Bass Lake : A Nice Surprise

Ah yes, the backup plan.

The unsung hero of every outing that begins with “so… slight change,” and ends with everyone pretending this was obviously the intention all along.

Today’s crew: "S" (logistics queen, patron saint of confirmations) and "M" (driver, enabler, co-conspirator).

I was there primarily for photos and commentary no one asked for.

"S", in a shocking display of competence, actually checked with Plan A which was closed for a private event.

The kind of detail I generally discover only after arriving, parking, and committing emotionally.

Naturally, we pivot.

"S" casually mentions Bass Lake in Henley on Klip, like she’s been holding this backup in her back pocket the whole time.

The Day Begins (Sideways)

The day didn’t go badly - it just refused to go as planned.

We met up, got moving, and immediately flirted with a minor car battery situation.

Nothing dramatic - just enough uncertainty to remind you that plans are theoretical at best.

It was resolved quickly.

Crisis downgraded.

Illusion of control restored.

Witkop Blockhouse (Because Why Not)

Without warning, "S" announces: “Do you want to see the Witkop Blockhouse?”

What followed was a completely unplanned - and mildly unnecessary - detour that turned out to be fabulous.

The “Casual Walk”

We finally made it to Bass Lake expecting a gentle stroll. You know - flat terrain, light breeze, maybe a polite duck.

We had already discussed maybe a stroll through the charming looking Henley on Klip town afterwards just to make it worth while.

Instead, we got a hike.

I had no hydration pack (my emotional support item) - just a single 1.5 L bottle of water and shoes that can best be described as “optimistic.”

Fine for flat surfaces.

Allegedly.

Unexpected Views

The trail starts with a manageable incline.

Once past that, things flattened out - and that's when we got unexpected scenery, shifting landscapes, and just enough variation to keep it interesting.

It was fabulous.

Post Hike Feast

After the hike, we ended up at the on-site coffee shop overlooking the lake.

Service, food and Patrons - delightful.

Charming.

Also, full disclosure: the only reason we didn’t continue exploring was me.

Yes, me.

There are waterfalls on the trail we missed, and a whole wander around Henley on Klip still waiting.

We’ll be back. With better shoes. More water. And a plan to actually finish what we started.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Henley on Klip, Meyerton

COST

R 150

I judged initially, obviously.

Then realised you can accidentally spend an entire day here without trying, so… fine.

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Not flat. Still manageable.

TRAIL LENGTH

We did about 7.5 km, but it’s a build-your-own-adventure situation

TRAIL MARKERS

There was a map.

I was not involved.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Views, variety, and the quiet realization that you may have underestimated it

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

Mostly exposed.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Proper hiking trails

4x4 routes for the adventurous types

Fishing spots

Camping areas

Boating and water activities

A genuinely clean, well-kept lake

Fabulous coffee shop

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Yes, although personally, no wildlife sightings.

NOTE TO SELF

It turns out that abandoning structure occasionally leads to something better than the original plan.

This is deeply inconvenient information, and I will be ignoring it moving forward.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Absolutely.

PET FRIENDLY

Not sure, possibly, but phone ahead.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Bass Lake is scenic without trying too hard, active without being punishing, and charming.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(TO)SOLO if you trust yourself.