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Just like the Hexpas Express adventure and the Two
Tunnel Mountain Bike Trail, the Botterboom Hiking Trail starts at
the Veldskoen Padstal, 4.5km beyond De Doorns, 150km from Cape Town
on the N1 to the North.
The first day of this carefully designed trail
takes you up and along the top of the mountains near Osplaas, with
the breathtaking views of the Valley and the Matroosberg mountains
on your left. Your gradual descent crosses the 19th century railway
line on the way to ScoobyDoo, a hut where you'll spend the night
around a campfire.
The second day negotiates the lower mountains up
to the prominent Appaskop (850m). The view from here is even better
as the entire Hex River Valley is visible. From here the trail takes
you back to the old Tunnel Railway Station. Tents, firewood and
fresh water are provided for your self-catering overnight.
For more experienced hikers there is the option of
hiking across old railway bridges to the Kaffrarian Rifles Monument
and on to Tafelberg (1100m), the highest peak in the region. From
Tafelberg, not only the Hex River Valley is visible, but also the
Koo valley to the east. The night is spent back at Tunnel Station.
The final day leads down the Osplaas valley and follows the railway
service road back towards Veldskoen.
Throughout the trail, hikers can enjoy the large
variety of indigenous plants, varying from Botterboom and Aloe, to
the deeprooted Ghwarrie and Namaquakoeniebos.
Day permits must be obtained at the Veldskoen
Padstal. Veldskoen is open 7 days a week from 08:00 to 17:00 and
offers all your necessities with regards to food and drinks.
Overnight trips must be booked at the contacts
below.
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