Fordoun, Nottingham Road, 31 January, 2022

After having convinced myself the night before that I would never wake up in time to make it to this hike, there I was, bright-eyed and kicking my husband out of bed at 6am to get us there on time.

An hours drive from Wartburg, less from Pietermaritzburg, and we were driving down a narrow, paved road, framed by an archway of trees, green lawns and blue skies. By this time we were both fully awake and both my eyes and my bladder were eternally grateful to have arrived.

The Fordoun Hotel and Spa, one of the stalwarts that aid the legendary reputation of Nottingham Road, earns that reputation from the moment you step onto her grounds. Steeped in the brand of magic, native to the KZN Midlands Meander, we already knew we were in for a treat. I got myself ready to plead my need for a bathroom and was greeted with such hospitality that I almost mistook myself for a guest.

 This being hubby’s and my first hike with the Midlands Hiking Club, we endeavoured a COVID-friendly smile, wave and attempt to remember everyone’s names as we introduced ourselves. R80 (R40 for each of us) and a quick sign-in later, we were off towards the Fordoun hiking trail.

 Off to a slow start, we ambled, chatted and got to know each other a bit, and better still some of the history of the grounds. We learned that Lady Usher left the land and a bequest to her nephew Jon Bates with the instruction that it should be used for conservation, which to this day it is. A crane conservancy is held cosily behind one of the hills along the trail, hidden just enough to preserve the birds’ privacy. We got a bonus excursion to see this with just a minor detour off the usual track. Lucky for us that we did, as a chance encounter with Jon Bates himself, led to what turned out to be one of the highlights of the hike.

 A quick chat with Jon, and we were off again, this time with renewed vigour to conquer the upcoming inclines and to hopefully report back to Jon on any Reedbuck we may spot along the way.

 With our speed beginning to progress from a trot to a full throttle unspoken race between my husband and I, we dominated the steep shortcut which led to a view that made us feel parallel to the sky and gave me the moment I look for on every hike. The moment where I realise how small I am in the greater scheme and how great I am in the smaller scheme.

 A forest clearing provided a shady spot for a break and more time to chat and learn about the other hikers. The lack of interest in hiking by younger people concerns this group, so if you are a young person reading this and looking for a bit of adventure, consider joining the Midlands Hiking Club. I solemnly swear that I put in a request for more hikes with waterfalls.

 It was the home stretch through the forest back to the hotel, but before we finished, it was time for one last inspired experience. We found Jon in a quaint little garden, next to a bed of sunflowers. He led us, 8 at a time, into a small, colourful building which held an even smaller brown box, within. He began telling us about the wondrous life of bees and opened the brown box to reveal that wonder to us first hand. If metaphors is what you look for on hikes, this would not have disappointed.

 Feeling elated after the encounter, we ended off the hike back in the hotel parking lot, said our goodbyes to those who left and hubby and I joined the remaining, hungry group for lunch at the hotel restaurant garnished with veteran hiking stories. Satisfied in so many ways, we drove home, really happy that we made the choice to go and already looking forward to the next hike.

 

Hike specs:

Starts at Fordoun Hotel and Spa, take the Nottingham Road exit (132) off the N3

R40 per person

Approximately 8 kms

Easy terrain

Beautiful views

Partial forest hike

Mostly hiking on plains

Child and dog-friendly