Hiking Trail Description

	Mine museum at the Bendigo mine, near Milwood hut

Situated between George and Storms river this is one of the oldest hiking trails in South Africa. Since the trail was opened it changed a lot but currently it is a seven day trail that starts at Beervlei Hut (Old Forest Station) and finishes at Harkerville hut near the Harkerville Forestry Station. Hikers do not have to hike the full 7 days, 2 or 3 days are also possible. The trails may only be done from west to east. The huts offer shelter, firewood, grids, water and rudimentary bedding. No pots. There is only electricity at Diepwalle and Harkerville huts. The Diepwalle huts offer warm showers as well.

Indigenous forest, giant Yellow wood trees, animal- and bird-life.

Rondebossie Hut

DAY 1 (16 km, 5,5 hours) The first day from Beervlei the route goes quite steady till the Hoëkraal river from which a steep climb starts and leads all the way up to Windmeulnek which is situated beautifully on the "nek" of two mountain. The first day's walk are quite tough and if you don't start early in the morning you can reach the hut in the dark.

DAY 2 (17 km, 5,5 hours) The second day's walk you start going down the mountain for about 4 kilometres and then you climb again, then walking on the side of the mountain for about 9 kilometres gradually raising to an altitude of 800m above sea level. From there you will go downward, through a pine plantation to meet a road which will take you to the next hut, Platbos.

	The splendid Outeniqua forest

DAY 3 (15 km, 5 hours) The walk from Platbos to Milwood hut is easier than the first two days but still difficult. You begin this day with a peaceful strole in the forest and then through a tree plantation down to the Homtini river. This spot has very beautiful scenery and you cross the river at a swimming hole. The water looks very appealing but one usually reach this spot early in the morning while it is still cold down in the gullies. Now follows a very steep part and I guarantee you, you will be out of breath when you reach the top. After this you walk again through natural forest and tree plantations that takes you to the Jublee Creek picnic spot where you will have a taste of civilization again. From here the road follows the tourist route past the old Milwood mines and at last a small waterfall and swimming hole. From this point you are on your own again. This is where you walk out in the open and usually it's the time of the day when the sun is really hot besides that rest of the days walk is quite easy and you'll pass a tea room just in front of the hut, so if you're smart, take money with. You will never again enjoy a ice cold cool-drink that much.

DAY 4 (17 km, 5,5 hours) From Milwood to Rondebossie is another quite enduring day's walk. The day's walk starts out on a road that climbs gradually and then going down a bit. You then turn of into the forest for a long tranquil walk till you have to go down to meet the Knysna river. Most people rest here while if you go on for one more kilometre you will find the most beautiful swimming hole, but the water are very chilly. Extremely tough climbing follows until the path will will meet a road on which you will walk for about 2 to 3 kilomres. Then you will get a turn off board and from then on it's a graceful walk through the wood to Rondebossie hut.

DAY 5 (13 km, 5 hours) From Rondebossie Hut to Diepwalle is also a very tough days walk, this day you will climb one of the highest parts of the trail, a peak near Jonkersberg and it will seem as if it never ends and before you know it you will be on top. From here you can see a spectacular view over Knysna if it is not misty. From the top you will go down again and an interesting part of the days walk still lies ahead. The Diepwalle Hut is very popular because of it's electricity and warm water. Braai facilities are either in the open of under roof (when it rains).

DAY 6 (17 km, 5 hours) Diepwalle to Fisantehoek is a very easy day's walk and you will almost walk the whole day in natural forest and you will cross the Petrus Brand and the Kleineiland river. Fisantehoek Hut was an old house that was built for one of the early forest officials and is a lovely hut with a beautiful view.

DAY 7 (11 km) Fisantehoek to Harkerville is the last day and on this day you will cross the N2 national road to reach the Harkerville hut. The largest part of the day you will walk through natural forest. Harkerville is also a very popular hut as it is the end of the Outeniqua and also the beginning of the very popular Harkerville Coast Hiking Trail. The Harkerville hut can accommodate 12 cyclists in the outside room. This hut also has electricity and warm water. Vehicles must be parked at Harkerville Forest Station and not at the hut.

This is a wonderful hiking trail , one that every hiker should do at least once in his life. You can surely tell others about this one.