Virginia Trails, 6 February, 2022
Having
heard that there was a very well run and organized farm in the Eston farming
area, that catered for MTB riders, runners and hikers we decided to do a recce
of the area last year to see what was what. We found a beautifully well run
organization that covered all aspects of MTB trails, running and hiking.
Trails, which also offered great tenting and accommodation facilities. Our recce was great, so a plan was made to invite members of our club to join us on a hike one day.The farm is on a long ridge that, as its south boundary borders on the Mgwahumbe Valley and river, spectacular views from our hike path looked down into a very steep cliffed valley with the river shining in the sun far below
Our planned day hike was the 6th February, and all week long heavy rains had fallen over the area, and Sundays forecast looked wet and gloomy. However our organizer , Hettie, decided that the hike must go on, so 12 hardy souls met at the start point to fill in the forms, decided on whether to put rain gear on, or wait for the weather to hit our area. We had driven through a sprinkling of rain on the way in. The 3 farm dogs decided that as we were the only ones around, a good walk was a better option than staying at home.
The path leads through sugar cane fields, then down into a thick mass of lovely natural bush, which when there is a break in the trees one gets tantalizing bits of view down into the valley below. The path was a farm track that services the lands in the area, and following all the rain, the track was wet, slippery and muddy, which of course the brown Labrador loved .
Where the path is very closed to the edge of the cliffs – still quite safe, open grasslands were green and tall and peppered with amazingly coloured wild flowers.
A path led down the hill to a small ridge below , which afforded great views of the giant valet and private houses on the rivers edge far below us. Across the valley swung a huge ESCOM power line that took power to the otherside of this wide and deep valley. Colouful “ warning balls hung from many points on this power line to warn would be fliers in the area to be careful . A welcome tea break was taken on the side of this ridge, by now the sky was still overcast, but humidity and temperature were opening many beads of sweat on the hikers.Â
From our vantage point we headed up the hill, following the well maintained cycle track and headed off to a cool patch of forest where we lunch.
 Lunch was a cheery affair sitting in the cool of the trees, a small stream running down at the bottom of this little valley was a blessing for the dogs who relished the cool muddy water.
Clouds had started to build, so a quick step pace was started, a shower of rain started to fall, so rain gear was hurriedly thrown on, and then the rain stopped , you never know you know. Walking on the wet red clay soils of the road soon gave us thick retreads on the soles of our boots – which would require a good wash back at home to clean them.
A happy walk in a new area was had by all. Well done to the organizers, Hettie and Libby.
