4 Km out of Bethlehem, we have the Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve, very popular amongst mountain bikers and hikers. Game roam in abundance and at times the wildebeest / also known as gnu, race the mountain bikers – imagine the exhilaration!
10 km on the Clarens Road (R712), is the turn off towards the Highlands Water canal which leads to one of the 4 hydro’s on the Axle River. The hike (moderate) is all along the canal and it is likely that you may come across serval, rhebok or other smaller game species, and a variety of birds.
There is hardly any traffic on the road, and it is an ideal walk with dogs. Closer to the river on the sandstone bank, you will find dino footprints.
Further along the main road is the turn-off to the outlet of the Maloti tunnel – quite an interesting stop.
Some might prefer a longer drive out – all along the gravel road, winding through farmland, rural areas and the Highland’s National park. Set aside 2 – 3 hours, depending on your stops. This is a remarkable journey through the splendour of the eastern Free State countryside; farmland, cattle, deserted farm steads, sandstone ruins, graveyards, running streams and very few vehicles. Photo opportunities are ample – slow-driving, many stops and spectacular scenery. And for this journey, you can order a special picnic hamper.
