When hubby told me about a 33km walk/hike that he would like to participate in, I was sceptical to say the least. I mean thirty-three kilometres definitely isn’t for the fainthearted. On the upside though, the walk was going to take place in the Northern Cape, a good 500kms away from our home-sweet-home and I’m always up for a road trip. So we packed the moms (whom I absolutely love for always being up for an adventure) with us in the car and off we went.
The Barnabas Shaw Methodist Heritage trail walk was a 33km walk from Bethelsklip, Kharkams to Leliefontein, Northern Cape. It was held on the 26th September to commemorate the heritage of the Methodist Church in South Africa. Bethelsklip, Kharkams was where the first Methodist church was established by Barnabas Shaw (who was also asked by the Nama chief to preach the word of God to the people of the area) and Leliefontein was how far he had to travel to bring the gospel to the next little town’s residents.
We arrived at our quaint, fuss free little guest house, Tredeyo’s Hope, at about 23:45. Dead. Tired. So it was just a quick bite to eat and off to bed, only to arise again after a mere four hours of sleep to tackle the walk. The area of Leliefontein was undergoing water shedding last weekend due to water shortages so we were without running water the entire weekend. But luckily we had a massive outside storage tank filled with rain water to make use of so we weren’t walking around with any funny smells! Fresh as daisies we started the gruelling 33km walk (which was divided into three parts) down the rocky dirt trails and up the Kammiesberg mountains. I must admit, midway through I felt like giving up but I also felt an overwhelming surge of accomplishment and overcoming of obstacles which encouraged me to push through and complete the first leg. My fellow walkers could not continue with the second part of the walk due to health concerns (though I must give kudos to them for persevering through the first part), so we met up with the rest of the group at the final leg and finish line.
If you can look past the endless gravel roads, major lack of opulence (and even some necessities) in these little towns, you’ll be rewarded with picturesque scenery, much needed life lessons from the locals which will all ultimately result in gratitude. A trip like this is not for those who are accustomed to living in excess. You cannot buy this kind of experience, you have to jump in and live it open-minded and wholeheartedly. This is the simple life. Back to basics and yet still having the time of your life. I believe, and always will believe, in taking the road less travelled and not following the crowd and I encourage everyone to try it. I guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
**Photos taken with Canon DSLR and iPhone
xxx Tulips & Phoenixes xxx
I love finding little towns like these. I have never heard of this place before. It looks really peaceful :-)
It is serenely peaceful and has the most unspoiled beauty. A must see!
Hi Gaynor, I loved reading your description of this walk.
Our Methodist church in Somerset West are keen to do this walk as a pilgrimage, over 2 days this September.
Most of us are retired, and some may opt out of walking the full route. What are the options of taking some folk by car? Did you have a guide to show you the route?
Thanks