Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 55, February 2014 | Page 17

GREAT TRAILS O

HOWICK

KWAZU

F SOUTH AFRICA

17

BROUGHT to you by

LU-NAT

AL

Words & pics by
Jacques Marais,
author of:

WHY GO

Howick is about as scenic as you get, and epitomises the
best of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, with a tranquil rural
feel blending with the stunning mist forests for which the
region is justifiably famous. The 100m-high Howick Falls
is a must-see, and the exquisite Karkloof Conservancy is
right next door, with coffee roasteries, delightful eateries,
the famous Karkloof Canopy Tours and even a local
winery.

WHAT YOU GET

This is a paradise for trail runners. Waterfalls and clear
streams characterise the valleys, while huge climbs
promise ample reward through panoramic, 360-degree
views. Most of the well-maintained trails are clearly
marked and traverse a mix of expansive grasslands, pine
and wattle plantations, and indigenous forests, making
for an excellent day of running. Or a week, if that is your
wont… Howick boasts in excess of 70km of single-track
alone, add an additional 100km of Karkloof Conservancy
trails and endless gravel road options, and you can run for
a week without once setting foot on the same trail!

WHERE TO RUN

So many options! The hospital is a good landmark to start
from: Head north along a flat tarmac stretch towards
the N3, turning first right up Lakeview Road. Continue to
the bottom of Beacon Hill where you enter the grassland
conservancy, then bear right along the marked track. This
becomes single-track and eventually ascends along a
series of gentle rises. Follow the Eagle Ridge Run singletrack, cross the tar road and enter Home Jerome. Here
the route climbs steadily for about 3km through Wattles
before reaching a substantial forest road (Middle Road).
Turn left and cross the tar road (keeping a lookout for
trucks), passing through a logging yard and onto a forest
road entering Gregs.

drop down right towards the main tar road. From here
you will have to grin and bear the tarmac heading left
past Greendales Centre and back to the Howick Hospital.

FAST FACTS: HOWICK MTB
TRAILS,10KM

GRADING: Intermediate
MAP: www.iride.com/trail-maps
ACCESS REQUIREMENTS: Indemnity forms managed
by Howick MTB Club, available at hospital or some local
bike shops
FACILITIES: None (public parking areas)
CELL RECEPTION: 100% coverage
BEWARE: Traffic on tar crossings, snakes, mountain
bikers

GETTING THERE

Howick is an easy 20km drive from Pietermaritzburg.
Follow the N3 towards Escourt and exit onto the R103
towards Howick. The trail head is at Howick Private
Hospital, right on Howick Main Road.
GPS: S29° 28’ 36.8” / E30° 13’ 07.3”
LOCAL INFO: www.howickmountainbiking.co.za or
www.howicktourism.co.za.

STAY HERE

Check out www.midlandsmeander.co.z