The Blinkwater Trails Management team wishes to welcome all interested parties to join us for an ‘Open Day Walk’ from Douglas Smith Cottage on Saturday 21st October (weather permitting). There will be a gentle 5km walk and a more adventurous 12km walk.
The 5km walk will be an out and back route from the cottage, taking in stops along the way to absorb some of the delights of this area. It will be suitable for anyone with basic walking fitness and should take a couple of hours at a leisurely pace.
The 12km walk is geared for the fitter walker, starting with a hefty climb up the Old Wagon Track from Douglas Smith Cottage and onto the grasslands, with spectacular three-sixty degree views across Albert Falls and the Karkloof, before taking a steep descent through the indigenous forest and back to the starting point. It is a rewarding loop with plenty to see along the way and is expected to take four to five hours to complete.
Douglas Smith Cottage is best accessed from New Hanover and is about a twenty-minute drive from there on district and forestry roads. Due to limited space and facilities, those interested in attending the 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 18th 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. Tea/coffee will be available before the start and all participants will receive a boerie roll and cool drink when they return to Douglas Smith Cottage. The cost is R100 for adults and R50 for children U12. Registration opens at 7am and the walks will start at 8am.
