Closest Town: Barberton
Grading: Easy to difficult | Duration: Varies according to route chosen
Location (Area/Province): Mpumalanga and Wild Frontier/Kruger
Configuration: Blue Route - 12 km return Route - 18 km return route Route - 22 km return route Yellow Route - 33km circuit Red Route - 45km circuit
Start Point: Makesh Hut
Access: Access fee per person per night payable
Beware of: Extreme heat in summer from November to March
Facilities: Fully-equipped, self-catering overnight hut. Braai facilities.
Cell Reception: Not everywhere
OVERVIEW
Who knew? Three stunning trails – tucked away amidst the beautiful mountains of the eastern escarpment – await you and your bike at the confluence of Queens and Montrose Rivers. Queen Rose Trails are situated about 30km west of Barberton.
On your bike
Blue Route (13km return): From Makesh Hut, follow the main road downhill to Barberton through eucalyptus plantations and then down to the Queens River. Ride along the river bank, go over a bridge and continue until you reach a pretty picnic spot. Refreshed and at peace, return on the main road again to Makesh Hut. On the way back you will encounter a few uphills which will burn sufficient reserves to give you a good appetite for a post-ride meal.
Yellow Route (33km circuit): This route is a tough one for the intermediate rider. The first section is the same as the Blue route. Where the route splits, follow the yellow signs. You will have an 8km climb through plantations and grasslands. On top of the mountain you will be rewarded by a breathtaking view of the whole De Kaap Valley. Then you will descend for 7km surrounded by the endless vistas of the area. Once this downhill levels out, you will have a choice to go back to Makesh Hut or cycle another 6km to Cupid Waterfall. On your way back there’s the not-to-be-missed opportunity of a picnic or swim at the foefie slide.
Red Route (45km circuit): This route will only be enjoyable for advanced riders. The first section is the same as the Yellow Route, but don’t go downhill. Instead, continue along the road through Nelshoogte, going over the dam to Queensview Hut. This will be a well-earned resting place. From here you will go on the hiking trail for 5km to the cupid Waterfall. If you are tired, the best thing to do is to go for a swim at the foefie slide, then ride downhill back to Makesh Hut. [/div2]
Off the bike
Hiking, mountain rock pool swimming and a foefie slide provide alternatives to cycling.
CONTACT:
Route information: Wim and Marie Kotze
Address: PO Box 1332, Barberton, 1300
Telephone: (013) 712 4449 or 083 545 0900
Email: wimpie.kotze@mweb.co.za
Website: www.footprint.co.za/queenrose.htm
GPS: S25°50’18.5″‘, E30°53.17.0’
