FAMILY FUN
Snow > Rock Pools & Waterfalls > Walking > Farming activities > Raspberry Picking > Cycling > Scenic Drives > Wooly's of Wartrail
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OVERVIEW |
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The peaceful farms of Wartrail and New England offer the perfect environment for families to enjoy reconnecting with each other and with nature. Far away from the cities you will not find bowling alleys and malls up here in the mountains. Instead, the entertainment is all natural but as you will see from this page, there is no shortage of ways for families to enjoy the great outdoors. Whilst a couple of the guest farms do have televisions, many families prefer to spend quality time in the evenings playing board games, relaxing by an open fire and enjoying homecooked farmhouse meals. Unless otherwise stated, all activities are available at any of the guest farms in the Wartrail & New England area. |
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Wartrail & New England's high altitude in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg means that we get some of the highest snowfalls per annum in South Africa. No wonder that Tiffindell, South Africa's only ski resort was established nearby. Between the end of May and beginning of August, the high peaks are usually snow-capped, and in the valleys we can expect 3-4 heavy snowfalls during the same period. Snow brings out the big kid in all of us and there are so many ways to enjoy the white stuff with the family. Tiffindell offers skiing, snowboarding, or simply messing around on tubes and bumboards. If you just want to build a snowman and have a snowball flight, then check with your hosts as to where the best snowfalls can be found. if Click here to download an article about creative ways to have fun in the snow, kindly supplied by Kate Nelson of Wild Mountain Adventures. Related links: Skiing & Snowboarding |
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In summer late afternoon rains mean that the rivers in Wartrail and New England are flowing with crystal clear water - perfect for relaxing with the kids at a riverside picnic. Most of the rivers are shallow, so safe for children to play in and swim. Often the water bubbles up into natural mountain jacuzzis. Whilst at the river, you could also try a spot of fly-fishing, bird watching or fossicking for agates. Alternatively you may wish to book a hike with one of our local guides and visit one of the lovely waterfalls in the area. Watching the water cascade down basaltic cliffs and swimming in the crystal water of these pools is an experience to remember. Related links: Fly-fishing > River Rafting > Hiking |
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In addition to the more extreme mountain hiking trails in the area, each farm can offer gentle walks, suitable for all ages. There is always plenty to keep kids entertained including birds, farm animals, wild flowers, rock art sites, rivers and interesting rock formations. |
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The main industry is Wartrail & New England is sheep and cattle farming. Smaller enterprises include raspberry & egg production. This presents a marvellous opportunity for kids to understand how food is produced and to participate in seasonal numerous activities including picking berries, milking cows, herding cattle on horseback, feeding chickens & orphan lambs, shearing sheep, making hay and catching a ride on a tractor. Worth a visit are the farm schools that provide education for the children of the farm staff in this unique environment. Related links: Horse Riding > Wooly's of Wartrail |
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FARM SHOP TEA GARDEN EMUS, CATTLE, SHEEP AND HORSES - A real farm experience LOTS OF FUN ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS TO DO FUN WALKS & RAMBLES |
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The tranquil gravel roads around Wartrail and New England are virtually free of traffic and therefore provide safe and easy cycling for all ages. Your hosts will also able to tell you if there are suitable farm tracks across their lands that you can use. You are very welcome to bring your own bikes, alternatively Wild Mountain Adventures have a limited number of mountain bikes and helmets for hire by the day. Call Kate or Phil on 079 536 3996 for more details. |
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Why not pack the bags, grab a picnic and go exploring for the day! Scenic drives around the region's 8 mountain passes can include lunch stops in the pretty towns or Rhodes and Lady Grey. Stop at the top of the passes for spectacular views. In the winter, your hosts will be able to give you advice as to where your best chance of finding snow might be. Related links: 8 Passes |
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Pick as much as you can of this delicious fruit, and enjoy the surrounding mountain countryside. The raspberry- picking season is from late January to early May depending on frosts. Picking by prior arrangement only. Local raspberry growers are Millard, Pitlochrie and Kenmure. Homemade jam from local raspberries is for sale at Wooly's of Wartrail (see above) when available. Wild Brambles can also be enjoyed during the autumn months. |
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Check our events page for details of our annual calendar. For families, we particularly recommend the following: Feb - Crocks Rock Race |