OVERVIEW

The challenging mountain terrain of Wartrail and New England offers a wide range of activities for those who wish to fill their lungs with the cleanest air imaginable. Whether you wish to hike the highest peaks, mountain bike in peace and quiet, ride beautiful horses or paddle down the river, the choices are magnificent. Whichever activities you prefer, you will love the safe and pristine wilderness that is Wild Mountain Country. After a healthy day outdoors, you can relax and unwind in a charming guest cottages, put those tired feet up in front of a roaring log fire and refuel with delicious farmhouse fare.  Unless otherwise stated, all activities are available at any of the guest farms in the Wartrail & New England area.

HIKING & RUNNING

HIKING
Whether you fancy taking a gentle family walk down the river or a lung-busting hike to the top of the peaks, our terrain has something to offer everybody. The Wartrail & New England districts offer true mountain wilderness, with summits reaching over 2,500 metres. You can climb the peaks to have an eye to eye encounter with the eagles that soar the skies. If hiking up the slopes doesn't take your breath away, then the views at the top will. Gaze down on gorges, valleys, streams, buck and wild flowers, revel in the freedom and enjoy the silence. Quench your thirst from the crystal clear streams and fill your lungs with clean mountain air. The beauty of this little-known hiking paradise is the sheer lack of people - this is one place where you can truly get away from the crowds.

WARTRAIL SKYWALK - 4 DAY SLACKPACKING TRAIL
The Wartrail Skywalk is a four day luxury slackpacking trail hosted and guided by local farmers who know these mountains intimately. Overnight at tranquil Guest Farms along the way where you will be spoiled with home-cooked meals. Take with you only day packs while your backpacks are transported to your next destination. Experience true Eastern Cape hospitality and the natural splendour of Wild Mountain Country.

RUNNING
This area is a premier region for running as it is safe and offers a wide variety of routes. The softer dirt surface and ample hills of the roads, or the challenge of mountainous terrain allow for perfect training opportunities. Meet up with family and friends after your run at one of the many rock pools for a picnic and refreshing swim

HIKING & RUNNING EVENTS
There are events for all levels of people who enjoy tackling our tough mountain terrain in a competitive environment:

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain bike trails abound in this farming district and there are routes for all abilities and levels of fitness including:

• Undulating district roads with little traffic.
• District road, but with stiffer climbs and descents (including some of our 8 mountain passes)
• Jeep/Twin track - Easy or more technical as you wish.
• Single track including steep descents for the adrenaline junkies.

The region's MTB trails offer spectacular views, combining climbs, flats and descents with river crossings, gorges and open farmland.  

Great riding can be accessed from any of the guest farms in the area, though useful contacts are below:

• MTB Guiding: Ray Sephton - 045 971 9087
• MTB Tours: Wild Mountain Adventures - 079 536 3996
• MTB Hire: Wild Mountain Adventures - 079 536 3996

MTB EVENTS IN THE EASTERN CAPE HIGHLANDS

• Garmin Wartrail - 90km - March
• Ride to Rhodes - 550km - May-June
• Rhodes MTB Extreme - 90km - September
• Wartrail MTB Challenge - 45km December

See our annual events page for current dates and further details

HORSE RIDING

Horse Riding in the Wartrail & New England area offers guided trails on lovely horses ranging from just a couple of hours to fabulous 3 day trails to the Lesotho border that are an experience of a lifetime. Your hosts can provide you with further information.

SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Please note that there is currently some doubt as to whether Tiffindell Ski Resort will be opening for the 2011 season. Contact us and we will send you further information as it becomes available. 

A winter wonderland - the Wartrail / New England valley experiences on average 4 or 5 snowfalls a year between June & August.

Snowball fights, skiing, bum boarding or snowboarding are just some of the ways you can experience the thrill of being in the snow.

Enjoy the convenience of skiing at Tiffindell Ski Resort in the winter months as a day visitor and staying in the Wartrail / New England valley where you enjoy sumptuous meals and warm beds at the end of an exciting day - a more affordable & homely option. Or experience our exceptional hospitality on your way to or from your Tiffindell Package.

For the less adventurous, a lovely evening spent in front of a fire or solid fuel heater may be a more attractive option.

Related links: Snow > Tiffindell Ski Resort

RIVER RAFTING

In the summer our rivers flow well and the water is warm - perfect for a scenic day's paddling. Join Wild Mountain Adventures on their inflatable river rafts for an unforgettable experience on the beautiful Kraai river. They offer day trips and overnight excursions. The rafting trips vary in length according to your needs and the river flow. You will travel through beautiful gorges, draped with willow trees and will have the opportunity to stop and admire the bird life, caves and rock art sites. Picnics will be provided on day trips and there will be time to relax and enjoy a swim in the river at lunchtime. Rafting trips are available to all guests staying in the region and can be booked through Wild Mountain Adventures on 079 536 3996 (Kate or Phil).

MOTORBIKE & QUAD TOURS

Snow Valley Adventures offer guided scrambler and motorbike tours to those with their own vehicles. Contact Chris or Kath on 045 974 9900 or see our Motor page for further details.

Annual Events for bike enthusiasts include:

• Snow Valley Bike Ride - December
• Clifford Rally - March

See our annual events page for current dates and further details

HUNTING & WING SHOOTING

HUNTING
The following game is available to hunt in the area on farm plains and up to 10 000ft - Blesbok, Grey Rhebuck & Mountain Reedbuck. Hunting in the region provides a challenging hunt for those who can brave the crisp, cold weather, are physically fit and enjoy being outdoors experiencing nature.

WING SHOOTING
The North Eastern Cape Drakensberg is home to an abundance of Francolinus africanus (Greywing Francolin) and Numida meleagris (Guinea Fowl). Reaching altitudes of 3001m above sea level, the terrain is predominately montane grassland with farmlands providingan excellent habitat for the birds. Hunting is strictly selective and environment-friendly, preventing over-utilisation. The mountainous terrain provides for some exciting moments in the spirit of fair chase and wingshooters need to be fit to keep up with the pace. Classic hunts are offered for the dedicated wingshooter in pristine environments in the winter months of May - July. The hunts are guided by experienced farmers who are well qualified in the practical aspects of Wingshooting as well as the habits of the quarry. Packages include comfortable accommodation, meals, guiding fees & bag limit. Clients' dogs are welcome on the shoot on condition they are under the supervision of the guide at all times.

Hunting & Wing Shooting is available from Reedsdell Guest Farm. The main annual event for hunting and shooting enthusiasts is the Lady Grey MacNab Festival held each June. See our annual events page for more details.