Nottingham Road Tourism

20/09/2024

Beautiful snow in Notties, just spectacular!!

20/09/2024

The snow has started falling

20/09/2024

To all snow seekers!
There is a very good likelihood of a snow in Notties this weekend
It is already snowing on Sani Pass and Underberg
How about a weekend trip to enjoy the snow and warm Notties hospitality?

18/09/2024

Gardening talk at Brahman Hills, Nottingham Road, supported by Keith Kirsten.
Stephen Anderton presents the garden at New Inn Farm, set in the harsh winds of the Black Mountains in Wales.
This project has been developing for 17 years and features an extensive range of South African plants at home in this high-altitude dry environment for Wales.
It features complex perennial planting, green terraces and hedging and a moss woodland of several acres.

Stephen has also presented two TV series of Britain’s Best Back Gardens. He is an award-winning garden writer, author and broadcaster who lectures around the world on his specialist subject of gardening. His love of history and gardening led to several books, including Lives of Great Gardeners, a biography of Christopher Lloyd, His Life at Great Dixter, Discovering Welsh Gardens and Stourhead.

Book your tickets now
Date – 23rd September.
Time - 10:00 for 10:30
Venue – Brahman Hills Hotel, Nottingham Road
Included - Refreshments on arrival, a light buffet lunch and a complimentary glass of wine.
Cost - R350 per person (Blackwoods card holders R300, Botsoc-Kirstenbosch members R250 excl. garden entry)
Enquiries: Rose +27 78 236 9477/ +27 11 317 0903 or Cyril +27 74 027 3267 [email protected]

16/09/2024

THE MIDLANDS CAMINO
Have you signed up for The Midlands Camino? This ‘walk for Hospice’ offers the perfect opportunity to explore one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions, while doing good.
Enjoy the lush landscapes, rolling hills, mountain views, rivers and waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.

The walk covers approximately 120km, starting at the famous and historic Nottingham Road Hotel, and finishing at Mount Park.
The Camino traverses the Kamberg, Lower Loteni, Fort Nottingham and Dargle Valley, culminating with a hike up the beautiful iNholsane mountain.

Walkers will stay at Otters Den Self Catering, Hawklee Country House, Forty Winks farm, Invermooi Estate, Glengarry Kamberg and the Mount Park Guest Farm along the route.

The Camino is a fundraiser for Midlands Hospice
Contact [email protected] to enter or with any queries.

Visit this website for detailed information regarding the route.
https://web.vamoos.com/preview/0ee02d5f-b674-4df5-b421-6d14f8094b8d/0

16/09/2024

You’re Invited to BLOOMVILLE!
Spring is here, and it’s time to celebrate at our special Earth Route Market event, “BLOOMVILLE,” dedicated to all things growing!

Date: Saturday, October 5th
Time: 8 am to 11 am
Location: Farmers Hall, Nottingham Road

Join us for a vibrant showcase of flowers, plants, and everything that beautifies our spaces. Discover a variety of offerings including seeds, seedlings, fresh flowers, herbs, pots, compost, tools, and even natural skin care products.
This is a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses and connect with your community. We can’t wait to see you there!

For more information, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or WhatsApp Theresa at +27 662593417.
See you at BLOOMVILLE!

12/09/2024

It's going to be an awesome day! Hope to see you there

05/09/2024

Join Us for a Fun-Filled Day of Touch Rugby and Live Music!
Date: 14th September
Venue: Carlyle College - Nottingham Road
Event: Fundraiser for Khazimula Orphanage
Schedule:
• Gates Open: 8:00 AM
o Purchase tickets at the gate or avoid the line by buying them at Bierfassl Restaurant & Pub on the evening of the 13th of September. R100 for adults, R50 for kids under 12 and free for kids under 5
• Touch Rugby Final: 1:30 PM
• Live Music:
o Veranda Panda
o Qadasi & Maqhinga
o Tanner Wareham
Additional Information:
• Catering & Drinks: Available on-site (no outside food or drinks permitted)
• Contact: Grant at 073 884 1152 for any queries
Don’t miss out on an exciting day of sports and entertainment while supporting a great cause!
Many thanks to Massey Fergusonfor the support

