La Motte Hiking Trail

We went walking in the vines with Hi-Tec

We’re spoilt. So utterly, spoilt.  In the Western Cape we can walk in forests, hike up colossal mountains, and cruise along the beach tracking shipwrecks. We have a mountain that resembles a lion’s head, a peak that pays homage to the devil and a mystical cave the shape of an elephant’s eye.

A day spent in our shoes could literally take you to any topographical destination—from wetland to desert. And, today, we’re in the mood for something different.

Wine-lovers that we are; we head to La Motte in Franschhoek; most famous for their organic wines, they also have a top restaurant (headed by maverick chef Chris Erasmus), and they cultivate indigenous flowers. They also, as we’ve just discovered, offer a hiking trail through their mountainous property.

The mountains that surround the Franschhoek Valley are part of a larger Cape fold belt. The valleys and mountain peaks are said to date back 250-million years; to the breakup of Gondwana itself.

Take a walk on the vine side

This may be a cultured walk, but it certainly isn’t any picnic. Hiking shoes are a must, so leave the heels in the car for the wine-tasting afterwards.  I’m wearing Hi-Tecs: V-lite Total Terrain Lace, but you could even wear a sturdier shoe like Hi-Tec’s V-Lite Altitude Ultra Luxe WPi.

There’s a R50 conservation fee that includes a bottle of water as well as a map, which details the route and includes information on the fauna, flora and vines you will see along the way. Go to, or call, the tasting room to book your hike (021 876 8000)

What to bring

• Just past halfway point there’s a beautiful picnic space, and you would be amiss not to spend some time there.
• Do a wine-tasting beforehand, and bring some wine along for your picnic: just make sure to bring water, and take it slow—you don’t want to fall off the mountain.
• Garbage bag, you wouldn’t want to ruin the serenity of this locale with your trash. 
• Hiking shoes, this isn’t a dainty stroll through vineyards, you will have cliff faces to contend with. 
• Shade, in some form, as well as sunblock.
• Money, there’s a conservation fee, and who knows, you may want to buy wine, or eat lunch in the restaurant afterwards. 
• Children from ten up.

Route
Moderate

There’s only one circular route to take. The map will point you in the right direction, as well the rounds stones etched with a symbol of a horn. Gaze out at the mountains of the Franschhoek Valley at the two assigned view points.

At one point, the rock face is quite sheer; here your journey will be aided by chains.

Once you reach the lapa area, take a load off, and enjoy your picnic in the stunning surrounds. Also here is a bathroom, built to look completely natural; and what a view!

The final stretch will see you walking past a fynbos plantation; that includes buchu and proteas, and soon you’ll be strolling with the vines.

Duration:  5km, budget on two to three hours.

What to look out for

There are animals aplenty in these mountains; but they are shy creatures, so keep your eyes peeled for Cape clawless otter, porcupine, steenbok, Cape fox, and more. The birdlife is more apparent, so bring your binoculars to watch birds of prey slice across the sky.

And, yes, there are snakes; venomous and non. In the highly unlikely event that you get bitten call the farm manager on this number: +27 (0)82 920 1932.

Trivia

Franschhoek farmers of bygone days would approach their lady loves with a flower in their lapel when they asked for their hand in marriage. The flower is known as a Blushing Bride, and apart from the colour of the bloom, it was called this because the suitor’s intention was apparent to everyone they met and this caused them to blush.

By Malu Lambert | photographs by Antonia Heil

*Sponsored by Hi-Tec

La Motte
R45 Main Road | Franschhoek Valley | +27 (0)21 876 8000

Opening times: 9am to 2pm Mondays to Saturdays

There’s so much more to Franschhoek than meets the eye: we discovered her secrets.

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