Brandwag Buttress, Boskloof, Echo Ravine and Natural Pool Loop - (Golden Gate Highlands NP - Clarens, Free State)

This trail at Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State is a good option if you are pressed for time and want to see a few of the park’s main natural attractions which are near to the Glen Reenen Camp and the Hotel. The trail is easy and can be completed quickly enough before checkout even if you stop frequently to take pictures. The longer Wodehouse, Ribbok and Cathedral Cave hikes will require more time and the shorter options of around an hour walking time only include one of the sights each. This loop covers the Brandwag Buttress, Boskloof, Echo Ravine, and the Natural Swimming Pool at the back of Glen Reenen Camp. Starting and ending at the Hotel the trail crosses the main tar road before narrowing to a walking track just after an information sign. Shortly thereafter one crosses a small bridge over the river, here the Brandwag Buttress or Sentinel will be towering ahead. After heading upward, the trail will begin to bend towards the East and begin ascending more rapidly. The trail then becomes rather steep, a wire banister will guide the way up. At the top of the steep section the trail with then lead to the South and the split down on the other side will become visible, here continue straight on to walk on the top of the Buttress and take in the views. The Brandwag buttress is about 100m high so one will need to take care when venturing near to the edge especially in windy conditions. Many of the more unsafe ledges are fenced off with wire so do not pass or cross a wire if you prioritize safety. After reaching the point of the Buttress the trail heads back and descends steeply down on the Eastern side making use of chains to provide support on the steep rocks. This section is short and soon gives way to more manageable trail which bends into a vast sandstone overhang with forest trees and boulders at its entrance. The path then leads down into the valley and soon reaches an intersection which one can take left (northward) up into the valley to reach Boskloof. Boskloof as the name suggests is a lush green valley between the sandstone cliffs and buttresses. The trail into Boskloof continues up through thick forest like scrub bush and reaches a large sandstone overhang, venturing on from here at the far end of the overhang gives one a sweeping view over the vast green valley. The path then heads back down to the intersection which was taken into Boskloof and heads towards Echo Ravine. After a short section of dense forest and high trees Echo Ravine soon comes into view. The Ravine is comprised of two large sandstone overhangs which almost meet high above except for a small gap of a few meters opening to the sky. The ravine continues to the North for about 150 – 200m before reaching a pile of rock ruble and a small waterfall at the end. As the name suggest an echo can easily be heard in the ravine and its large parabolic walls create interesting acoustics even at talking volume. After Echo ravine the trail heads back down to Glen Reenen camp and on to a stop at the natural swimming pool. This pool has good clean blue water which would be perfect and deep enough for a swim on a hot day. Thereafter the trail heads back to the camp and back along the road to the Hotel & Chalets. Overall, this is a very easy and scenic trail which can be completed in minimal time. One will only have to be careful ascending, on top of, and descending the Brandwag Buttress. Thereafter its relatively straightforward. There are baboons in the area so one might need to be careful of tempting them with food. Keep an eye out for traffic when walking along the tar road to and from the Hotel and Camp as drivers can speed on the thoroughfare. The trail is very scenic, the Buttress, Boskloof, Echo Ravine and the Pool are all worthwhile attractions in their own right and this loop visits them all. If one has more time, it would also be possible to include the mushroom rock extensions and some other variations (combinations with Wodehouse etc.) to see more of what the National Park has to offer. Be on the look for Eland and Wildebeest on the plains and the hills above. Naturally the Orange and Red cliffs are well complimented by sunrise and sunset and the colours of autumn, however if not possible this trail should be enjoyable at most times of the day and year. Make sure to obtain a permit at Glen Reenen or the Hotel at the time of writing wildcard holders do not pay a conservation fee.