101 Trail Guide | 2010

Ferndale 4x4 Trail and Adventure Centre

Located just outside the Eastern Cape town of Cathcart, Ferndale 4x4 Trail and Adventure Centre might be a little out of the way, but it’s certainly worth the detour.
A working angora, sheep and stud cattle farm, Ferndale lies ensconced within the Henderson Heights mountain range, dominated by mountains, gorges and forested canyons. The four official 4x4 trails, which are graded 3-5, offer something for everyone. Drivers receive a map and GPS coordinates before departure.
The trails can be driven in either direction, independently or interlaced with one another, giving you the freedom to create an individual course and experience.
Although they are self-drives, guides are available. For those who prefer going it alone, each trail is well signposted and all intersections display the trail options, with their GPS coordinates. The Scenic Circle Route is a leisurely 18.7 km loop across some of the highest peaks in the Henderson Heights range.
Following the perimeter of the farm, it is the main artery providing access to all the trails except the Redcone Route. The grade-3 trail ascends the western flank of the farm to the highest point, some 1 245m above sea level, before it starts its journey back down.
There are two optional descents – the more laid-back original course of the Scenic Circle, or the 37.5° descent through the vertical cliff walls of Boxkloof Canyon. If you do the trail the other way round (anti-clockwise), winch points drilled into the rock will aid your ascent. However, give it a wide berth when wet.
The Wilder Ride is a steep, tight 14½ km rocky ascent up Vulture’s Krans escarpment and down again.
Apart from tip-toeing between aloes and ancient cycads, the trail strides up giant steps, through axle twisters and over gravel. It’s designed for adrenalin junkies, and diff lock is recommended.
Diff-lock Alley is a nerve-wrecker that links the Wilder Ride and the Underberg Road. Graded 5, it is a short, highly technical 11½ km climb up a ruthless, rocky ascent. Diff lock is essential.
The Redcone Route is a moderate 19-km circular trail that loops between the mountains, following the valley. It crosses streams, goes through numerous farm gates and between herds of cattle, and passes some interesting Bushman paintings. It isn’t difficult, but the rocky landscape makes for a bumpy ride.
There are two more challenges: Adrenalin Hill (an awkwardly-cambered canyon crossing) and The Play Pit.

What you need to know

Accommodation:
A fully equipped farmhouse and thatched riverside chalet sleep 10 each and are self-catering. The campsite at the foot of a cliff next to the Thomas River can accommodate 25 vehicles (amenities include electricity points, ablutions with hot water, a thatched boma and braai wood). There are also two bush camps suited to the more self-sufficient off-roader.

What else?
Birding (over 130 species), hiking, mountain biking, abseiling, river tubing, catch-and-release fishing (bass and yellow fish), horse riding, quad biking, and clay-pigeon shooting.

Contact:
Butch and Jenny James 
045 843 1741 (ah),
082 784 4979 (Butch);
Gary Miles
082 745 4154;
www.ferndale4x4.co.za

Nearest town: Cathcart (25 km)

Best time to go: All year, but it gets very cold in July and August

Trail distances: A total of 60+ km

How long will I be driving? 2 days, 8-9 hours per day

GPS: S32.30916 E27.33190

Easy cruises and wild rides

Full review: May 2010 | Philip Sackville-Scott

Located outside the Eastern Cape town of Cathcart, Ferndale 4x4 Trail and Adventure Centre might be a little out of the way, says Philip Sackville-Scott, but it’s certainly worth the detour.

Ensconced within the Henderson Heights mountain range, Ferndale is dominated by high mountains, deep gorges and forested canyons that make for an exceptional off-road location that offer 4x4 challenges from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Butch and Jenny James. Butch is the fifth generation to farm this 2 500 ha angora, sheep and stud cattle farm. He knows every fact and fable of the area and is more than happy to enthral you, given half the chance.
Before we headed out Butch described the lay of the land, supplying each driver with a map and GPS coordinates. Just as well, because with four official trails and two unofficial ones things can get a little confusing.
The trails can be driven in either direction, independently or interlaced with one another, giving you the freedom to create your own individual course.
Although they are self-drive trails, a guide is available on request. For those who prefer going it alone, each trail is well signposted and all intersections display the trail options, with their GPS coordinates. So don’t worry, you won’t get lost.

Room to manoeuvre

With drives to suit all preferences and abilities, Ferndale is popular among first-timers, SUV drivers and hardcore, hi-lift-jack-carrying adrenalin junkies alike. Offering variation in difficulty and terrain, the trails are graded 2-5.
Here’s what you can expect from Ferndale’s four trails:
•    The Scenic Circle Route is a leisurely 18.7 km loop across some of the highest peaks in the Henderson Heights range.
•    The Wilder Ride is a steep, tight 14.5 km drive high up on the Vulture’s Krans escarpment. It’s designed specifically for adrenalin junkies who want to test their vehicle. Diff lock is recommended.
•    Diff-lock Alley is a highly technical 11.5 km climb linking the Wilder Ride and the new Underberg Road. Diff lock is essential.
•    The Redcone Route is a moderate 19 km circular trail in the south of the farm that loops between mountain ranges and traverses a stream 13 times.

