Garden Route: Valley of Ferns

Date: 07 August 2011

Location: between Plett and Knysna on the Garden Route

Walkers: Helen, Dorothy, Vanessa, Mum and Dad

On holiday! From our base in Plett we took a leisurely drive inland, following the R340 up the Bitou River valley, and then a road west towards Diepwalle on the R339. It was a lovely scenic route, through farmland and forested slopes, with mountain peaks in the distance.




Near the peak Spitskop we stopped at the Valley of Ferns picnic area.



After helping ourselves to one of the self-issue permits (Valley of Ferns is part of Diepwalle state forest) we set off on the short walking trail.



It was an easy stroll through the thick undergrowth, although very squelchy underfoot. There were plenty of ferns and tall tree ferns beneath the indigenous trees.




I love the forest! Sunlight through a gap in the canopy.



Back at the picnic area we lazed around in the sun and ate a delicious picnic lunch. A very good start to our holiday.


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Elephant Walk at Diepwalle

Date: 17 June 2009

Location: Diepwalle forest, near Knysna

Walkers: Helen and Michele

*** Map here ***


Diepwalle is a SAN Parks forest station inland from Knysna. It is the starting point for three routes for day walks through the forest. These are known as the Elephant Walks.



After issueing ourselves a permit we set off on the red route (Walk III). We followed the red elephant markers fixed to trees.



The path led through leafy indigenous forest.



Despite the drought the forest was looking pretty green and lush.



The sunshine filtering through the canopy made was delightful.






We saw only one Dietes in flower. Beautiful!



But there were many sorts of fungi, lichen and moss growing everywhere.




The path crossed several streams.





We came across a "big tree", an enormous and ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood. It was over 600 years old and 46m high.




A little further on we popped out the forest at Velbroeksdraai picnic area next to the road, and stopped here for a bit, enjoying the sunshine.



It was then a short walk back to the start. We drove a little way down the road to see another Yellowwood tree known as the King Edward VII big tree. Like the other, it was impressively large.



(Photos by Helen and Michele)
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