Forest Buzzard Trail

About Forest Buzzard Trail

Start: Witfontein forestry station, Witfontein Nature Reserve, north of George
Finish: Witfontein Nature Reserve
Duration: 2.2 km
Fitness: easy, ideal for children
Our tip: for those after a more arduous hike, an alternative starting point at the end of Arbour Road in Glen Barrie turns the hike into a 7 km trail (the gate at the end of the road is clearly marked; although difficult not to park in people's driveways)

This really easy circular route is ideal for one of George's notoriously hot summer days as most of it meanders through pine plantations and indigenous forest, passing a waterfall – a gentle space at which to stop and soak in the quiet and cool.

To reach Witfontein Forestry Station you head over the Outeniqua Pass, a lovely start to the outing.

The trail begins at the Witfontein forestry station at which you can park your car and walk almost immediately – the trail's start is well sign-posted (pick up a map of the route at the door of the station).

The route is well-marked with white arrows on wooden boards.

The initial route winds through pine trees and then heads for a gravel service road from which you head left onto a jeep track. Watch out for cyclists as a biking trail runs alongside.

The jeep track then gives way to a footpath (it is well signposted) on your left from which you continue until you leave the plantation and enter the forest proper. Benches along the route allow for plenty of stops should it be necessary.

A highlight of the walk is the wooden bridge over the wall of the dam.

Dogs are allowed on a lead.