- HEPIC trail meet - Sunday 5th February 2023
Stu Summerfield
Sunday 5th Feb 2023
The resurrected ‘Hepic Trail. Grade 2.5B Orange. A trail though rough in places. Time: Est. 5.5 hrs.
Directions
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Meet at Steve Chadwick’s place at 71 Tre Donne estate, at 08:00.
Take the Old Sir Lowry’s Pass road to SLP village. Do not turn right at the railway crossing but carry on up the road to pass the left turning to Knorehoek. Next left is Tre Donne Estate. No 71 is top right of the estate.
The estate top gate leads direct onto the mountainside. Originally created for use in the 2011 and 2012 EPIC mountain bike challenge. The trail has been recently cleared by Steve and Clarissa from its overgrown state and follows a left contour round the side of the Hottentot Mountains from near the start of the old Wagon Trail, before descending near Hans se Kop.
From a small cutting at the end of the rail service road the trail turns left across the hillside to pass high above the jeep tracks, though below the mountain face. Crossing several streams before finishing down amongst huge granite boulders (a bouldering guide exists), and passing Idiom restaurant, to pass through historical Knorhoek estate back to our start point.
If you are interested, lots of history to chat about, and to view ways of ascent used by both 1917 and 1935 MCSA members. As well as new additions we have made.
The trail passes through great mountain scenery, and gives a new perspective of the Hottentot Holland mountains that could be useful to WSAR team members.
Finishing with muffins and a cool dip in my small pool.
The start passes through several private estates, all of which have given their permission.
Contact Steve Chadwick if necessary. I will need an indication of how many – if any are coming. Please PM me to let me know if you are coming.
Kind Regards
Steve Chadwick
07609974558