Lourensford Traverse - Come Flirt with Nature

Words: Ugene Nel | Photos: Chris Hitchcock

Topic: 
Trail Running

Nestled in the fertile bowl of the Helderberg Mountains, Lourensford Estate offers a lot more than just wine! For the connoisseur, there's an art gallery, coffee roastery, deli and eatery, a world-class cheesery, export fruit and trout fishing, or you can indulge in delicious nougat, truffles and more than 40 different types of chocolates. For the outdoor enthusiast, there's a number of sporting events held here that give you the opportunity to explore and experience the fantastic trails on offer.

Lourensford Traverse - Come Flirt with Nature

One such opportunity takes place on 6 April 2013 - the Lourensford Traverse, a 10 km or 21 km trail run. This event is the first of a series of six runs in the Spur Country Classics. It is also the easiest in the series, which is probably best described as ‘adventure trail running’.

 

Competitors can expect to run along a water canal for about half the distance. This canal carries pristine, crystal-clear water from the Helderberg Mountains across the estate, and someone from the estate inspects the canal every day to check for defects and blockages. The trail is fairly flat, except for the first few kilometres, it’s not too technical and has very little altitude gain or loss, so I guess this would be an ‘ideal’ run for runners who want to get more into trail running.

 

The fruit picking season will be over by then, but the colours of the leaves on the various fruit trees will have started to change as winter approaches. So with spectacular views over the Helderberg Mountains, great vibes and crisp clean air, things can only get better with the promise of chilled wine, country cheese and fresh brewed coffee waiting for those who dare to come and flirt with nature!

 

Oorlogskloof Mountain Trail Run (27 April 2013)

The Lourensford Traverse will also set you up to tackle the next adventure run, the Oorlogskloof Mountain Trail Run in Nieuwoudtville on 27 April. There's a 5 km, 18 km or the 'to-amazing-for-words' 42 km, which can be run in pairs only - due to the remoteness. The inaugural event in 2012 was described as the 'best trail experience' by some of the runners who took part. This weekend away is definitely going to be a 'one-of-a-kind' nature experience where like-minded folk get together for pure adventure! If you are keen to take part, you need to pre-enter by 23 April.

 

dinFO:

Please note that if you would like to take part in the Lourensford Traverse or any of the other Spur Country Classics, only pre-entries will be accepted. To register, visit www.quantumadventures.co.za or check out the Quantum Adventures Events on Facebook.

 

Issue: 
Issue 24 Apr'13
Contributor: 
Ugene Nel