WALKHAVEN (Zwaartkops)
A 2 km walk on a
22 hectare small-holding on the outskirts of Joburg. It is
completely safe, has natural grassland, a dam with clean water
for doggy swimming and a picnic area.
Special Arrangements: You will
need to phone beforehand to make sure it is ok to visit. Call
David or Lorna Fowler on Cell: 083-659-1488 or 011-957-3252.
Cost: In 2002, it normally it cost R25 pp.. Children under 12
and dogs are free. Please check for current rates.
Directions: Take Beyers Naude Drive out of Johannesburg and
cross over the Krugersdorp-Pretoria highway (N14). About 3 km
further on look for a dirt road on the right signposted "Walkhaven."
Take the dirt road for 1 km and you will enter Walkhaven's
property. Follow the dirt road around to the left into the
property and park in the shade near the ablution block.
Dog Friendliness: Extremely dog friendly. The owner trains gun
dogs and has a pack of friendly hounds.
Walk Time: Under 1 hour and allow extra time for a picnic or
braai.
Parking: Under the shade of thorn tees on the property.
Safety: Very safe.
Facilities: Toilets, kitchen, picnic and braai area, benches.
They now have a bar and can provide breakfasts and other meals.
Water: The dam was low when I visited, but it is fed from a
nearby spring and is very clean and good for doggy swimming. Tap
water available at the picnic area.
The Walk: It is very simple - follow the cut paths which will
take you on several loops on the property. I did the following
walk.
From the parking area, walk down towards the dam. Turn right
before the dam so that you are walking parallel to the small
stream. After about 300 m you will see a small wood bridge to
your left. Cross over the bridge and walk towards a 2nd small
dam wall. Cross the dam/steam and follow the path as it winds up
the hill to the boundary fence to your right. This path then
follows the boundary fence to the left and eventually brings you
back to the main dam. Look out for the game on the neighbouring
farm - control your dog if she is annoying the animals.
From the dam there is another link that will take you on a
north-west loop. On the ablution side of the dam there is
another cut path alongside the stream to a neighbouring
small-holding to the west.
Watch Out For: Ticks. Please pick up your dog's poops in the
parking/picnic area.
More Info: David Fowler 083-659-1488; 011-357-3252.
© Dogwalk Publications -
14 January 2008
|
