Saturday Hikes | lowveld-ramblers

Saturday Hikes 2017

29 April 2017 : ………..Pres Burger’s Hut to Caves

We start at Pres Burger’s hut, hiking along plantation tracks, until we reach some old caves.

Easy to moderate, distance 10-12 kms circular route. Meet at Wimpy Sabie @ 07h30 or meet at

Hut at 08h00 and picnic back at hut on return. Remember fee of R20.

Leader: Winston Brent (013) 750-1316 (after 18h00)

Wouter Coertzen 083 276 7340

6 May 2017 : …………Sudwala Caves area

There are a variety of options to be explored. Hikers will start at the Sudwala Caves. Meet at entrance to the complex @ 08h00 and find out what Christabell has in store for you. Picnic on the grassed areas afterwards or order something from the Caves restaurant area.

Leader: Christabell Cilliers 082 770 5940

Leonora van der Nest 082 976 9793

13 May 2017 : …… Daan de Klerk to Waterfall and return

This is becoming a regular. We start at Daan De Klerk’s “Bos Kombuis” and hike South to a magnificent Waterfall which is on the path of the Bourke’s Luck Hiking Trail. Distance about 10kms return. We meet in Graskop at entrance to Caravan Park @ 08h15. Picnic afterwards, or support Daan’s “lekka kos”.

Leader: Richard Dunsmuir 072 593 5804

Ken Thomas 072 718 5298

20 May 2017 : ………Devil’s Bridge – Barberton

We have moved this hike to before winter and fire season. This hike is at the back of Barberton, very close to the Swaziland border on the road to Havelock Mine. You walk on a forestry type road to a place called the “Pass of the Spider”. The views are magnificent. Initially it is all climb and then downhill back to the vehicles. Easy to moderate, and difficult in places for some. Picnic back at vehicles. Meet behind Sturgeon’s Hardware in the parking area @ 08h00. Distance 8-10kms.

Leader: Winston Brent (013) 750-1316 (after 18h00)

Barry Richards 082 363 4728

27 May 2017 : ……….Kaapschehoop Aloes route

A hike in the vicinity of the look-out tower. Meet in parking area outside “Koek-n-Pan” @ 08h00. Easy to moderate, could be difficult for some in places. The Aloes are normally magnificent this time of the year. Distance about 8-10kms. Picnic or Pancakes for lunch in the village afterwards.

Leader: Winston Brent (013) 750-1316 (after 18h00)

Wouter Coertzen 083 276 7340

3 June 2017 : ………..Graskop Caravan Park to “Window” in the Rocks

Hikers park at the Graskop Caravan Park and head out on the marked path to the East. The path leads hikers to a magnificent setting of a natural “Hole in the Rocks”. The views are magnificent and the route is easy to moderate. Distance about 10kms circular route. Picnic at the Caravan Park afterwards or Pancakes in Graskop. Meet at entrance to Graskop Caravan Park @ 08h15.

Remember entrance fee of about R20 pp.

Leader: Girla van der Merwe 074 970 3229

Boni Osborne 072 635 6631

10 June 2017 : ………Mac Mac Pools – Mac Mac Falls – Pres Burger Hut and return

Meet at Mac Mac pools @ 08h00 and hike to via Mac Mac Falls to Pres Burger Hut and return to Pools. Fairly easy and approximately 10 kms. Braai back at Pools. Remember fee of R20.

Leader: Ken & Mandy Haley 072 241 7881

17 June 2017 : ……… Swartfontein

This hike has become a regular. You turn off on the road from White River to Hazyview. It is an easy to moderate hike, but could be difficult for some. Distance about 10kms. We are able to obtain permission from the owners to hike on their property. Meet opposite Casterbridge outside White River @ 07h30am. Picnic afterwards.

Leader: Winston Brent (013)750 1316 (after 18h00)

Wouter Coertzen 083 276 7340

DOUBLE HEADER:-

24 June 2017 : ………..Mac Mac Pools to Graskop Hut

Start at the Pools and hike the last leg of the Fanie Botha to Graskop. Rating is moderate to very difficult for some. Definitely not easy. Enjoy a pancake in Graskop afterwards. Remember entrance fee R20 at pools. Distance about 18kms. Meet at Pools @ 08h00.

