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4-Day Wartrail Hiking Trail - Detailed Itinerary  

This area of the Southern Drakensberg is a 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 the hike 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 the purest air imaginable. Overnight at B&Bs along the way. 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 the Southern Drakensberg

DAY 1 -

Arrive at Rosstrevor Guest Farm (20kms from Barkly East), meet up with your fellow travellers and relax after your journey into the North Eastern Cape. Let Phil & Kate spoil you with a sumptuous dinner in their restaurant - housed in an 1890s sandstone barn. as they brief you on the route. Now is the time to check your bags. Remember, you dont need to toss out all those extra goodies, as you will only be carrying your daypacks. Accommodation will be provided in a charming Victorian farmhouse

Overnight: Rosstrevor Guest Farm

DAY 2 -

After a farmstyle breakfast and briefing you will have the opportunity to relax or fly-fish for a couple of hours before starting the hike from Rosstrevor to Pitlochrie. This first day is intended to give everyone an opportunity to acclimatise, so we will travel a fairly flat route along a beautiful river gorge, with opportunities to swim and to view bushman paintings. By mid-afternoon we will arrive at Pitlochrie, a stunning English-style farm with emerald-green lands and woods behind the main house. Enjoy your evening at Pitlochrie Cottage with hosts Joe & Clare

Overnight: Pitlochrie Cottage

DAY 3 -

After breakfast, set out on your hike - a more challenging walk awaits you as you climb from Pitlochrie over to Balloch a natural heritage site. Take in the stunning sandstone formations, home to Bushman paintings, dassies, waterfalls and sparkling pools inviting you for a swim. Walk along a gurgling trout river to Glenshee Homestead or Willowstream Cottage, your accommodation for the night, nestling in one of the prettiest valleys in the area. Meet your hosts, Margy & Graham before settling down to a delicious farm dinner.

Overnight: Glenshee Homestead or Willowstream Cottage - Balloch Farm

DAY 4

Today you are rewarded with glorious views over the rugged scenery of the Transkei and Lesotho. You have the day at leisure to stop and take in the beautiful alpine wildflowers. Perhaps you are lucky enough to see a Lammergeier accompany you on the walk. A challenging hike, you ascend The Wall, aptly named by the Sky Run participants, to 2700m and then descend down to Reedsdell, looking out to the Wildfell Valley. Alternatively, a more moderate countour hike around the mountain can be enjoyed. Spend the evening in Reedsdell's comfortable sandstone farmhouse with Chris & Kath.

Overnight: Reedsdell's Farmhouse

DAY 5 -

A steep climb through Edgehill brings you out on top of the world as you admire the breath-taking views over the Wartrail & New England valleys, before descending to Bidstone Guest Farm where Andrew & Janet invite you to rest for the night. Reminisce over the past 5 days before climbing into a welcoming bed, resting before your trip home tomorrow. 

Overnight: Bidstone Guest Farm