View from Berg Valley across to Scherpenheuwel (right side of photo) 

Link to detailed route page click on route title [route-snippet id=”446″ featured=”image”]Sunday morning and the wind was blowing, so we decided against our original idea of an exploratory hike up to the Wemmershoek Peak via Mt Rochelle Nature Reserve, and picked the Berg River hike instead.

We first did this hike in early Jan when there was far less water in the Berg river and none of the side rivers were flowing. In my mind it is a much nicer hike at this time of year, the Berg is more expansive and flowing much more strongly, there were side streams to wet our hats and fill up our bottles and best of all many more flowers in bloom

Today, due to the wind we choose to do the loop in a clockwise direction, going up the disused logging tracks to the apex of our hike and returning along the river. Last time we did this in the opposite direction, I think clockwise is best as:

  • there is more shade along the river and in the afternoon the logging track can be hot and unrelenting.
  • you can nip down to the river for a paddle etc
  • walking along the river is more interesting when energy levels can be flagging
  • the views up the valley to the Jonkershoek mountains and the Panorama trail I think are best appreciated from the logging track

Hike up to the apex went by quickly, trail for the most part is in good condition although there are some land slips where we needed to pick our way round the boulders. Met some guys on dirt track motorbikes at one such place. They were having problems, bikes looked fairly trashed and they were very hot and sweaty. Glad I was hiking and not trying to manhandle a heavy bike over boulders!

Had a lovely lunch after a paddle in the river sitting in the shade of a tree by the river. Bliss, (see photo below).

The start of the return leg was fairly overgrown to start with but once we got to the river it opened up. Enjoyed the hike back and glad we had some shady spots. Had to cross the river in various places, on some occasions taking off my boots where there were not convenient ‘stepping stones’ stones. Kept my feet nice and cool. Walk back down the jeep track was a bit of a schlep but the wind was blowing and kept us cool.

Liverpool (Mikes club) were playing against Newcastle so no time to stop off for a beer, instead got home and had a cup of tea in our courtyard and thought back over this glorious day. Alas Liverpool’s performance was, in Mikes words, abject.

Press play to view slideshow of hike


Berg River from Jacqueline Stapley on Vimeo.