We hiked at Hazeldean Valley Trails. Some of the group went for the 5km, and others went for the 10km. Hazeldean Valley Trails was a new one for me. It is situated along the N4, close to the popular Silver Lakes Estate. See directions…
I recall driving past a few estate entrances before hitting a dirt road towards the farm where the hiking and mountain bike trails are situated. The area is called the Hazeldean Valley. The dirt road is not that bad; a normal sedan should be able to navigate the road without a problem.
Driving towards the parking area, you are greeted with a farm-style look and feel. You see farm implements, stalls where animals are kept, cows, old farm buildings that are no longer used except for keeping hay, and a modern, more recently built building.
This is where the Hazeldean Brewing Company is situated. This is also where we bought our tickets for the hike. R50 per person, which is well-priced. Card machine only. This also houses the equipment used to brew beer. It also serves as a restaurant.
I remember spotting a pizza oven alongside a tempting menu filled with fancy coffees. So, whether you’re returning from a refreshing hike or a fun bike ride, you can treat yourself to something delicious—perhaps a fancy coffee or a refreshing cold beverage. Honestly, I think it’s such a lovely bonus when a venue offers tasty treats and drinks after your outdoor adventures!
Onto the trails. We started around 09:00. We were a fairly decent group. I counted 26 hikers in our group. I noticed the groups are double the size when the trails are not up. #welovehills.
This is understandable, as going up is much more of a challenge, and you need to be reasonably fit to enjoy it. I recall coming down from Nadia’s Peak the previous weekend and feeling my knees and ankles red-lining. It was like a pair of pistons working overtime and close to failure. I just made it.
Back to Hazeldean Valley Trails. The trails are flat and vary from 5km to 45km. They cater for hiking and biking. They are well-marked, and you can easily find your way. They are also pet-friendly.
Some of us hiked the 5km, and others went for the 10 km-ish. The 10km is not 100% accurate. The trails seem to zig-zag across one another. The mountain bike guys passed us by from time to time.
The 5km trail runs alongside the 10km one and then close to the Brewhouse. To continue on the 10km, we simply went through a farm gate and carried on. The trail loops back to the Brewhouse.
The hike took us about 2.5 hours, with a few pit stops. It was dry, dusty, and brown. It might look better in the summertime. Less dust, more green, but then there is the heat. 🥵
Last Thoughts
My overall experience of the hike was good. Good people, nature, and exercise are win-win in my books. I can’t think of anything I disliked about the venue except for the dry, dusty conditions. I did not have the time to test out the Hazeldean Brewing Company Restaurant, but from what I could see, it looked delicious.
They also have another offering on the same property called Die Boer. It has a farmers market feel, with a coffee shop, nursery, play area for the children, and live music. It’s a nice way to spend a Sunday morning. I saw that they had a gin festival the previous day, and it seemed busy for a Sunday. The venue appears to be popular.
That’s it from me on the Hazeldean Valley Hiking Trail Review. May this inspire you to go for a hike at Hazeldeam Valley Trails.
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