The Blinkwater Trails, situated at the end of the Karkloof range, will b
e hosting a Trails Open Day on Saturday 29th October at Douglas Smith Cotta
ge (the weather having cancelled the original date of 15th Oct)
Whilst the trails have been in existence for over two decades, they have b
een affected by the Covid pandemic in recent years and several other challe
nges, leading to an extended period of inactivity.
The Blinkwater Trai
ls Management team is now excited to announce an Open Day for all intereste
d parties to come and walk the refreshed trails from Douglas Smith Cottage,
up onto the Blinkwater Reserve grasslands and through the indigenous bush
section, offering 5km and 12km walking options.
The 5km walk will be an out and back route from the cottage, taking in stops along the way to ab sorb some of the delights of this area with birding, butterfly and plant ex perts. It will be suitable for anyone with basic walking fitness and should take two to three hours.
The 12km walk is geared for the fitter walk er, starting with a hefty climb up the Old Wagon Track from Douglas Smith C ottage and onto the grasslands, with spectacular three-sixty degree views a cross Albert Falls and the Karkloof, before taking a steep descent through the indigenous forest and back to the starting point. It is a rewarding loo p with plenty to see along the way and is expected to take four to five hou rs to complete.
Douglas Smith Cottage is best accessed from New Hanov er and is about a twenty-minute drive from there on district and forestry r oads. Due to limited space and facilities, those interested in attending th e open day must book their spot by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than Wednesday 26th October.
Bring your friends, your walking shoes, sunscreen and a picnic basket (to enjoy back at the cottage after the walk) and come and discover a hidden gem nestled in the Karkloof.
