Mountain Pastures Trail 11 May 2021
I had no idea what to expect when I started the Mountain Pastures Tranquillity Trail’, as I hadn’t ever hiked the south-facing slope of the Hannibal Mountain. But now that a trail has been cleared, I was eager to explore the area. Little did I know that I was in for a real treat!
The ‘Tranquillity Trail’ is the third trail to have recently been developed by Mountain Pastures by Gerhardt van Greuning (Eco-Trail), a professional developer of hiking trails. On completion, Mountain Pastures will be applying for certification of the trails through the ‘World trails network’ organisation, ensuring compliance to an international benchmark of standards for quality trails. If successful, the trails will be awarded ‘Green flag status’ which will ensure trail users of a safe, quality experience.
I set off on the north-facing slope of the mountain, the trail winding gently upwards, with wonderful views over the valley and mountains in the distance. The biodiversity of the fynbos increases as I ascend, and as I reach the top of the rise, I’m literally walking through a Protea (Sugarbush) ‘forest’, all in magnificent bloom. On the top, the trail heads in an easterly direction, the views now to the south just as spectacular. As it veers down the south-facing slope, I take time to explore the different fynbos species, including Brunia (Volstruisies), :Leucadendron (Cone Bush/Tolbos) and Cyclopia intermedia (Bergtee). I’m delighted to also see Podalyria burchellii with its beautiful purple flowers as well as Erica cerinthoides with orange/red flowers.
Further down the slope, the path splits, one track leading down left to the waterfall, the other continuing straight ahead. Both tracks are part of the Tranquillity Trail, but I decide to dedicate my next walk to the waterfall and continue on with the ‘loop’ of the trail.
As I reach the lower section of the mountain, something out of the ordinary catches my eye. As I get nearer, I see ruins, evidence of a very old previous settlement nestled near the kloof. After some research, there appears to be two possibilities as to the origins and use of the previous dwellings, dating back to the 1930s. The dwellings may have been used by a family, struggling in poverty, who farmed on the land. Or they may have been dwellings for shepherds. There are signs of land surrounding the ruins being farmed, which suggests the former use. Hopefully further research will reveal the truth behind the origins of the ruins….
The views over to the drier east facing slope are beautiful, scattered with Aloes. The trail then meanders back up the hill, pops over the top and back down towards the start. As I approach the final section, I am thrilled that the trail now enters the game area. It is always with a ‘heavy heart’ that I head towards the end of a Mountain Pastures trail, but the opportunity of seeing game now lifts my spirits!
The section of the Tranquillity Trail that I hiked today is circular. The paths are well set out and sign-posted.
Written by Dr Joy Coleman (PhD Zoology)
