Slackpacking the Midlands

November 28, 2010. Definition of Slackpacking, by the author of Slackpacking in South Africa, Fiona McIntosh:
“Most simply, Slackpacking is backpacking without the schlep. Slackpacking trails are a relatively new genre of multi-day hiking trails, which allow you to travel light, carrying only your water, lunch, camera and waterproofs in a day pack, while someone else takes care of transporting all your baggage to an overnight stop-over, where you can enjoy the comfort of being accommodated in luxury hotels or guesthouses.”

Sound good to you? Then read on.

Inspired by the most recent, larger and excellent edition of Slackpacking: A Guide to South Africa’s Top Leisure Trails, by Fiona McIntosh and edited by David Bristow, John Hall, the owner of Pleasant Places Guest House in the Lidgetton Valley, believes the growing craze of slackpacking will catch on in the KZN Midlands in the New Year.

John wears the look of a quietly confident man when he says, “We’ll get this up and running in January. The trails are 90% sorted and I’ve consulted and obtained permission from farmers, whose land the trail traverses. It’s for people who want a challenging walk, but don’t want to haul a heavy backpack around,” says John.

Getting people to know about the charms and attractions of the Lidgetton Valley is a passion for John . . . and not just for the potential business opportunities.

Qambathi Mountain Lodge: Mountain getaway

Cows being milked on a 'turntable'

“People don’t know the extent of the activities on offer here. Many folk visit the Midlands Meander or come here to attend a wedding, have great jollifications, and then rush off home, oblivious to the beauty of the area they have just had the privilege of visiting. Guests attending weddings here seldom return.

Community

“We live in a community and these trails will provide employment opportunities for some of the people in the local village. I’m driven to create new adventures here, giving some of our local youngsters a chance to get involved. They will assist with marking out and on-going maintenance of the trails. Many school-leavers struggle to find employment soon after finishing school and this will give them a vision and hope for a brighter future; it’ll be great for this area too.”

Initially there will be a 44km three-day walking trail, sleeping over for four nights. More trails are in the pipeline. There are also 1 and 2 day trail options.

Pampered

The trail starts at Pleasant Places Guest House, spending the first night there, being pampered and de-briefed, before the walk starts the next day. Slackpackers will cross rivers and streams, walk across pastures, through indigenous forests, climb hills and drop down into valleys before arriving at hospitality venues en-route, such as Lythwood Lodge and Blesberg Farm Cottages. Dinner and breakfasts, either catered or self catered, will be available. All provisions, utensils, braais, charcoal etc will be provided at self catering stops.

The picturesque Lidgetton Valley, as seen from Pleasant Places. Horses galloped in the valley stud farm below

John took me on a drive to a number of key spots along the route, including a successful, modern dairy farm, where more than 800 cows are milked, 60 at a time on a revolving turntable; a stunning section of indigenous forest; a dam where ardent fly fishermen will be able to cast a line and the beautiful Blesberg Farm. The last leg of the 44km trail will see a walk down into the picturesque Dargle Valley, with views to die for, before the tired, but happy hikers will head off to crash for the last night at Pleasant Places.

Well, as they say, the proof will be in the pudding/walking, but I get the impression that John’s passion will bring an exciting new aspect to hospitality in the beautiful Lidgetton Valley – Garth Johnstone

The process of setting up the trail follows info provided by The Footprint Hiking Club, South Africa’s most active hiking club, who advise a detailed and extensive planning phase, which investigates and implements the following key aspects thoroughly before a trail can be set up:

• Research
• Planning
• Environmental Impact Study
• Feasibility Study
• Construction techniques
• Maintenance
• Marking
• Maps and mapping

Footprint, has extensive info on its website
Useful reading: Slackpacking: A Guide to South Africa’s Top Leisure Trails, by Fiona McIntosh

Pleasant Places Guest House

About Pleasant Places

Pleasant Places is stashed away in a quiet nook of the gorgeous, impossibly green Lidgetton Valley. The main house and accommodation is surrounded by dense gardens of the carefully cultivated and “bush” variety.

Here it’s all about putting your feet up and letting the gentle rhythm of country life invade your bones for a while. Food is outstanding and guests can either stay in for a thorough spoiling, or head out for dinner at one of the many local eateries on offer.

Fly-fishing and walking options are readily available and your hosts will gladly make arrangements for either of these. Look out early 2011 when John’s plans for a 44km slackpacking route around the valley become a reality.

Wi fi access available; beautifully appointed rooms; filter coffee, teas and rusks in rooms; DSTV in the main house; SABC TV available in rooms on request.

For info contact John or Linda Hall
info@pleasantplaces.co.za
www.pleasantplaces.co.za
Tel: 033 234 4396 or 082 456 2717