Mule Trail Magic: A Relaxing Trail In Harties

So, this trail was one of those pleasant surprises—the kind you jot down on a whim and then never hear about again....until you look at "Your List".

It also happened to be my first hike with a colleague who’d asked to tag along on my adventures. Let’s call her Cinnamon. Why? Because she’s calm and soothing......but packs a punch when you least expect it.

On arrival, we were greeted by friendly and helpful faces. Admin? Sorted at the Nineteen69 Pub & Bistro, which, by the way, is not your average village joint. Think stunning, upmarket décor that makes you feel like a fancy city dweller... even if you’re just .......well....a villager.

Cinnamon seemed game for anything—my dream hiking partner. Except, as it turns out, her lungs are not totally compatible with inclines. This trail, luckily, wasn’t a lung buster. It’s just interesting enough to keep you entertained but forgiving enough that you don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to tackle.

I realized pretty early on that Cinnamon might need a bit more practice before we tackle anything wild. Can you strengthen lungs that seem allergic to inclines? Who knows—but here’s hoping. For her lungs and mine.

No stress, though. We slowed things down, and she was great. Bonus? Her frequent need for breathers perfectly aligned with my obsession for snapping photos GUILT FREE. A truly symbiotic partnership if there ever was one! Oh, and I felt like Superwoman, as I am normally the coming up for air.

At the start, I’ll admit I was skeptical. The trail opens with an incline alongside the main Harties road—aka the Sunday biker highway. Nothing screams anti-zen quite like the noise of Harley-Davidson engines roaring by. Just as my inner peace was about to pack its bags, the trail mercifully veered off, and voilà—instant zen. Quiet, awesome views, and an atmosphere that made the whole thing so worth it.

Naturally, we got a little lost. Because, let’s be honest, getting lost is my brand at this point. Would it even be my hike without me getting lost? Nope.

RATING

LOCATION:

Broederstroom, Hartbeespoort.

In my infinite wisdom, I wanted to avoid Harties that day because I didn’t feel like driving that far. Turns out Broederstroom is Harties. Honestly, just ignore me—it’s better for everyone involved

COST: R 50

DIFFICULTY: Easy, but not pancake-flat

LENGTH: 6 km

TIME

2.5 hours at a leisurely, laid-back pace—fully soaking in the journey

MARKERS

Not bad (but you might still manage to wander off, just for fun)

HIGHLIGHTS: Those views!

ABLUTIONS: Top-notch.

FREE AND SAFE PARKING

AMENITIES: That amazing bistro

ON A FINAL NOTE:

If you're looking for a day out in Harties with a hike that won't completely wreck you (in true Harties fashion), this is the spot. Bring the kids, bring the dogs—maybe leave granny at home, though (unless she's part mountain goat).

It's a super friendly environment with relaxing vibes and great views. Plus, there’s apparently a ton of history there...not that I’d know, because, well, sieve brain over here....enlightenment and I are not on speaking terms.....but if you are interested....knock yourself out.