Co-leaders: Jon Ray and Paula Clarke
Our group assembled at the lovely Bushbuck Cottage in Marloth Nature Reserve on Saturday afternoon in preparation for starting the Swellendam Trail first thing the next morning. We were able to arrange the mandatory trail briefing from Adam, the duty ranger, on the same afternoon. The original group of 11 was reduced to 9 at short notice due to the injury of one person and work commitments of another, and although this was unfortunate, we had a really fantastic, sociable group that got on exceptionally well from the outset.
Our main challenge for the first half of the trail was a weather forecast predicting heavy rain from Sunday afternoon through most of Monday. We therefor set off as soon as the reserve opened. We enjoyed a clear blue sky and the beautiful Langeberg fynbos as we made our way along the south-facing slopes before a long climb over the flank of the mountain into the next the valley where the Boskloof Huts are located. We arrived in the early afternoon with just enough time for a swim in the icy, but beautiful, mountain pool before the clouds closed in and the rain began.
The original Boskloof Hut burnt down some years ago, and the replacement metal huts, while basic, proved to be a welcome and very weathertight refuge as gale-force winds and driving rain battered us throughout the night, exceeding both the forecast and our expectations. By morning, the river below was in full flood and streams poured off the mountain. With only a short weather window with a lower chance of rain in the morning, we set off early and managed to cross over the exposed top of the mountain and reach lower northern slopes before the rain caught up with us. Luckly we were able to cross all the rivers along the way which had also been a concern. Unfortunately, the hoped for option to submit Misty Point was not possible under the conditions.
The north-facing stone Goedgeloof Huts, group around a centrally placed boma, gave us lots of sheltered places to hang out as the wet weather closed in again. Day three brought colder temperatures and overcast skies as we climbed towards the Proteavallei Hut. Much of day two and all of day three traversed recently burnt mountain slopes, which, while very desolate, did create a striking contrast with the storm clouds passing across the valley landscape below us. The short distance for this day saw us arriving at the lovely timber hut before lunch and finally enjoying some sunshine before a very cold night set in.
At the start of day four, as we left Proteavallei and began descending back towards the Swellendam side of the mountain, we returned to pristine fynbos, which was a welcome change from the burnt landscape of the preceding days. It was another short but steep day, descending over 700 metres to the well-appointed Wolfkloof Hut. Arriving before lunch in warm sunshine, we spent the afternoon swimming, relaxing, playing cards, and enjoying the social side of the hike. Our final day began in very cold temperatures with a river crossing followed by a steady climb which warmed us up. After climbing out of the valley we hiked an easy rolling contour trail along the lower mountain slopes back to Marloth Nature Reserve, where we arrived before lunch.
Although not the most physically demanding hike, the Swellendam Trail provided a wonderful and relaxing few days in the mountains. Between the dramatic weather, beautiful scenery, and an excellent group of people, it made for a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable meet.
