The Johannesburg Hiking Club will inaugurate the new Silkaatsnek Heritage Trail in De Wildt on Saturday, 27 September.
This is an extension to the existing Wild Dog Trail featuring new signage to highlight little-known remains in the area from the time of the Anglo-Boer War.
Two battles between the Boers and the British took place at Silkaatsnek on 11 July and 2 August 1900. Boer lookouts and defensive positions that were used during the battles, as well as the remains of British fortifications after the battles, have been located and marked. The exact position where Private William House VC was shot by a Boer rifleman at the top of the escarpment is one of the noted locations.
Local historian André Wedepohl will give an overview of the two battles.
This is a strenuous hike to traverse in the time allowed, and to maintain the integrity of the group, a good level of fitness is required.
The event starts at 07:15 at De Wildt Cheetah Lodge in De Wildt and will conclude with lunch at around 13:30. The cost of the hike, guides and lunch (excl. drinks) is R240 per person for Johannesburg Hiking Club members and R300 for non-members. Book at admin@jhbhiking.co.za or 078 885 6505.