Apart from the trails, there are also two other sections.
Adrenalin Hill is an optional 1.5 km detour off the Redcone Route. It is an awkwardly-cambered canyon crossing that almost cost Butch his earthmover on conception. Despite the name, careful tyre placement and a steady pace will get you through without too much duress.
The Play Pit is the final stop on the Redcone Route. This huge natural erosion crater provides an opportunity for fine tuning any remaining rusty off-roading skills, especially towing.

The Scenic Circle Route |18.7 km | Grade 3

Following the outer perimeter of the main farm, the Scenic Circle Route is the main artery that provides access to and from all the trails except the Redcone Route.
Starting at the Ferndale farmhouse, this grade 3 trail climbs steadily up the farm’s western flank to the highest point on the farm, some 1 245 m above sea level.
Here, above Vulture’s Krans, is a plateau as manicured as a rugby field – an unexpectedly lush green lawn dotted with sheep and cattle. And the panoramic view is not to be sneezed at either.
The trail continues along the boundary fence to the northernmost point of the farm where it loops back and begins its descent. This is no cue for respite though − the journey down alters trajectory radically and without warning, the earth seemingly giving way beneath your front tyres in a 37.5° descent to Boxkloof Canyon. (A far more placid optional detour goes around Boxkloof Canyon.)
The Underberg Road that traces the base of Vulture’s Krans and ejects you just before the beginning of Boxkloof Canyon is a new alternative to the route over the escarpment.
As 45° is the maximum angle at which a vehicle can tilt before things start going seriously pear shaped, the fact that we were still attached to the track and in good spirits bore testimony to the fact that Butch knows exactly how to build roads.
We somehow maintained traction throughout the descent, holding our breath for the last few metres as, with literally no room for error, we squeezed between the vertical cliff walls of the canyon to the next plateau.
If you do the trail the other way round (anti-clockwise), winch points drilled into the rock aid your ascent.
However, we would recommend you give this a wide berth when wet.
When you do eventually touch down and manage to unclamp your hands from the steering wheel, take a moment to savour the surrounds: your own private forest, complete with musty undergrowth, forest ferns, vines and probably even a Knysna loerie.
The final descent back to the farmhouse is down a series of earthen steps to the Thomas River where the Cruiser’s broad tyres hugged the mountain’s edge as we weaved between huge forest trees.

The Wilder Ride |14.5 km

We approached the Wilder Ride anti-clockwise, detouring left off the Scenic Circle Route. A long, rocky ascent up the plateau and down again, it’s clear how this trail got its name.
Apart from tip-toeing between tall aloes and ancient cycads, the trail strides up giant steps, through axle twisters and over loose gravel. The odd playful twist and turn is thrown in here and there.
A brief respite on top of the plateau allows you to soak up the views before the trail spits you out again on the Underberg Road.
We avoided the start of Diff-lock Alley by veering right a few metres further onto the more scenic detour-descent back to the Scenic Circle Route.

Diff-Lock Alley | 11.5 km | Grade 5

An optional nerve-wrecker, Diff-lock Alley links the Wilder Ride and the Underberg Road.
In contrast to Butch’s other well-constructed and well-maintained trails, this one is an unkempt, unruly and downright nasty stretch of seemingly randomly placed boulders set for the amusement of those who want to struggle.
This highly technical and difficult Grade 5 nerve grinder is tough on the vehicle and driver.
It’s guaranteed your vehicle will bump, grind and slide its way up this ruthless, loose and rocky ascent. Diff lock is essential.

The Redcone Route | 19 km

The Redcone Route is on the southern half of the farm, alongside the main campsite where we were staying.
The trail heads south down the western flank of the farm, past Bushman paintings, through numerous farm gates and between herds of cattle.
It’s not a difficult trail, but the rock-strewn landscape makes for a bumpy ride.
The trail follows the valley, crisscrossing what’s usually a stream thirteen times. It’s normally a wet drive, but during our visit it was a dry riverbed due to the severe drought.
Between river crossings and gate openings and closings, we passed the Wiggill House (the remains of an 1866 Settler’s home) and the Redcone bush camp.
Set in the lee of a massive cliff, this bush camp is best-suited to the entirely self-sufficient – it has no ablutions and only stream water is available.
And that was almost it. All that was left was the Play Pit, thrown in as a farewell at the end of Redcone.
After two full days of fun-filled driving, long evenings kuiering around the fire and lots of Eastern Cape hospitality we had managed to cover all the trails and see all the sights.
And yet, as we said goodbye we knew we would be back.

Drive Out says: An excellent route and worthwhile destination. If you haven’t been there yet, you should make a point of going.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

It has a great setting, which is complemented by challenging but safe trails and affordable accommodation.

