Howick Meander 22 Dec 2024
Hike leader:m Peter Wedge. Report by Keith Ashton

Our group of 15 hikers assembled at the bottom of Mare St in Howick, opposite some nicely refurbished small shops & Maggie’s Café.
Our participants were :- Peter Wedge (Leader), Libby, Barry, Kim, Charmaine, Miranda, Kalina, Margret K, Reshma & family, Philip, Andrew & Keith & Margaret (Sweeper).

Our first section of the hike followed along the previously cleaned-up & cleared area along the course of Symmonds Stream. – This was a conservancy & the upkeep was maintained by a group of volunteers called “Friends of Symmonds Stream” trying to conserve our environment.
However, over the years parts of it have become overgrown & neglected as “Covid Struck” & the number of volunteers has reduced or grown too old to continue with the keeping the track cut & cleared of rubbish.
Peter has done a sterling job over the last few years, with the help of WESSA Youth Groups Liz Taylor, Alfred Zuma & others interested in keeping the route open.
Peter ensured we could still do this section of the hike, which is still pleasant & scenic, except for ignorant individuals who dump rubbish.


Being one of the highest points in Howick, lovely 360-degree views can be appreciated, including the view over Midmar Dam.

The next section of our hike continues to climb to the top of Beacon Hill. In 1996 the area was declared a Nature Reserve by the Howick TLC, ensuring it would be a “Protected Area” for 99 years. This due to the dedication of a group of environmentalists, now known as “Friends of Beacon Hill”. Margaret & I are members of both conservancies.
A large variety of wildflowers can be seen throughout the year around Beacon Hill, some of which are now quite rare. Besides rare plants, a variety of insects, butterflies (including the rare Karkloof Blue) & moths inhabit the hill & this is one of the main reasons why the area has been officially declared a “Protected Area”. We had a short rest near the beacon to take in all the beautiful views & eat some snacks.


Our final section of the hike was descending Beacon Hill into Lake View Road, then across Howick Main road & down Plane Crescent to near the Howick Scout Hut close to the Umgeni River. We followed the river downstream & along the riverbanks & over the river on nicely constructed timber bridges. It is a lovely walk. The walking area is looked after by another group of volunteers & we should be grateful to them, as they keep the paths in excellent condition.

Part way along the river it was time for a longer rest & lunch under the shade of trees on the river bank.
After a rest & lunch we continued along the river towards Mills Falls , but the track has now been blocked near this spot , so we made our way onto some of the Howick Streets near Kwa-Mevana & through the busy shopping area until we finished near Howick Falls area.
Then it was back to our vehicles after a lovely hike around the perimeter of Howick.





This hike used to be about 16 km but with the track partly blocked near the end we did about 13 km.
Some of our hikers made their way to “The Treatery” after the hike, for refreshments & others made their way home after a pub visit after a very enjoyable hike in perfect weather.
Thanks to our leader Peter, for his determination & enthusiasm in keeping the Symmonds Stream section open & to all our other participants for making this hike so enjoyable.