The Upper Highway is home to some lovely, natural adventure grounds. Everton Gorge is one of these jewels. With its many streams, trees, flowers and waterfalls, it’s a wonderland just waiting to be explored.
Fact. Exercise is therapy. And nature heals. Since this is exactly what we needed to declutter our minds after a hectic deadline, we were thrilled to be invited to explore Everton Gorge. The occasion? A fund-raising initiative by the Everton Conservancy to maintain this natural habitat that is home to a plethora of plant and wildlife plus so much more.
We were met by David White, a barefoot Wizard of the Woods (as he’s fondly known to many) who has walked the paths (and occasionally veers off of them) of this special place, almost every day for the last 10 years.
With a demanding day job as CEO of many companies that provide creative solutions to a variety of business and client needs, David says a walk in the gorge helps him to gain insight and perspectives that normally do not unfold easily for him during a fast-paced workday.
And we must agree … something really magical happens when we enter this tranquil and beautiful place. It’s easy to let go of our everyday struggles and find more clarity and, even better, greater purpose.
A gorge aplenty
Located within the Krantzkloof Valley and carved by the Molweni River, Everton Gorge is a lush stretch – about 20km – of riparian forest that supports the lives of some 250 bird species, natural roaming bushbuck, blue duiiker, bush pigs, porcupines and even caracal. Plant life here includes indigenous trees and, depending on the season, some really pretty flowers including orchids.
Several beautiful accessible trails meander through this sanctuary – that also boasts two majestic waterfalls – providing excellent opportunities for walkers to be immersed in nature.
As chairman of the Human Elephant Foundation and a member of Rewilding Africa in the UK, David’s passion lies heavily with conservation and, as since he’s called th area home for more than quarter of a century, he’s invested in helping the Everton Conservancy preserve this wonderful community space.
“I’m just a happy walker. My wife, Daisy, and I have been walking in the gorge since we moved into the area, but there are many others who’ve been enjoying the area for even longer. Only in the last decade have I made the gorge a part of my regular routine because of the tremendous benefits it offers. I only wish I’d done it sooner.”
Come rain (unless it’s torrential) or shine, David finds solace in the gorge in the early mornings and late afternoons. He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to this oxygen-rich environment and wishes for nothing more than others to experience the same benefits – boosting immune systems, reducing stress, improving moods and sleep and the ability to focus – to list a few.
“I often struggle to put in words what this place does for me … for anyone who experiences it. There’s a definite calmness about it. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to start or end off any day.”
As we walk, David clears any natural debris from the path ahead of us. He explains that with thousands of trees in the gorge, it’s common for branches, even trees to fall, during exceptional weather. The Everton Conservancy’s voluntary committee members have assumed the responsibility of maintaining the area and ensure pathways are open and safe for all to use. The present monthly costs for this maintenance are around R8 500 a month.
“Funding support is essential to the conservancy’s work. Endeavours are funded through donations from walkers and runners who use the gorge for fun and exercise, and the business community who have come on board to support some of the bigger upgrades needed.”
It’s a wonderfully peaceful walk. The sounds in the forest are simultaneously soothing and invigorating enough to leave you feeling resolute and ready to seize the day. The Everton Conservancy hopes to continue attracting more people and families to the gorge, and to encourage residents and those using the gorge to contribute towards its maintenance.
“Ultimately,” David says, “they would like to raise awareness of the fragility of these pristine areas.”
Gentle and humble in nature, David stops in his tracks when we ask about the safety of the gorge – a natural thought that comes to mind.
“I have never felt nervous or intimidated. It’s a popular place among locals. Some of the streams do become impassable during high rain seasons, but mostly they are a welcome and cooling relief to dip your feet and hands into.”
Furry family members are not allowed in the gorge, as they can disturb the natural balance enjoyed by the many roving wild animals. But, as we’ve discovered, it is a brilliant place to take a walk, unwind, get some exercise and fresh air, or take your kids (be sure to pack a picnic) to burn off some steam and have a splash under the falls.
You definitely don’t need to be overly fit, but you do need to able to manoeuvre over rocks to cross the river. You also need to be agile enough to step over roots and around boulders along the trail.
“I use the energy within the gorge to help me plan and live each important step in my life. When I’m walking through the woods, I bring aspects of my day into my mind, and relook at how I acted or reacted in various meetings and circumstances. As I begin to see my day more objectively, I am able to see how I could have been more effective in my work. Everton to me is as precious today as it was the first time Daisy and I discovered its special magic. I treat the gorge as my own connection to the Universe, and am no longer amazed that many of my most useful and creative thoughts come to me while I am walking here.”
Details: Any residents, visitors businesses interested in contributing towards preserving the gorge can contact Tony Kee at [email protected]