02/09/2024

The inaugural MPO Dairy Festl trail run, and mountain bike races were a resounding success!
Over 320 athletes took on the Trail run and Mountain Bike races at the MPO Dairy festival last weekend. The routes traversed the very beautiful Bill Barnes Crane and Oribi nature reserve, the 100% off road routes proving truly spectacular.
What a special treat it is to have this available to us on our doorstep. KZN Crane Foundation
Look out of more events at this venue, and join up at the Crane Foundation to have this venue available to you permanently (link below)
https://kzncranefoundation.org.za/get.../become-a-member/

30/08/2024

The excitement is building for Dairy Fest 2024! Lots to do for the whole family. See you here tomorrow. 🚜🐄🏃‍♀️🚴🎶🍺🥳🧀

21/08/2024

Join Us for a Fun-Filled Day of Touch Rugby and Live Music!

Date: 14th September
Venue: Carlyle College - Nottingham Road
Event: Fundraiser for Khazimula Orphanage

Schedule:
• Gates Open: 8:00 AM
o Purchase tickets at the gate or avoid the line by buying them at Bierfassl Restaurant & Pub on the evening of the 13th of September. R100 for adults, R50 for kids under 12 and free for kids under 5
• Touch Rugby Final: 1:30 PM
• Live Music:
o Veranda Panda
o Qadasi & Maqhinga
o Tanner Wareham

Additional Information:
• Catering & Drinks: Available on-site (no outside food or drinks permitted)
• Contact: Grant at 073 884 1152 for any queries
Don’t miss out on an exciting day of sports and entertainment while supporting a great cause!
Many thanks to Massey Fergusonfor the support

19/08/2024

It’s almost time for the MPO Dairy Festival!
Whether you are a foodie, a music lover, a dog lover, a dairy enthusiast, or just want a fun day out with your kids, come and join as at the MPO Dairy Festival at the beautiful Fordoun Hotel and Spa

Tickets are available at the gate or at
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/?search=dairy%20fest
Entries are also open for the mountain bike and trail run events on the beautiful Bill Barnes Nature reserve. Enter via this link:
https://roag.org/events/event-info/4110/dairy-festival-mtb-trail-run

+maqhinga

14/08/2024

Entries are open for the MPO Dairy Festival MTB cycle (5km, 21km, 45km) and Trail run (5km, 12km, 21km)
Both of these events traverse the very beautiful Bill Barnes Crane and Oribi nature reserve and start at Fordoun Hotel and Spa
An entry for either race gets you free entry to the MPO dairy festival
Link to enter
https://roag.org/events/event-info/4110/dairy-festival-mtb-trail-run

11/08/2024

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Scottish heritage and unleash your inner Highlander as the picturesque Fort Nottingham transforms into a haven of cultural celebration. Whether you have Scottish roots or simply appreciate the beauty of this remarkable tradition, the Highland Gathering promises to be a captivating spectacle that will captivate your senses and ignite your soul.

The sight of brave athletes competing in traditional Highland games will leave you in awe. Witness brawny men and women as they showcase their strength, endurance, and skill in events like tossing the caber, weight over the bar, and the famed tug of war. Feel the adrenaline surge through your veins as you choose your team, cheering them on, inspiring them to reach new heights of excellence.

But the Highland Gathering is not just about physical prowess; it's a festival that embraces the arts in all their forms Lose yourself in the haunting melodies of bagpipe bands as they fill the air with their evocative tunes Marvel at the grace and precision of Highland dancers, their feet effortlessly weaving intricate patterns, telling stories of love, war, and triumph. Be transported to another time and place as you indulge in the enchanting world of Celtic music and poetry.

