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Old Mill Drift 4x4 Trail
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Contact:
Francis Lozear
Telephone:
058 256 1323
E-mail address:
lozear@gmail.com
Web page:
http://www.oldmilldrift.co.za
Nearest town:
Clarens and Fouriesburg (both 30km) |
-28.605840, 28.469370
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Route distance:
26km | 4 hours average
Surrounds:
Old Mill Drift Mountain Resort is a tranquil hideaway surrounded by the majestic Maluti Mountains along the Caledon River, on the Free State / Lesotho border. Situated Between the towns of Clarens and Fouriesburg in the eastern Free State, the resort is on a working organic farm offersing a farm holiday in a mountain setting.
The trail:
Like most 4x4 trails in the Clarens district of the eastern Free State, it can be tough. So tough that it was considered a suitable venue for the South African selection stages of the Malaysian Rainforest Challenge a couple of years back. Several configurations can be attempted in this 80km loop. Almost all require sound experience, low range and strong nerves. Vehicle damage is always a possibility, especially during the rainy season when most of the tracks become 50-50 options and the others... well, they just become impassable. This is one Free State trail that could have mom looking for another car to use as the school taxi. Still, that's the challenge some people thrive on. It must have something to do with the crisp mountain air.
Accommodation:
There are 5 self-catering chalets, sleeping between 2 and 12 persons respectively. Each chalet is equipped with Jet master fireplace, large fully equipped kitchen with coal and gas stoves. Serviced daily.There are backpackers huts with toilets and showers and four adventure cottages, accommodating 10 persons each - ideal for clubs and large families planning a cost effective getaway.
Camping:
Camping facilities available. 
101 Trail Guide | 2010
Old Mill Drift
High in the northeastern Free State highlands between Clarens and Fouriesburg, situated along the Caledon River, lies Old Mill Drift.
Like most 4x4 trails in the area, it can be tough … so tough that it was considered a suitable venue for the South African selection stages of the Malaysian Rainforest Challenge a number of years back.
Several configurations can be attempted in this 26 km trail, and almost all require experience, low-range and a strong nerve.
Vehicle damage is always a possibility, especially during the rainy season. Unlike most of the other trails in the area, which are organised, the tracks on Old Mill Drift are short and independent – one at each end of the valley, with the mountain track (starting just behind the reception area) in the middle.
The first part runs up a mountain slope for a few hundred metres after which it descends along a steep slope to a river bed. Thereafter you climb slowly up a hill until the road starts leveling out underneath an interesting rock formation. Here and there you have to walk the road down first, especially where it disappears into the long grass.
The subsequent track back up on the other side of the mountain is a little more challenging, and traces the very edge of the cliff. It’s terrifying and overwhelmingly breathtaking at the same time. The sense of being “on the edge” is very real here and you might find yourself thinking of the current whereabouts of your Last Will and Testament.
The track is mostly compact gravel and rock, but now and again you’re presented with a large expanse of exposed sandstone plate. Just as your heart rate returns to normal, the track before you disappears in a sinkhole of wash-aways that is tough to see without getting out and walking.
This descent needs to be treated with healthy respect as it’s littered with large rocks and boulders. On the middle part you drive through the ankle-deep water of the Nuwejaarspruit here and there.
What you need to know
Accommodation:
You can camp, or stay in the 4x4 adventure cottages or the chalets.
What else?
You can also go walking, mountain biking, bird watching and fly fishing. There are numerous Anglo-Boer War sites and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park that can be visited too.
Contact:
Francis Lozear,
058 256 1323,
lozear@gmail.com,
www.oldmilldrift.co.za
Nearest town: Clarens and Fouriesburg (both 30 km)
Best time to go: All year round
Trail distance: 26 km
How long will I be driving? 4 hours on average
GPS: S28.60840 E28.45442
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