& Bonus Bainskloof Waterfall Hike
In the heart of Wellington, lies the timeless Doolhof Wine Estate, with roots going back to the early 18th century, this estate captivates both wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience, and trail runners in search of the most beautiful single-track trails in the world.
Doolhof is embraced by surrounding mountains, cradling its vineyards in a serene valley. This unique geography shapes a microclimate that breathes life into the grapes.
This was the venue for the first of four trail runs in The Prestige Trail Run Series.
And what a way to start the series.
The event was beautifully organised, the location was spectacular, and the vibe festive and friendly!
I don’t know what the rest of the series is going to be like, but these trails are beautiful. I look forward to being impressed as the series progresses.
The course was so well marked, even I could not get lost if I tried!
While running I noticed several hiking trails on the farm. Later, Bashe and Dirty Toes spoke to management who advised the trails were open to the public and provided us with a handy map of the farm and the different routes 😊
Mental note to come back and explore the farm a bit more and experience some of those trails.
We have had an exceptionally cold, exceptionally rainy winter season in Cape Town and the fynbos has been in perpetual bloom and the citrus trees drooped with bright orange and yellow fruit.
Also, the many streams we crossed positively gurgled with delight and I minded not at all getting my socks and shoes wet.
The course was hilly but not the kind of hilly where you are cursing your ancestors. The vibe was also chilled, but that mostly due to our irreverent MC, he of ‘Run The Vines’ fame, Lans.
Sinan, our Kurdish visitor, had an early birthday party when he won 3 bottles of wine at the race and our ever-crazy Mambi earned 2 more with her Mori-inspired dance moves. Who says Boxers can’t dance?
It's The Weekend, Baby!
We spontaneously decided to make a weekend of it and booked accommodation at the McBains backpackers at Eerste Tol, on the top of one of Cape Town’s most notorious passes, viz. Bainskloof Pass.
While the weather was chilly, especially at night and the rain held off until Sunday morning, on race day Wellington glistened and sparkled in the winter morning light and the day turned out sunny and warm.
It was a treat to enjoy a light lunch and a session in the hot tub afterwards.
We had a surprise party for Sinan after our roast leg of lamb supper, cooked beautifully by our very own Dirty Toes! While the birthday boy enjoyed his wine.
Sunday: Bainskloof Waterfall Hike
Instead of running John Korasie, which had been postponed to 20 August, and which would have created some logistical challenges since we were on the other side of the world, not to mention a sadistically early morning wake up call, those of who had entered simply forgo-ed our race entries.
It stormed in the early hours of Sunday morning. Not that I was aware. I had the best sleep I’ve had in months that night.
Ibi had suggested the day before, when we were still high from the gorgeous run on Doolhof farm, and we were disarmingly relaxed in the hot tub, that we explore the Bainskloof Waterfall the next day. At the time it sounded like a great idea.
But when Sunday morning came the weather looked ominous. But we were not ready to call the weekend and so we waited out the weather, lingering over breakfast before slowly, reluctantly getting our things together.
Nobody was ready to go home!
Please note that you need a permit to enter the Limietberg Nature Reserve. Unfortunately, the 2-day trail is closed but there are several gorgeous one-day trails for hikers to explore.
It was the most unprepared I have ever been for a hike. But we were right there in the middle of the reserve. We couldn’t NOT explore the area, now could we? Of course not.
We had a wonderful time running the trail but exploring this waterfall, crossing the fast-flowing Bobbejaans river after a night of rain was amazing. Fortunately, our trail shoes have drainage and we don’t mind walking around with wet clothes and/or underwear.
This was the highlight of a weekend filled with highlights. Already planning to come back and do these trails justice!
Stay tuned.
What a great weekend with Amazing people. Can’t wait for the next one.