GOLDEN
HARVEST (Northgate)
Description:
A large dogwalk
park in two parts. Part one, the eastern section, is the
manicured and well tended area that has picnic spots, childrens’
playground equipment and grassy lawns dotted with shady trees.
Part 2, to the west, is a much wilder mix of natural grassland,
small streams, tall eucalyptus stands and stunning views. So you
can choose your own mix of civility and wildness. A good place
to picnic after the walk – take some snacks and something to
drink in a cooler bag.
Directions:
The entrance is
at the corner of Maple and Hunters Roads, Northgate. Behind the
Banbury Cross Shopping Centre (Map Studio pg. 13 DE90 & pg. 31
DF 90). Entrance fee of R5/adult, R2/child under 12 and R15/car.
Dog Friendliness: Technically all dogs should be on lead,
but nobody seems to comply.
Walk Time:
30 minutes to over 1 hour.
Parking:
Outside the
entrance gate (free) or anywhere inside the ground. I have
indicated the recommended parking areas on the map.
Safety:
On the whole it seems pretty safe - the entire area is enclosed.
But there are holes in the perimeter fence at several places. I
would expect the grassed lawns to be safer than the more remote
western section. Watch out for cars within the park.
Facilities:
In the eastern grassed section there are: childrens’ playground
equipment, picnic and braai areas, taps, trash bins. In the west
there are no facilities.
Water:
3 dams (the largest
is a good canine swimming dam), streams and wetlands. Plenty of
taps in the eastern section.
Walk:
Essentially you
walk in a clockwise direction starting from where you park. I
would recommend that you park at P1, walk down to the Pampoen
Spruit and take the path that runs alongside the stream. It
leads you up the left hand side of the dam wall and then around
the dam in a clockwise direction. This path meets a dirt road on
the north side. Turn left and follow the dirt road around to the
left until it turns sharply right onto a track below a row of
recently constructed town houses. Follow this track until you
reach the end of the town houses and you see a large area of
grassland spread out in front of you.
Turn left and
follow the track along the brick wall until your way is blocked
by another townhouse development and the path turns to the
right. At the end of this town house development continue
straight, along a small track (DON’T turn left and continue
following the electric fencing as it leads to a dead end). The
track leads you through some tallish grass and down to a muddy
marshy stream. If you look to the left you will see the
Northgate Mall and Dome at the top of the ridge. There is a log
which will get you most of the way across the stream, but you
will probably get at least one foot wet.
Take the path
leading to the left up the hill along a fence. Near the top of
the hill you will see a grassy mound about 10 m. to your left
which is part of the remains of an original farmhouse. Bash your
way through some tall grass and when you reach the mound stop
and look at the view. You can see a grand panorama stretching
from Randburg to Hillbrow and Northcliff.
Return along the
same path near the fence until you reach the muddy stream
crossing point. Continue straight ahead along the dirt track. It
leads you up the left side of the valley towards some trees near
the entrance gate to the park. At a fenced property, the road
turns sharply right. Follow the road and continue down the hill
passing some houses to your left and right. At the bottom of the
hill you will see the big dam again.
Turn left and
follow the water’s edge past a few more houses until you reach a
fenced area. You will see a narrow path near the dam leading you
across a rocky section and back down to the grassy eastern end
of the park. Cross the grass back to your car.
Watch Out For:
(1) Broken glass and other dangerous litter in various parts of
the park. (2) Ticks in the tall grass (3) Blackjacks and sharp
grasses that could irritate both you and your dog.
© Dogwalk Publications -
07 July 2007
|
