GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A trail-running event coming up next week is sure to satisfy the most discerning adventure sportsmen and women.
The Outeniqua Hiking Trail is a spectacular route and can ordinarily be conquered as a series of day walks or over a full seven-day period, starting at Beervlei in the upper reaches of the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park and ending at Harkerville in the east between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, or as the Outeniqua Quest Trail Run coming up soon.
This trail carves its way in the cool shade of undulating indigenous forest with rustic huts, a stopover for those endeavouring the seven-day trek, or as an alternative starting point for those day walkers relative to the level of challenge you desire.
The overnight cabins are regularly stocked with firewood. As darkness falls, the once blue sky, through pockets of forest, fynbos and different vegetation types during the day now exposes a brilliant black sky pitted with billions of stars, buffered with the sounds of surrounding nocturnal activity.
Perfect whether you are a stargazing astrologist, star-crossed lovers just seeking a romantic getaway or simply bonding with friends.
For those who love the sea, this trail makes its way down to the coast where beautiful rock formations may be explored, photographs taken or picnics enjoyed.
Sea caves are often visible along this portion of the trail and tell of the sheer landscaping power of the Indian Ocean.
The trail offers an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave walkers reeling with euphoria.
The Outeniqua Quest is a four-day trail run whereby more than 100km of pure trails will have you traversing sections of the Outeniqua Mountains and the indigenous forests of Knysna and surroundings while you are exploring the full length of the Outeniqua Hiking Trail.
Outeniqua Quest
The event is a Mont Blanc qualifier with five points for the nonstop option. It is a pristine and very special trail run with no big gravel roads – only singletrack and jeep tracks.
There are three options: Nonstop 108km, Ultra 48km, and Four-day Trail Run.
Scenery such as this awaits runners in the Outenique Trail Run event coming up soon. Photos: Elrorke Photography
Start dates:
- Nonstop and Ultra: 23 March
- Four-day Quest: 21 to 24 March
- Registration venue: Harkerville Forest Lodge
- Four-day event limited to 40 runners due to limited space at the huts.
Four-day event distances:
- Day 1: Beervlei Hut to Windmeulnek Hut – 16.40km, elevation gain 910m
- Day 2: Windmeulnek Hut to Millwood Hut – 32.45km; elevation gain 1 265m
- Day 3: Millwood Hut to Diepwalle Hut – 29.90km; elevation gain 1 303m
- Day 4: Diepwalle Hut to Harkerville Hut – 29.27km; elevation gain 757m
Total distance: 108.02km; total elevation gain: 4 235m
Scenery such as this awaits runners in the Outenique Trail Run event coming up soon. Photos: Elrorke Photography
Entry fees:
Four-day Option: R5 950 – includes meals from lunch on 21st to breakfast on 24th, three nights in hiking huts.
Nonstop Option: R2 930 – does not include any accommodation, only light meals at the huts)
Ultra: R1 920 – does not include any accommodation, only light meals at the huts, finish at Millwood close to Rheenendal, arrange own transport back from Millwood.
Find out more
For all information contact Janine on janine.swart@csm.com
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