Hiking and walking trails in the heart of the KZN Midlands. A small pocket of indigenous forest, interspersed with grasslands and commercial plantations
21/03/2024
It's been a crazy summer season with too much rain then too much heat and the trails became overgrown in a short space of time. We are pleased to announce that the trails are cleared and open for walkers, so come out and enjoy this lovely area...
22/10/2023
Sat 21 Oct 2023. Blinkwater Trails Open Day Walks... What a lovely day out on the trails, always a treat to enjoy the diversity of flora & views of this wonderful area.
A special mention of Sue Swan as the founder of Blinkwater Trails nearly 30 years ago (1994). Sue was the key person in bringing together two timber companies - Sappi & Mondi, together with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, to create a trail network at the end of the Karkloof range in the Blinkwater Nature Reserve.
More info www.blinkwatertrails.co.za
29/09/2023
Join us for our Open Day walks on Saturday 21st October...
04/07/2023
Douglas Smith Cottage on the Mondi Seele side is an ideal weekend get-away for small groups wanting to enjoy a weekend away from the rat race! Some lovely trails from the cottage with natural bush & grasslands to explore whilst enjoying the rustic appeal of Douglas Smith Cottage.
30/10/2022
Saturday 29th October. Open Day from Douglas Smith Cottage, Mondi (Seele).
Over thirty people enjoyed the fresh morning & gap in the rain to explore this beautiful section of the Karkloof... Flowers, ferns & fungi were relished by the various groups that set off for either the 5km / 12km walks. For others, it was just enough to be outdoors enjoying Mother Nature at her finest 👌
29/10/2022
It's a beautiful morning to walk the trails... Time for Open Day! Welcome everyone.
Look out for these signs, driving in from New Hanover.
23/10/2022
We are 'back on track' - weather looking ripe for a lovely morning to walk the Blinkwater Trails from Douglas Smith Cottage this coming Saturday (29th Oct). Book your spot now on [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you then...
12/10/2022
Hi Everyone ! The much needed Spring rains have decided to come on the day we planned to walk ! Nice for the farmers but we have decided to postpone the Open Day (set for this Sat 15th Oct) to the end of the month (Sat 29th Oct).
Hopefully the weather is more favourable then and you can join us.
06/10/2022
Hey Happy Walkers ! One week to go to the Trails Open Day... Be sure to email [email protected] no later than Monday 10th October if you plan to join us for the day.
It promises to be a lovely outing so sign up and get your walking shoes ready.
26/09/2022
In preparation for the Trails Open Day on 15th October, a small work party headed out yesterday to mark the 12km loop, which starts & finishes from Douglas Smith Cottage.
After a hefty 2km 'warm-up' the trail emerges on the Old Wagon Track and boasts magnificent views across Albert Falls Dam with an almost 360 degree view of the Karkloof. From there the trail traverses the grasslands for about 5km before descending into the indigenous forest for a testing & beautiful scramble down to the old railway line before the final 3km of relatively flat walking back to the cottage.
This makes for a rewarding & varied walk with plenty to satisfy even the most ardent walker.
12/09/2022
Spring has arrived and it's time to get out and enjoy the fresh country air !
Come and join us at the Blinkwater Trails Open Day on Saturday 15th October...
09/07/2022
The trails are ready to be walked... winter days are glorious, the evenings are chilly but the two cottages; Mountain Falls (Sappi side) and Douglas Smith (Mondi side) make for a cosy overnight stay.
