Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 58, May 2014 | Page 41

GREAT TRAILS O STORMS F SOUTH AFRICA 41 RIVER VIL BROUGHT to you by LAGE SOUTHE RN CAP E Words & pics by Jacques Marais, author of: cliffs await those who come to explore the Tsitsikamma region. Most of the runs follow existing hiking routes, predominantly within the national park, but with an endless network of forestry roads to tramp onto as well. WHERE TO RUN A gentle 1km trot down the village main street takes you to the Garden Route National Park’s Plaatbos entrance. From here, there are three hiking trails tripping into the emerald woods, with options of 5km, 7.8km and 8km describing circular routes to and from the village. The terrain is pretty dense and damp (with lots of spiderwebs!), but the wooden walkway sections will help you keep your shoes dry for most of the way. For those searching for a longer run, the 22km marked mountain biking route dips down into the Storms River Valley before ascending again along a good gravel road along the ridges abutting to coastal cliffs. Once the plateau flattens out, easy and flat running awaits through pine plantations and fairy-tale indigenous stands of ancient trees, all spiked by magnificent views across the Indian Ocean and Storms River mouth. WHY GO The Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park unfolds in all its glory above the Tsitsikamma coastline, blanketing the craggy peaks and plunging gorges in temperate forest. Hide-away settlements such as Storms River Village make for a perfect base from which to explore the area’s hundreds of kilometres of trails. FAST FACTS: STORMS RIVER GRADING: Easy to Difficult. MAP: Available at Storms River Office / Village Inn. ACCESS: Free self-issue permits available at gate for GRNP section; Cape Pine Permit from Storms River Adventures. TRAIL MARKINGS: Hiking trail markers. FACILITIES: All bases covered in Storms River Village. CELL RECEPTION: Full coverage along trail. BEWARE: Forestry vehicles, hikers and mountain bikers. BEST TIME OF YEAR: All year round. GETTING THERE When driving along the N2, look out for the turn-off to Storms River Village to the south just after the signboard to the national park (Storms River Mouth). You will find this funky little dorp less than 2km off the highway. GPS: S33° 58’ 27.4” / E23° 53’ 15.8” LOCAL INFO: [email protected] / Tel [phone] WHAT YOU GET The ‘Place of Sparkling Waters’ is a paradise for trail runners, with a number of fantastic, deep-forest routes traversing a combination of indigenous woodlands and pine plantations. Mist-shrouded mountains, fern-lined forest tracks, black-water ravines and steepening coastal STAY HERE Various accommodation options are available at the fabulous Village Inn – check out their website at www.tsitsikammahotel.co.za. The K-Way Graffias UV Moisture Manager Crew Top This lightweight, comfortable short-sleeve crew is made from 100% polyester PK with a moisture-wicking, antibacterial, antistatic and UV-cut finish, providing a UV protection factor of 40+. A mesh vent in the centre of the back and additional underarm mesh ventilation keeps you cool and dry on the run, while seams have been kept to a minimum to improve comfort and reflective logos ensure that you are more visible in low light conditions. Also features a zip key pocket. Availabl