Die Bosveld Outdoor Lifestyle Venue

Why My Adult Children Refuse to Be My Eternal Hiking Buddies (Rude)

So apparently my two sons, Salt (24) and Pepper (27), can’t commit to being my eternal hiking companions.

Rude. Ungrateful. Shocking.

They are, inconveniently, fully grown adults who insist on doing wild things like "building independent lives" that do not revolve around hiking with their mother.

I know.

The audacity.

I adore hiking.

Nature.

Trails.

My friends, however, adore shopping.

Not even hiking-adjacent shopping.

Full-blown designer-sale, elbow-deep, mall-marathon shopping.

Somehow, our friendship has survived this fundamental difference.

A modern miracle really.

Why I Needed a Hiking Tribe

Faced with the horror of hiking alone (I am not an “I’ll just be one with nature” kind of woman), I realised something terrifying:

I needed a "hiking tribe."

This is deeply unfortunate, as I am shy, impatient, antisocial, and intolerant....a joy really.

A casual work chat revealed a light bulb moment:

“What if I start a Facebook hiking group?”

Apparently, this was not groundbreaking.

There are tons of them.

Who knew?

Joining Hiking Groups

Naturally, I joined several groups.

It was like falling into a parallel universe populated by people I related to.

Eventually, I narrowed it down to a couple of promising options.

Forms filled.

Fees paid.

Salt was informed - not asked - that he was joining too.

The plan?

Salt and/or Pepper would attend group hikes with me initially to help me break the ice.

Payback time, boys. I helped you make friends 20 years ago.

Your turn now.

When Plans Change

Until then, we had planned our own hikes every weekend, usually on Sundays.

Those early morning stops at petrol stations to buy coffee for the road?

Just an extension of what promised to be a magical day.

I had joined a Whats App group for "Die Bosveld" and had told Salt we were meeting at 7h45.

But us early risers arrived at 6h45.

Salt’s pout suggested we start without the group.

And honestly? He was right.

Early morning is the most magical hiking hour.

So… we accidentally-on-purpose hiked solo.

Trees, Shade & Pure Bliss

The trail began among the trees that were not just beautiful; they were majestic giants that commanded respect and admiration, providing ample shade.

The trees at the start of the trail were nothing short of magnificent, creating a natural canopy, their branches intertwining with sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a magical atmosphere.

The early morning coolness, the mist between the trees.... made the experience even more magical.

Unfortunately, I have no photos to share, because pulling out a phone earned me accusations of being a “tourist” and “ruining the moment.”

Salt is dramatic like that.

The shade continued throughout most of the hike, which I loved as I hate getting overheated on a hike.

Sorry to the group waiting for us - we didn’t mean to bail.

Nature seduced us.

The 5 km Disappointment

We originally planned the 10 km route (two 5 km loops).

Due to the varied terrain, the first loop took about two hours.

Salt, fresh off a long week and still pouting, decided he was done after 5 km.

To be fair, he’s usually very accommodating.

Also to be fair, I could easily have done the second loop.

Die Bosveld is a hidden gem that’s now firmly on my repeat list.

Those trees alone are worth the trip.

I’m absolutely going back for the full 10 km - preferably with my future hiking tribe.

AREA: Pretoria

COST: R 70 pp.

DIFFICULTY - MODERATE

Moderate (totally doable for anyone over 50 in average shape—just pace yourself)

This 5 km surprised me.

It hit harder than expected and delivered far more joy than anticipated.

It gives you the option to start with the tougher part of the trail or end with it.

I loved that, as everyone has their preference.

LENGTH - 5 km

When our hike was slashed to a paltry 5 km, I’ll admit it - I felt briefly cheated.

Is 5 km even worth putting hiking boots on for?

It totally was.

TIME - 2 hrs

HIGHLIGHTS: Undoubtedly those trees…..OH MY HAT!!

ELEVATION - 280 m

Although it was moderately tough, it was also slow, steady and painless.

We took our time and there was no huffing, puffing, or tree-branch acrobatics

MARKERS - Extremely well marked.

AMENITIES - At the start, we discovered a charming coffee shop nestled among the trees. Imagine sipping a hot cup of coffee while surrounded by such splendour.

The serene setting made every sip more enjoyable, adding a layer of tranquility to our post-hike reflections.

Ablutions spotless

Safe parking a plenty.