Spring into action
Posted by Sunè Samuels on 20 June 2018 3:35 AM CAT

Spring is here and the great outdoors is beckoning. It is time to head out on the road less travelled and appreciate our picturesque town, Wellington’s, natural beauty and authentic country living.
Get ready for summer, head outdoors and appreciate our nature!
Wellington parkrun
The 5km Wellington parkrun takes place every Saturday at 8am at Imbuko Wine Estate.
It is free of charge and you run for your own enjoyment.
http://www.parkrun.co.za/wellington/
Bainskloof Pass
One of a series of passes that cut through the mountain that seal Cape Town and its surrounds from the interior, Bainskloof Pass is also one of the Winelands most scenic routes.
If you continue to drive its bends and turns it brings you right up against the Limietberg Mountain with incredible views out over the Wellington valley. Consistent viewpoints along the pass allow space to pull over.
Today Bainskloof is a national monument and regarded by those who travel it as the scenic, off the beaten track route to Wolseley and Tulbagh, or Ceres.
Most of the walks in the Limietberg Nature Reserve start from the top of Bainskloof pass, and there is a fairly popular campsite, known as Tweede Tol, roughly 16km along the pass from Wellington at which you can overnight.
The more adventurours types can do the Rock-Hopper trail along the Witte River between the campsite and Eerste Tol at the top of Bainskloof Pass.
http://www.wellington.co.za/places/wellington/activities/bainskloof-pass/
Welvanpas Hiking Trail
Wandering through Wellington is absolutely wonderful.
One of the best places to do this is at Welvanpas Family Farm. A great estate in the heart of Wellington, it is one of the oldest family run farms in the country. Currently in the hands of the 11th-generation Retief family (it has been owned by the Retiefs for more than 305 years!), the farm offers great mountain bike and hiking trails to explore.
The trails start on Welvanpas Family Vineyards, where you can get your permit (and a cup of coffee) from ‘Die Ou Meul’ coffee shop.
You can also go wine-tasting afterwards (even on Sunday). While you are there, have a peak at the gardens on the opposite side of the road. They are rather magical!
The full hiking trail is 7 km and goes all the way through the mountains. You walk alongside a river, through forests and vineyards filled with incredible flora.
You walk through areas of stunning wilderness with endearing names such as Popular Forest, Fairy Forest and Fern Forest.
You pass a great waterfall on your way back.
http://www.wellington.co.za/places/wellington/activities/welvanpas-family-vineyards-2/
Quenti Alpaca Farm
During a tour of this alpaca farm you’ll see just how much work goes into making that scarf or pair of socks; machinery that can take your fingers off in seconds.
The owners, Stephen and Linda are hardworking people and they do everything themselves, from shearing the alpacas to spinning the yarn.
They are your hosts if you are interested in a visit. Visits by appointment only.