Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 55, February 2014 | Page 17

GREAT TRAILS O HOWICK KWAZU F SOUTH AFRICA 17 BROUGHT to you by LU-NAT AL Words & pics by Jacques Marais, author of: WHY GO Howick is about as scenic as you get, and epitomises the best of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, with a tranquil rural feel blending with the stunning mist forests for which the region is justifiably famous. The 100m-high Howick Falls is a must-see, and the exquisite Karkloof Conservancy is right next door, with coffee roasteries, delightful eateries, the famous Karkloof Canopy Tours and even a local winery. WHAT YOU GET This is a paradise for trail runners. Waterfalls and clear streams characterise the valleys, while huge climbs promise ample reward through panoramic, 360-degree views. Most of the well-maintained trails are clearly marked and traverse a mix of expansive grasslands, pine and wattle plantations, and indigenous forests, making for an excellent day of running. Or a week, if that is your wont… Howick boasts in excess of 70km of single-track alone, add an additional 100km of Karkloof Conservancy trails and endless gravel road options, and you can run for a week without once setting foot on the same trail! WHERE TO RUN So many options! The hospital is a good landmark to start from: Head north along a flat tarmac stretch towards the N3, turning first right up Lakeview Road. Continue to the bottom of Beacon Hill where you enter the grassland conservancy, then bear right along the marked track. This becomes single-track and eventually ascends along a series of gentle rises. Follow the Eagle Ridge Run singletrack, cross the tar road and enter Home Jerome. Here the route climbs steadily for about 3km through Wattles before reaching a substantial forest road (Middle Road). Turn left and cross the tar road (keeping a lookout for trucks), passing through a logging yard and onto a forest road entering Gregs. drop down right towards the main tar road. From here you will have to grin and bear the tarmac heading left past Greendales Centre and back to the Howick Hospital. FAST FACTS: HOWICK MTB TRAILS,10KM GRADING: Intermediate MAP: www.iride.com/trail-maps ACCESS REQUIREMENTS: Indemnity forms managed by Howick MTB Club, available at hospital or some local bike shops FACILITIES: None (public parking areas) CELL RECEPTION: 100% coverage BEWARE: Traffic on tar crossings, snakes, mountain bikers GETTING THERE Howick is an easy 20km drive from Pietermaritzburg. Follow the N3 towards Escourt and exit onto the R103 towards Howick. The trail head is at Howick Private Hospital, right on Howick Main Road. GPS: S29° 28’ 36.8” / E30° 13’ 07.3” LOCAL INFO: www.howickmountainbiking.co.za or www.howicktourism.co.za. STAY HERE Check out www.midlandsmeander.co.z