EN ROUTE

How long are the trails?
Some 60 km
How long will I be driving?
2 days, 8-9 hours per day
Maximum number of vehicles?
20; minimum 2
Do I get a map?
Yes, as well as a comprehensive briefing and GPS coordinates
Will my car get scratched?
No
Should I remove my running boards?
Yes, if your vehicle has limited ground clearance
Should I take a compressor?
Yes, and you should deflate the tyres to 1.2-1.5 bar.
Can I turn around halfway?
Yes, at numerous junctions
Can we have a braai en route?
Only at the bush camps

THE SURROUNDS

Best time to go?
All year, but it gets very cold in July and August.
Can I take my family along?
Definitely
Just for the day or the weekend?
At least a weekend
Are there ablution facilities for day visitors?
Yes
Can I see game?
Yes, there are kudu, impala and eland.
The nearest town?
Cathcart (25 km)
How do I get there?
Cathcart is 135 km inland from East London on the N6, almost midway between Queenstown and Stutterheim. Follow the signs from Cathcart to Ferndale/Henderson.
The nearest fuel?
Cathcart (25 km)

WHERE CAN I STAY?

•    A furnished self-catering farmhouse with full amenities that sleeps 10;
•    A furnished self-catering riverside chalet that sleeps 10;
•    The main campsite at the foot of a cliff next to the Thomas River accommodates 25 vehicles (amenities include electricity points, full ablutions with hot water and a thatched boma; braai wood is supplied);
•    Two bush camps for the self-sufficient camper on the Redcone and Scenic Circle routes accommodate 5 vehicles each.

WHAT ELSE?

Must I take anything special?
Camera and binoculars
What else can I do there?
Birding (there are over 130 species on the farm), hiking, mountain biking, abseiling, river tubing, catch-and-release fishing (bass and yellow fish), horse riding, quad biking, and clay pigeon shooting

COSTS

Trail: R180 per vehicle (for 1 or all trails)
Accommodation: Camping: R50 pppn; Farmhouse: R100 pppn; Chalet: R175 pppn. Discounts for children

CONTACT:
Butch and Jenny James
045 843 1741 (ah);
Butch 082 784 4979 or Gary Miles 082 745 4154;
www.ferndale4x4.co.za

Full Review | ROLL OF HONOUR
Drive Out Top Ten: 2004, 2005, 2006

Nearest town Cathcart (24 km)
Contact Butch James (no, not the flyhalf)
Tel 045 843 1741
Cell 082 784 4979
Gary Miles 082 745 4154
Email fern@eci.co.za
Best time of year All year round
Maximum vehicles 20
Route distance Four trails (2 – 3 hours each)
GPS Points S32 18 49.9 E27 19 26.0

There is no excuse for planning a trip to the Eastern Cape and not including a day at Ferndale along the way there or back.
Ferndale is a working sheep and angora farm (so the braai chops are always fresh and juicy), but we prefer to think of it as a 4x4 enthusiast’s paradise. The four trails lead you from one breathtaking view to the next.
Then, after a great day’s driving, you can head for the excellent campsite and a refreshing dip in the dam (fishing is allowed on a catch-and-release basis). Owner Butch James will regale you with tales about the region’s history and wildlife.
A recently built thatched chalet that sleeps up to eight is also available. And if you’re driving your father-in-law’s Porsche Cayenne then Butch will probably allow you to test it out in the farm’s playpit – as long as you take pics and send them in to Drive Out afterwards, right Butch?

Full Review | TOP TEN 2005

Nearest town Cathcart (24km)
Contact Butch James
Tel 045 843 1741 
Cell 082 784 4979
Email fern@eci.co.za
Contact Gary Miles
Cell 082 745 4154
Best time of year Year round
Maximum vehicles 20
Route distance 3 trails: 2 – 3 hours each

Ferndale's trail takes you up some of the highest peaks in the Henderson Valley, offering wonderful views of the area. Four trails are on offer with a new section having recently been added. This short section is very tough and requires a bit of experience, but can be bypassed. A play-pit has also been opened and is available to experienced drivers wanting to test their skills. By far the most important aspect in the success of this trail is the enthusiasm of owner Butch James (no, not the flyhalf). His passion rubs off on every aspect of the trail and means that this will always be a top destination. It is a working sheep and angora goat farm, so there are farm gates to be opened and shut! There is a large camping site available with two ablution blocks and good facilities as well as self-catering options. The area is very beautiful and the trail is cleverly laid out to allow the best views and to give participants an enjoyable drive.

Where to stay

• The campsite is lovely and a new thatched chalet is being added,which is due for completion by mid-December. This will be self-catering and will sleep 2 - 8 guests

Why go there?

• Lovely camping facilities next to the river
• It’s a wonderful gateway to the Baviaanskloof area with its myriad wonderful attractions
• Plenty of birdlife and wildlife
• The farm has an interesting history and Butch is in his element sharing it with visitors
• The trails offer something for everyone and there’s plenty to keep the family busy
• The dam at the campsite is wonderful for swimming in the
  summer months and fishing is allowed on a catch and release basis

Why it’s a Top 10 choice

• driving challenges
• ability to maintain interest
• scenery
• richness of fauna and flora
• variety of attractions on offer
• quality or appeal of camping or accommodation facilities
• commitment to preserving /rehabilitating the environment
• charisma or commitment of guides/owners
• value for money
• wilderness or get-away-from-it-all experience