘n’ grabs.
The caches in the series are:
GC82N4H M2KB #1: Bailey's Cottage Short Multi
GC8349F M2KB #2: St James Walkway - Subway
GC8349J M2KB #3: St James Walkway - The Spring
GC8349J M2KB #4: St James Walkway - Ferocious Bush
GC8349K M2KB #5: St James Beach Short Multi
GC8349M M2KB #6: Danger Beach
GC8349Q M2KB #7: Metro and Mussels
GC8349V M2KB #8: Dalebrook Short Multi
GC8349W M2KB #9: The Old Tea Room?!
GC8349Z M2KB #10: Kalk Bay Short Multi
The cache, a small screw-capped, camo-taped tube, is hidden near to this lovely picturesque (see numerous Gallery photos) but less well-known – and therefore often quieter - beach with its fine tidal pool and great views. The Difficulty rating reflects the challenge of muggles at this location with cars coming and going and car guards patrolling. So please ensure you employ appropriate stealth techniques as you undertake operations!
To reach the cache location:
a) If doing as a continuation of this series of coastal caches: (from the north) carry on south-west along the coast from GC8349Q M2KB #7: Metro and Mussels. Once at the Tidal Pool, head off the beach under the small subway, then across the road to the first stage.
b) If doing as a stand-alone cache: park at or near S 34 07.432 E 18 27.152 and head across the busy road to the first stage.
Step 1: go to S 34 7.472 E 18 27.093 where you will be standing by the Lych gate entrance to the traditional English-style churchyard. You will notice that each of the two small gates here has A decorative symmetrical holes (quatrefoils) carved into it.
Steps 2 and 3: enter the churchyard and walk up to S 34 07.451 E 18 27.066 at the start of a small concrete path. Here you will see an inscription carved into the concrete by Reggie dated 22/B/18 (where B is the value required)
From the same location you will note that there are C white painted arched windows in the main rear wall of the church.
Step 4: now descend back down to the church entrance @ S 34 07.457 E 18 27.082 where at the top of the metal gate you can see the letters HTKB (the abbreviated name of the church) and above these a decorative triangular composition of D fishes
Step 5: move a few metres right (north) to S 34 07.454 E 18 27.085 where you will find a wooden bench dedicated to the memory of Doris Elaine born in 19E0
Step 6: from here move down into the shady traditional English-style churchyard to S 34 07.459 E 18 27.101 the location of a large grave between the road and large wooden cross. The family name on this tomb beginning with H and ending with K has F letters in it.
The cache is hidden at:
S 34 07.(A+1)(B+D)(C+1) E 18 27.(D-E)(C-B)F
Nestled between St James and Kalk Bay lies this easily missed – and often overlooked – ‘hidden gem’ tidal pool and small sandy strip of beach. This 1,022 sq.m tidal pool was built during 1911-1913 along with St James, Kalk Bay and Wooley’s Tidal Pools and is named after Dalebrook House, built nearby in 1872.
It is particularly popular among families with young children, as it has a shallow tidal pool and a sandy strip behind the rocky shoreline, where small gullies and rock pools make for interesting paddling and exploring the varied marine life. Situated on a lee side, the area is well protected from the predominant south-easterly wind unlike many other Cape Town beaches which get sandblasted with strong winds.
Never crowded (most people prefer the sociable St James tidal pool), it is accessed either along the beach from the north or by a narrow subway under the railway line. Because of its setting and scenery it is regarded as one of the most beautiful pools along the coast. It ‘seamlessly melds into the ocean as the eye skips over the low wall’. The best time to visit or use it is in the early morning, as the sun dips behind the mountains by mid-afternoon.
There are some large boulders in the pool where bathers can ‘languish . . . to contemplate the horizon’ and its low concrete retaining walls allow waves to break over its edge, keeping the water clean and the swimming experience both safe and exciting. It is also a great whale-watching spot during the whale season.
There are toilets, a changing room, and an outdoor shower for visitors that want to spend some time on the beach. However, there are no restaurants or shops on the beach itself, which means that you should take a picnic or snacks or seek food in quirky Kalk Bay just down the road, which is a great place to explore – and find a few more caches.
See here for short video of swimming at Dalebrook TP and here for a photo blog on Dalebrook early morning swims with some great photos.
Not a great deal can be found out about the church which is the basis of this cache. It is an Anglican Church of Southern Africa in the Diocese of False Bay and Archdeaconry of Kalk Bay. It was built in 1873 having been designed by notable English architect Henry Woodyer who was specially brought in to do the work. Whilst studying at Oxford he became involved in the Anglican high church movement and throughout his career saw his work as an architect as a means of serving the church. The cemetery was closed in 1902 ‘in terms of Government regulations’ (no further details available – but it must have been opened again some time later).