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TRAIL RUNNINGOur mountain biking routes can also be used for trail running. They’ll take you over mountains, across rivers, and through forests and fynbos fields.
(You’ll need to get a permit to do these trails – just chat to us or buy from the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy Office on Strawberry Hill Farm). HIKINGHead out from Strawberry Hill Farm into the indigenous forests around you. Or traverse the mountains of flowering fynbos. There are a number of hiking trails for you – taking you into this natural wonderland.
There are even multi-day hiking options, including the Lemoenshoek hike to the highest peak in the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy (Aileen may have been 5 years old when she first walked it, but it’s still no easy hike). Chat to us about hiking trail options. GUIDED WALKSTrained and knowledgeable walking guides are also available to take you through the natural landscapes of the conservancy. These guides are from the local community. And they’ll share the secrets of the forests, show you unique wildlife, and connect you to local knowledge and stories.
Chat to us, or find out more here. |
BIRDINGWhether you’re a beginner or experienced birder, Strawberry Hill Farm and the surrounding Grootvadersbosch Conservancy provides wonderful birding opportunities.
Our forests and fynbos (and even productive landscapes) provide a home to species like the Secretarybird, Blue Crane, Paradise Flycatcher, Black Harrier, Olive Pigeon, Forest Buzzard and many more. Enjoy these on your hike. Or let a trained guide point them out on a guided walk. Chat to us, or find out more. KLOOFING & SWIMMINGThere are lots of hidden rock pools, dams, rivers and kloofs to explore on a hot day near Strawberry Hill Farm, so don't forget your swimming gear.
We can also recommend a few places to go for some open water swimming training (if you like that kind of thing). |
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SPEND TIME IN NATURE
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This CapeNature reserve borders on Strawberry Hill Farm. The forests stretch over from our farm, into the reserve. Here you’ll see trees like red alder, ironwood, stinkwood and yellowwood. And not to mention a wonderful Californian redwood forest (these trees are more than 100 years old).
WINE TASTINGAileen is level 2 certified by the International Wine and Spirits Education Trust. She received the qualification with distinction and has the label pin to prove it! She has an extensive, hidden wine cellar that is fiercely guarded by her vicious guard dogs. She is very knowledgeable about the local wine farms. Read our blog for a highly recommended day of wine tasting and mountain biking. If booked well in advance, she can offer a personalised wine tasting. The tasting is limited to a minimum of 4 people and can be tailored to budget and wine preferences. Aileen is generally a busy girl and while she would love to spend her time offering wine tastings, she’s often on her mountain bike (or wishing she was on it) so please get in touch well in advance to see if she can tailor something for you.
Chat to us to find out more. A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELDKite surfing & whale watching: When the wind is blowing, we can highly recommend a 1 hour drive to Witsand to explore great kite surfing opportunities in the summer season.
In the winter months, Witsand is also the perfect spot to watch the whales in the famous Witsand whale nursery. Taking a day to explore the area: There are several fabulous drives and 4X4 routes that take you beyond the Grootvadersbosch Valley to Barrydale or Riversdale. For rainy days, try some of the local favourite restaurants, wine farms and coffee shops in Heidelberg, Swellendam, Suurbraak and Barrydale. We can also recommend great local trails in Swellendam and Bredasdorp. All of these places are a 20-40 minute drive and perfect for a rainy day. Chat to us to find out more. |
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