Leader: Gerhard van Niekerk 083 251 8239

Ken Thomas 072 718 5298

24 June 2017 : ………..Mac Mac Pools to Klipkraal Dam and return

Thanks to York Timbers we start at Mac Mac Pools and follow the normal markers to the edge of the escarpment and then follow plantation paths to Klipkraal dam where we hike back to the Pools. Braai or picnic afterwards and possibly a swim back at the Pools. Distance about 13 kms. We meet at Pools @ 08h00. Remember entrance fee R20. Rating easy to moderate.

Leader: Winston Brent (013) 750 1316 (after 18h00)

Richard Dunsmuir 072 593 5804

01 July 2017 : ………….Graskop Hut to Forest Falls and return

Meet at Graskop Hut @ 08h15, hike along the Mac Mac River, past Forest Falls and back to Graskop Hut. Distance about 15km. Easy to moderate, with a long uphill on return. Pancakes in Graskop afterwards. Permit fee R20.

Leader: Girla van der Merwe 074 970 3229

Nick Krause 082 801 7334

8 July 2017 : ……………Kappie Koppie to President’s Burger Hut

We park our vehicles at Pres Burger Hut and vehicles will take us to Kappie Koppie where we start and follow the Fanie Botha trail to Mac Mac Hut. We then go downhill to Pres Burger hut to our vehicles. Distance about 12km. Permit fee R10. Easy to moderate. Meet at 08h00 at Pres Burger Hut.

Leader: Elsa Lategan 083 557 4430 (after 18h00)

Nick Krause 082 801 7334

15 July 2017…………….Legogote

This hike is becoming a regular. We meet opposite Casterbridge (White River) @ 07h30 and proceed in convoy to Petra College on the Peebles road. We follow an uphill path until we reach the foot of Legogote Outcrop. Those brave enough to climb Legogote may do so. The view of the surrounding area is magnificent. For the others who cannot climb to the top, we will follow a slightly different route. Easy to moderate and could be difficult for some. Distance about 8kms. We are permitted to braai in the grounds of Petra College. A fee of R10 per person is donated to Petra College.

Leader: Winston Brent (013) 750-1316 (after 18h00)

22 July 2017 : ……….Old Coach Road, Barberton

You start 9km outside Barberton on the Lows Creek / Kaapmuiden road, from the “Old Coach Road Guest House”. It is short in distance but long in time. Why? Because you start in the valley and climb to the top of the ridge. You climb from 600m above sea level to 980m above sea level and hike 6km, and expected time is 4 hours. So, definitely not easy, and could be very difficult for some…. Entrance Fee R20 per person. We meet at West End Service station in Nelspruit at 07h30 and travel in convoy from there. Picnic afterwards.

Leader: Ken Haley 072 241 7881

Barry Richards 082 363 4728

29 July 2017 : …………………Witklip Dam

This as now become a regular for the “lang asem krieke” The turn off to this route is on the White River – Sabie road +- 20 kms from White River. We meet at 08h00, and proceed in convoy to Witklip Dam. It is a circular route of +- 18kms. Easy but could be tiring for some. Picnic afterwards.

Leader: Elsa Lategan 083 557 4430 (after 18h00)

Jill Salt 083 579 9032

5 August 2017 : ……………NEW HIKE - Klein Spitskop

This hike has been hiked privately on two occasions. You start at Sabie Golf Club and you have a monotonous climb on forestry roads until you summit. Short in distance but long in time. But the view is worthwhile when you stand at the Look Out Tower and view Sabie and its surrounds. There is a fee to pay. Meet at Wimpie at 07h30 and then depart to Golf Course.

Leader: Elsa Lategan 083 557 4430 (after 18h00)

Nick Krause 082 801 7334

12 August 2017 : ……………Kaapschehoop (Pear Orchard)

This a regular Kaaschehoop day hike. We meet at 08h00 at the parking area outside Koek n Pan We obtain the key to the gate at the Pear Orchard and drive and park there. We head into the Blue Swallows Reserve and the leader takes you on a different route each time. We end at the Pear Orchard where there are facilities to “braai”. This braai is recommended as you are in shade and the facilities are well kept… And there are Toilets.!!

