Chelmsford Nature Reserve
The 6 400 ha Chelmsford Nature Reserve lies 26 km outside Newcastle and is the perfect break from the Battlefields Route. The reserve houses the Ntshingwayo Dam (previously known as Chelmsford Dam), so it’s a wonderful water sports venue, ideal for windsurfing, canoeing and jet skiing.
There are 217 species of birds in the reserve, which makes for ample bird spotting - look out for the pink-billed lark, black-bellied bustard, African grass-owl and plenty of flamingos.
The grasslands are home to various species of buck, including springbok, blesbok and red hartebeest. The reserve is great for a family-fun outing where you’ll get to experience the beautiful scenery of KwaZulu-Natal, leisure activities and the odd tackler fishing for carp or bass in the dam.
Mountain Biking
The Two Passes Route is a beautifully scenic mountain biking route over the Normandien and Mullers Passes near Newcastle. It comes with more than enough sting in the tail to test your endurance. Get ready early on for the ascent up Muller’s Pass (7.8 km), taking in the beautiful views over the Cathedral Peak area and Lost Valley as you steadily crunch your way to the summit at 1 835 m.
Prepare for 5 - 8 hours in the saddle on this 91 km loop. The route starts from Mullers Pass General Dealer, about 19 km from Newcastle. Vulintaba Estate boasts an extensive 50 km mountain biking trail network offering a range of options to riders of all abilities. The routes are rated from green (easy) and blue (intermediate) to black (technical). The verdant Hidden Valley basin makes for wide trails with sweeping turns through gently sloping grassland, while the surrounding mountain slopes will test your skills and strength.
The routes start from the estate’s clubhouse and should be booked in advance as entry is by appointment only. The, Round the Mountain, mountain biking trail has a 35 km trail suited to moderately fit riders, with some steep climbs, stunning views, singletrack, river crossings and a few steep descents in a loop. No fee is payable – all public road. The grading is intermediate. Start and finish at the Pint and Pig Out in Newcastle.
Hiking Trails
Moorfield Day Trails
Situated 33 km west of Newcastle, on the Normandien Pass road, high up in Mullers Pass. Moorfield is a nature lover's paradise. A deep gorge runs through the resort, which boasts majestic tumbling waterfalls, indigenous forests, game, rock painting and fossils. Moorfield is open on Sundays for day visitors and offers recreation activities or a 4x4 trip up the mountain.
Eikenhoff Hiking Trail
24 km west of Newcastle on the Normandien/Mullers Pass Road. The Ncandu River winds through this majestic farm owned by the Muller family, after whom Muller's Pass is named. The day trail is a moderate hike, offering spectacular scenery, game, bird life, a crystal clear mountain river and streams. Well-equipped, rustic chalets along the river with accommodation for 24 people.
Geelhout Trail
Starting at the farm Glendale, in the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg, this well marked 12 km trail along the Normandien Pass wanders past mountain streams and waterfalls, leading to an indigenous yellow wood forest. A variety of small game and bird life are found on the route.
Inkwelo Mountain Day Trail
Access to the hike up Inkwelo Mountain is from the Inkwelo Motel, 32 km from Newcastle on the Volkrust Road, N11. There are British graves and a series of pretty waterfalls on the walk. It is not advisable to take very small children on this trail, as the rocks in the streams and at the waterfall tend to be slippery.
Ngogo Hiking and Horse Trails
Four different trails lead up into the mountains overlooking Newcastle and down into the Ingogo Valley, passing mountian streams and stunning scenery. You can take day trails or spend several nights out sleeping, or staying in the unique fully equipped cottages.
Majuba Commemorative Farm
Situated approximately 40 km from Newcastle on the nek of Majuba Mountain, the farm offers a Youth Lodge for some eighty persons, museum, camping and picnic sites as well as a number of day trails up and around this famous mountain and battlefield.