Giants Castle, World’s View
Hike leader Dusty Shaw
Photos Dusty, Rebecca, Vanessa, Charmaine
Weather: Some cloud but mostly clear
Hikers: 10
Total Accent: 402m
Length: 11km
Severity: 3
Route: There and back
An early chilly morning gripped the air and a blue sky with some wisps of clouds high up as we made our way to Giants Castle Park which had a light dusting of snow on the peaks. Temperature guages in the vehicles showed it was -2 degrees as we dipped down in the valleys before arriving at the picnic site from whence we were going to start the hike.
We were greeted by five Eland at the entrance of the Park; unfortunately no one had taken a picture. A sign board with a warning to watch out for a crow that has a fetish for rubber wiper blades was nailed to the tree nearby at the picnic site and some of the drivers attached packets to the wiper blades to prevent damage.
After a quick snap shot of the group with Giants looming in the back ground we were on our way as Hettie was worried her lips were going to get stuck to her teeth if she carried on posing for the perfect group picture.
We crossed over the Bushman’s river on a sturdy wooden bridge after a steep downhill to the river.
Shortly after crossing we came across the pre cast stone markers with names of the available trail names and direction.
We started up the other side gradually climbing until we had our first break where everyone stripped layers off as we had warmed up after the early morning cold whilst admiring the open grassed area and the Bushman’s river flowing below us now.
Continuing along the path which was in great condition and not hindered by grass or bramble. A shout at the back “Eland” brought everyone to a halt and below us were three Eland and a troop of baboons closer to the river making their way along the banks. The Eland stood and watched us for a short while and then ran off back in the direction they came from.
Cape vultures were observing us from up high as they slowly circled around us as we continued along the path.
At one point the path became very steep on one side with loose gravel as everyone cautiously made their way across without incident amongst the jokes should someone slip (Pic 6).
Far in the distance we could make out our lunch spot as we continued on the contour path into an open flat area exposing the mountains where Bannerman’s pass.
Is that Bannerman’s face in the shadow??
Passing Sugar loaf hill we slowly got closer to our lunch spot destination as Worlds View point edged closer. On the left of Worlds View was another distinct mountain called the Chimney Pot.
A long trudge across a grass plain brought us onto the base of Worlds View where we stopped for a quick break before climbing to the top for lunch.
On arriving at the top marked by the only shrub we sat down for lunch as the hike leader took everyone through the various names of the peaks from Giants Castle to Gatberg just showing itself.
Looking in the direction of Monks Cowl it was evident that more snow had fallen further north than Giants Castle.
After about 45 minutes and refuelled we donned on our packs and made our way back safely with the steep climb back to our vehicles awaiting us as we crossed back over the Bushman’s river. Another wonderful day spent with likeminded people who enjoy the great outdoors.