As you explore the grounds, you'll find a treasure trove of delights for all ages. Let your little ones be enchanted by the mythical creatures and folklore brought to life through storytelling and puppet shows. Delight your taste buds with a delectable array of Scottish cuisine, from hearty haggis to buttery shortbread, and quench your thirst with a refreshing sip of authentic Scotch whisky.



Saturday, 24 August 2024
https://www.quicket.co.za/.../263865-fort-nottingham.../
Fort Nottingham Museum, Nottingham Road, KwaZulu-Natal

08/08/2024

Thoroughbred Racehorse Breeding in the KZN Midlands, a very successful & historic industry

The mystical Kwazulu-Natal Midlands is home to a well-established thoroughbred racehorse breeding and racing industry, which provides employment and career opportunities to many. Vast amounts of money are injected into the regional economy by the industry, which has a rich tapestry of history going back to when the very first horse race took place at Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg in 1844.

Arguably the most famous horse bred in the area is Jet Master (1994), bred by Hugh and Maureen Jonsson in Mooi River. Jet master won 17 races, 7 of which were grade 1. After retiring to stud he was Champion SA sire for 7 seasons, his most successful progeny being Pocket Power, 20-time winner of over R10 million. Pocket Power won 8 Grade one races, beating his father’s record of 7.

Scott Brothers Stud, formerly situated in the Fort Nottingham area, bred Politician, winner of 18 races, 11 of them at Grade One level. Politician’s most memorable wins included two Mets, two Queen Plates and the 1978 Durban July. Politician was also named Horse of The Year a record three times (1976-1978).

Somerset Stud owned by late All Black Alan Sutherland and his wife Vera, a former Miss SA 1975, is where Teal, 1995 Durban July winner was bred.

The last KZN bred horse to win the famous Durban July was Dunford who won in 2005, bred by CA Mentz.

The then Rathmor Stud, now renamed Macrath Farm, near Fort Nottingham, bred the fabulous Gypsy’s Warning, a filly that won 3 times in SA, twice in the USA, and was then sold for $1.05 million at the Keeneland sales in the USA. Rathmor Stud won the Equus SA Breeders Award in 2011 as a result.

Bellwood Stud in Nottingham Road bred Key of Destiny, a 7-time winner, who was awarded Equus Champion Sprinter in 2004. While no longer actively breeding racehorses, Bellwood has become a second home for retired racehorses.

Summerhill Stud in Mooi River, now Summerhill Equestrian, were SA Breeding champions for 9 consecutive years (up to 2013). The stud has stood many champion stallions, with the late Kahal and Muhtafal being among the country’s top five for several seasons. The stud has also been the “nursery” for many champion racehorses over the years. Both winners of Horse of the Year, Igugu and Piere Jourdan, were 1 and 2 in the 2011 Durban July. Champion racehorse Rabada, raised and grazed at Summerhill, now stands at Bloomhill Stud in Wartburg, and is slowly but surely making a name for himself as a sire.
Renamed Summerhill Equestrian and owned by Henning Pretorius, the stud is continuing the rich legacy left by Mick Goss, and stand the Grade One winning Act Of War, as well as new “boy on the block” Celestial City, the only son of Silvano to stand in KZN.

Bush Hill Stud, situated outside Mooi River, bred many Grade one winners, including Wolf Whistle, Stellite, Seal and Zirconeum. This past season Bush Hill enjoyed a “purple” patch with their home bred Purple Pitcher, who became a dual Grade One winner of the SA Classic and Derby.

Camargue Stud situated near Dargle is home to the 5 time Grade One winning Got The Greenlight, son of South African super sire Gimmethegreenlight, and an 8 time winner with earnings of over R3 million to his name. One of the newer studs, Camargue is quietly but surely making an impression on the racing and breeding scene.

