PETER GIDDY.: Bergrivier and Bergvenster --- Friday 2nd April 2021. Two hikes in one day. Both near to Hankey.

Bergrivier and Bergvenster --- Friday 2nd April 2021. Two hikes in one day. Both near to Hankey.

Easter Friday 2nd April 2021 I arrange a hiking group to go to the Bergrivier trails near to Hankey. We are a group of about 30 walking today. Leaving PE at 8.00am we meet the group at the Windfarm. And drive to Bergrivier in convoy. Altogether we have 7 vehicles.

I do the Registration with Japie and we make our way down to the Oxwagons where there are toilets. Some of the hikers will need to go before we start the long day of hiking. There is a bit of confusion before we finally find the toilets and are able to set out. Our hike today will take us up the Red Route or the Oppi Koppi. We then use the Silver Nguni trail before our final hike upstream to the waterfall on the Yellow trail. On this trail it is advisable to always look out for the Red Blocks. Otherwise you can easily take a wrong turn. On a Cool day like today, One liter of water is sufficient. On a warm day I suggest 1.5 liters. Wear a hat or cap whatever the weather conditions. The hike is not an easy one with a long tough uphill to begin the day. We then walk along a plateau before the long down hill to the Waterfall trail.

Walking alongside the stream is a rocky uneven trail. Our tail weary legs do not find this easy. I am impressed with the way people cope and everyone is delighted to arrive at the pool. Only a few venture into the pool as it has been a cool morning with slight drizzle. The climbing and descending followed by the waterfall trail has drained us of energy and we are happy to be able to refuel with snacks. Our hike today takes us about 3 hours. That includes the picture taking and breaks.

At this stage the group breaks up as everyone leaves in their own time. Some people have time pressures. Half of the group decide to continue on to do the Bergvenster which is a short steep climb just the other side of Hankey.

The Bergvenster trail is one where it is easy to take a wrong pathway. And the second group climbing up do just that. We end up scrambling on some difficult steep slopes with loose sand and shale. Quite scary at times. Finally we make our way back to the correct pathway and we all meet up at the Window of the Bergvenster. Lots of pics. It has a breathtaking view. But one needs to be careful as a wrong step could end up with a fatal result. There are no barriers and steep endless drops. Of course these steep drop offs and perilous edges just encourage the brave to take pics on the most dangerous positions.

We climb down in one group. And after a couple of wrong turns we finally use the correct pathway all the way down. The trick here is to take it slowly and always look for the Green Painted rocks or trees. If you see Red then that is the wrong pathway.

Bergrivier mountain trails. We finally get to starting our hike after registration and a bit of toilet confusion. On the trail today: Ally takes these group pics; Teresa; Sally K; Brittany; Gillian K; Brenda; Faye; Gabriel; Cheryl; Belinda; Juan and Anja; Kate; Richie; Joseph and friend Luke; Ruben and Mosa; Bob; Ayanda; Chris; Boy; Aphiwe and Lily; Suzie; Tracey; Ashley; Matt; Justin and Jesse; That is 30 walking on the trail. Half of the group continued on to do the Bergvenster which is on the west side of Hankey.

Climbing up the Bergvenster

Chris is at the top of the mountain. Behind him is a sheer drop of at least 100m

The Window. Citrus trees below. On both sides of the mountain. In front of them is where Mooihoek, the Strawberry farm, is located.

At this point we had taken a wrong pathway so ended up scrambling on loose dangerous slopes. Here Chris encourages his wife Ayanda and Sally K.

Brittany takes a pic of Teresa. It is exactly as you see it here: steep fall off on both sides. A slight miss step or trip will end in a fatal fall.

Ally leads the way down from the Bergvenster

Cheryl is extremely happy after achieving both climbs -- Bergrivier and Bergvenster.

Teresa -- one of the daredevils of the group

Ayanda is on her second hike with us and has really enjoyed the day. Chris, her husband, has only positive comments.

Sally was unsure of her abilities today. A month ago she had a nasty incident at Grassroof on a hot afternoon walk. However today Sally conquered all her uncertainties with the encouragement of fellow hikers.

Ally abseiling down the slope.

The Philips Cave.

The story of the Philips Cave: In 1829 Wait and 50 workmen started to build an Irrigation Canal from the Klein Rivier. 3.5 miles of canal was to bring water to Hankey and farm lands. The work was completed in a year and 400 acres of land was irrigated. In 1843 Philip started to build this tunnel. Digging began on both sides at once. The Tunnel was 6ft high and 8ft wide. 260 yards long. The tunnel was completed in 1844. In 1845 a Water Mill, supplied by water from the tunnel, was built and lasted until 1932. The Kouga Dam was built in 1970.

The Bergrivier trail. This stone is one I placed here when I first did this hike. It remains a reminder to all hikers. The power of a positive attitude.

We take the Red Route. Oppi Koppi

The red route has some steep and difficult uphills. You are rewarded with great views

In the forest walk with Brenda; Brittany; Teresa; Faye and Gabriel

Bob and Kate

Ally; Richie and Mosa.

Take time to enjoy the valleys and farmlands below.

The River Trail is not an easy walk, especially after two hours of walking up to the top of the Berg of Bergrivier.

This morning we started on the Bergrivier -- a four hour walk. 15 of us then continued on to the Bergvenster for an exciting climb. Our afternoon ended with coffee and snacks at the Windfarm and we arrived home after 4pm. A long tough day. Rewarding in many ways.

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