There are several pools found just a short hike from Brooklands. Crystal clear water and gorgeous surroundings makes this 3km walk a must. If you want to explore the area, there are bushman paintings, waterfalls and other deep pools not far away. You often get to see the largest antelope in the world – the Eland, grazing near the path to the 3 Pools. Flowers, birds, open-space and complete safety makes this part of the Berg so inviting.
To get away from it all, like never before, head up behind the house and you find yourself on top of Beacons. Although the record to the top is 18.5minutes (broken in April 2008), give yourself an hour to hike “The Beacon” and enjoy the peace, the silence and the incredible views. From here, hike along the ridge as far as the eye can see and enjoy this scenic walk.
Here is a list of some of the hikes from or near brooklands.
download this Hiking guide here…Brooklands Hiking Guide
1. (V.Easy): There are many little paths around our own property. Walk down to the Dams, up the hill and all back again.
2. (Moderate) Beacons: There is a mountain behind the house called Beacons. The record to the Top of the mountain is 18 minutes but most hikers take around 1hour or so to walk to the top.
3. (Moderate) 3 Pools (Recommended): This is scenic and rewarding hike – 2.5 hours round trip.
4.(Moderate) Bushman Paintings: 1km from the beautiful pool with the waterfall.
5.(Easy) River Walks: There is a beautiful river below Brooklands that one can walk along or cycle on.
Other Hikes a few minutes drive from Brooklands
6.(Difficult) Hike part of the Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail: This is a well marked Trail that takes you up a small mountain via a pretty valley. To find the start of this trail, you have to travel by car back towards PMB. As you pass Castleburn on your right and head back up the hill, you will cross over a small bridge just before you enter a sharp turn to the right. About 150m from this bridge, you will find a parking area on your left and a sign stating private property. This is the start of the Hike.
Other Hikes : Drive through the Drakensburg Gardens Hotel grounds towards the Natal Park Board. To avoid paying hotel entrance fees, state that you are going hiking and they will let you in for Free. At the Parks Board, you have a choice of several hikes.
7.(Moderate) Pillar Cave and Cascades (Recommended): This is a great walk which takes around 3 hours round trip. This hike takes you to Pillar Cave where you can have lunch at the cave and swim in the pools at the cascades below.
8.(Moderate) Hidden Valley: A long yet enjoyable walk which sees you back on the Giant’s Cup Trail. Walk as far as time permits and enter a beautiful wide open valley.
9.(Moderate/Hard) Sleeping Beauty Cave: Although this hike goes up hill most of the way, the hike is only about 1 hour to the cave and goes through some pretty scenery.
10.(V.Easy) Hippo Pools: Not a hike but a nice pool found on the road towards the Parks Board. Nice place to have lunch if there are not too many tourists from the hotel.
11.(Extreme) The Rhino: This is the ultimate hike taking you right to the top on the escarpment and then up to the very top of the Rhino Peak. Start at the Natal Parks Board. Fill in the mountain register and 4- hours later you will be standing on the peak.
Be warned, this hike should only be done by experienced hikers in groups of 2 or more.