Leader: Gerhard van Niekerk 083 251 8239

Barry Richards 082 363 4728

19 August 2017 : ………Hulala Lodge to Dagama Dam

Thanks to the kind offices of the manager of Hulala Lodge, we may hike on their property. We cross from the Yacht Club at Dagama Dam by ferry to Hulala and then start walking around the dam back to the Yacht Club, about 4 hrs walking. At this stage we expect it to be easy to moderate with some clambering over obstacles. Bring entrance fee for Yacht Club and R10 for ferry. Braai at the Yacht Club afterwards. Meet at Yacht Club @ 08h00.

Leader: Winston Brent (013) 750-1316 (after 18h00)

Nick Krause 082 801 7334

19 August 2017 : 14h00 “The Way” (a movie) at Casterbridge

An American film directed, produced and written by Emilio Estevez in 2010 and starring his father, Martin Sheen. The film honours the Camino de Santiago and promotes the traditional pilgrimage. Family, friends and Lowveld Ramblers are welcome to attend. There will be a charge of R40 per person for the movie. Please arrive by 1:45pm to buy drinks, popcorn, etc.

26 August 2017 : ………..Maritsbos from Lone Creek Falls

Start at the bottom of Lone Creek Falls and walk up to the top, and then along plantation roads to the Maritsbos Hut. Stop for tea and then enter the lovely indigenous forest, crossing the stream many times. Easy 8-10km, but could be difficult for some. Picnic lunch. Meet at Falls @ 08h00.

Remember R20 fee.

Leader: Elsa Lategan 083 557 4430 (after 18h00)

Nick Krause 082 801 7334

2 September 2017 : ………Pilgrim’s Rest Golf Course to Waterfall

Start at the Golf Course at 08h15, including a visit to 2 beautiful waterfalls in the indigenous bush. Distance could be about 8kms. Rating easy in places but could be moderate to difficult for some, crossing the stream about 13 times. Expect to get your feet wet. Lunch from the Golf Club takeaway or in Sabie. Meet at the Wimpy Sabie @ 07h30.

Leader: Nick Krause 082 801 7334

Richard Dunsmuir 072 593 5804

8 – 30 September 2017 : ………Lyon to Santiago de Compostela

310 km along the Camino Francés in Spain. Cost price, no hidden extras! Approximately R21,500 for 3 weeks all-inclusive: all accommodation, meals, drinks, flights and transfers.

Leader: Jill Salt 074 103 5963 fluffysalt@gmail.com

9 September 2017 : ……….Daan De Klerk - Bourkes Luck Area

At Daan de Klerk’s farm, he has another route at the back of the “Three Rondawels”. We travel to his house and then proceed to his gate that opens onto Parks Board concrete tracks. We follow these tracks for +- 2hrs, turn and come back to his gate. We then proceed to his “Bos Kombuis” for a lunch. The views are absolutely magnificent.

Leader: Winston Brent (013) 750 1316 (after 18h00)

Nick Krause 082 801 7334

16 September 2017 : …….Misty Mountains

A lovely setting on the main road from Sabie/Nelspruit to Lydenburg, just before Long Tom Pass. Hike can be 8 – 10km, easy to moderate to difficult in places, with lovely views. Meet in parking area in front of reception of Misty Mountain @ 8h00. However park in the parking area to right of Reception. Remember to bring cash to try their new “Tobagon Run”. Picnic lunch on lawn or light meal from their restaurant.

Leader: Richard Dunsmuir 072 593 5804

Ken Haley 072 241 7881

23 September 2017 : ……Graskop Caravan Park to Escarpment and return

This is a mix of the Jock of the Bushveld and Hadeda hikes on the grass plains opposite the Graskop Caravan Park. Distance about 10kms return. Easy to moderate, but could be difficult for some. Meet at Caravan Park @ 08h15. Remember entrance fee and picnic or pancakes afterwards.

Leader: Girla van der Merwe 074 970 3229

Boni Osborne 072 635 6631

30 September 2017 : …….. Klipkraal Dam to Bushman Paintings and return

It is easy to moderate could be difficult for some. Includes passing some Bushman paintings. Prior permission from York Timbers is required. Distance 8-10kms. Picnic back at Klipkraal Dam. Meet at Klipkraal Dam @ 08h00.

