Melville Koppies launches new 5km hiking trail
MELVILLE – It would be a shame to miss out this urban escape your community has to offer.
Melville Koppies’ newly launched 5km trail is just the perfect exhilaration distance you need to start off your week with a trail that guides you along almost all the existing paths.
According to Jenny Grice, a volunteer at the Koppies, the route clambers up rocky gullies, down gentle slopes, through cool forested areas and into open grasslands where some of the grass is chest high. “Take a breather at the various view sites and see if you can spot the mountains of Magaliesberg, the cooling towers of Kelvin power station, the Northcliff water tower and The Leonardo in Sandton, the tallest building in Africa.”
To those worried that this venture could bring more pain than pleasure, you really wouldn’t have to torture yourself. “If you tire along the way, there are numerous spots where you can escape from the trail and take a shorter route home,” said Grice.
“Then come back another Sunday and test yourself again. Or you can choose to just explore quietly at your own pace.”
The Melville Koppies is open every Sunday, except on 2 May. It will instead be open on 1 May, from 8am to 11.30am. It is R80 for adults and R40 for children with all proceeds being used for the maintenance and security of the heritage site. Security on the koppies is provided, you park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
Details: Wendy Carstens wendavid@mweb.co.za