Leader: Ken Haley 072 241 7881

Richard Dunsmuir 072 593 5804

7 October 2017 : ……………Morgenzon Circular Route

Another route which we have not hiked in ages. Meet at the Morgenzon Forestry offices just before Crystal Springs @ 08h30. We follow a part of their trail and hike amongst some

magnificent rock formations, before entering into Pine plantations. We follow a forestry road back to the Forestry offices. Distance about 12 kms. Difficulty rating is not easy and could be moderate to difficult for some.

Leader: Elsa Lategan 083 557 4430 (after 18h00)

Richard Dunsmuir 072 593 5804

14 October 2017 : ……………..UITKYK

A hike on the Uitkyk gravel road 24kms south of Nelspruit, from the Steiltes Circle. Thanks to the kind offices of the Hearne family (turn left at the sign Ralph & Amelda Hearne), we may hike on his farm following farm roads and tracks. Distance +- 8km. Considering the hilly topography it could be challenging for some hikers. Picnic back at farm house. Meet at the Steiltes Spar 07h30. Last year we viewed Kudu bulls close to the homestead.

Leader: Gerhard van Niekerk 083 251 8239

Barry Richards 082 363 4728

21 Oct 2017 : ……………………Witklip Dam

Leader: Ken Haley & Mandy Haley 072 241 7881

28 October 2017 : ……………..Maritsbos from Lone Creek Falls

Leader: Elsa Lategan 083 557 4430 (after 18h00)

Nick Krause 082 801 7334

4 November 2017 : ……………YEAR END Function

This year it will be again in White River at Rob Ferreira High School LAPA. More details will be known at AGM, and Members will be advised closer the time.

Contact: Gerhard van Niekerk 083 251 8239

DOUBLE HEADER:-

11 November 2017 : Loerie Trail

We start at Castle Rock Caravan Park and walk to Bridal Veil Falls. From there we do a circular around the falls and back to Castle Rock. Distance about 14 km. Challenging for some. Definitely not easy to moderate. Remember permit fee of R20.

Leader : Elsa Lategan 083 557 4430 (after 18h00)

Nick Krause 082 801 7334

11 November 2017 : “Castle Rock” Karavaanpark na “Bridal Veil” Valle & terug

Ontmoet in Sabie om 08h00 by “Castle Rock” karavaanpark se ingang. Stap roete is +- 11km. Maklik met plekke wat moeilik is. Piekniek by karavaanpark. Onthou R20 ingangsfooi.

Leier: Richard Dunsmuir 072 593 5804

Christabell Cilliers 082 770 5940

18 November 2017 : Ngodwana Dam

Thanks to the kind offices of the management of Sappi Ngodwana, we may return to this

circular hike in the vicinity of the Ngodwana Dam. Many years ago this was an annual hike. After completing the route, there are braai facilities available or picnic under the trees.

Leader: Anso Kropff 082 236 7038

Gerhard van Niekerk 083 251 8239

25 November 2017 : Graskop Caravan Park to Pinnacle and return

We park at the Caravan Park in Graskop. We cross the open plains following the path to the Pinnacle. Fairly easy circular route of about 10-12 kms. Pancakes back in Graskop.

Remember an entrance fee into caravan park.

Leader: Girla van der Merwe 074 970 3229

Boni Osborne 072 635 6631

2 December 2017 : Kaapsehoop – Barretts area

Easy to moderate hike. Drive to Barretts and walk back to Kaapsehoop village. Distance about 10km. Meet at entrance to Koek n Pan @ 08h00.

Leader: Anso Kropff 082 236 7038

Barry Richards 082 363 4728

9 December 2017 : …….Misty Mountains

Not knowing what to expect from Matumi (old Sabie Valley Coffee Shop) nowadays, we have had to find another setting for our final hike of the year. Misty Mountains is a lovely venue on the main road from Sabie/Nelspruit to Lydenburg, just beforeLong Tom Pass. Hike can be 8 – 10km, easy to moderate to difficult in places, with lovely views. Meet in parking area in front of reception of Misty Mountain @ 8h00. However park in the parking area to right of Reception. Remember to bring cash to try their new “Tobagon Run”. Picnic lunch on lawn or light meal from their restaurant.

Leader: Richard Dunsmuir 072 593 5804

Nick Krause 082 801 7334