Clifton Stud in Rosetta bred the 1998 Durban July winner Classic Flag, and more recently have bred the very successful Mrs Geriatrix,
8 time winner, and Flagman, who ran a good 4th place in the 2024 Durban July. They stand Last Winter and Eden Roc, who is owned by the KZN Breeders. Clifton Stud finished the 2023/2024 season 12th on the list of breeders, with 47% winners to runners.
Blue Sky Thoroughbreds in Mooi River are breeding some very special horses. They sold a Gimmethegreenlight – Strawberry Line filly for R1.9million at the BSA National Yearling Sales earlier this year, as well as a One World-Silent Crusade c**t for R1.2 million. They also stand Chimichuri Run, Grade One winner, whose first yearlings are standing out for all the right reasons.

A trip to the Midlands Midlands Meander to visit these studs and soak up their beautiful environments would be time well spent.

Many thanks to KZN Breeders for the help with this article




Bellwood Cottages & Wedding Venue

04/08/2024

Well done to the Fly By Night's! We have 2 votes for them, Amy Visser and Jennifer Puntis.
Draw takes place tomorrow for the WildFly Outfitters hamper. Good luck!!

Congratulations to The Fly By Nights Team 🏆🥇🙌🏼 winners of the Final of The TOPS Corporate Challenge! Thank you to everyone for joining us this weekend and making it such a special time and for proving once again that fly fishing is the best sport ever, in the history of ever! We count ourselves so lucky that there are just so many cool people who fly fish 💗 Safe travels home

26/07/2024

Enter the TOPS Corporate challenge Facebook competition draw to win a Wildfly hamper worth over R2000. Details below.

Nottingham Road has long been a vibrant hub for Fly Fishing enthusiasts. It’s cool, clear water makes it perfect for trout to thrive in.
Seasoned anglers and beginners can fish our dams. Follow the below link to the Wildly website to book your fishing experience. https://wildfly.co.za/ #

The Tops Corporate Challenge fishing competition has become one of South Africa’s most popular and festive fishing events.
Trout are fished, measured, and released in our dams over three legs, with the final taking place on the 2nd to 4th August.
Not only do we see very skilled fishing, but the after-hours festivities are legendary!

Results of the first three legs below
Leg 1 – A record breaking 442 trout were landed, with the “Outdoor Warehouse” team emerging the winners.
Leg 2 – The tables were turned; the trout were just not interested in coming out to play. A total of 244 trout made it to the measuring net. Serious skill was demonstrated in exceedingly difficult fishing conditions, with “The Zimmers” emerging victorious.
Leg 3 – Testament to the festive nature of this tournament, enthusiasts that have never caught a fish outnumbered seasoned anglers for the first time. A total of 270 fish were caught and released, with the “Fly by Nights” being crowned as winners.

We are gearing up for the final on the 2nd to 4th August where seventeen teams will take on the challenge to be crowned champions! Support our anglers by commenting below on your favourite to win, by COB 1st August. All those that predict the correct winner will go into a draw to win a Wildly hamper worth over R2000. Final draw to take place on 5th August. Please be aware that you will need to collect the hamper at Wildfly, Gowrie Village, Nottingham Road

Here is the list of teams.
Team Spar
The Reel Wanderers
Supertec Ceilings
Reel Friends
Steinweg Slayers
Fish On!
The Rod Fathers
185 Solutions
Notties Fly Beserkers
Fins and Feathers
Outdoor Warehouse
The Zimmers
Fly By Nights
TFT/WIW Team
Department of Fisheries
Bophelong Construction
Truck 'n Roll

Good luck to all teams.
Special mention to Tops at Spar My SPAR - Nottingham Road Spar & Tops for their continued support of this amazing event, as well as all sponsors that make it possible to give away over R1 million worth of prizes.

My SPAR - Nottingham Road Spar & Tops
Outdoor Warehouse
SENQU
AFRI COOLERS
CRAGHOPPERS
FRONTIER FLY FISHING
HORIZON FLY RODS
SIMMS
SCIENTIFIC ANGLER
HARDY
GREYS
SAGE
XPLORER
RIO
Heineken
STANLEY
MATOYA FISHING LODGE
BAINES RIVER CAMP
AMANZI LODGE ZAMBEZI
SEMONKHONG LODGE LESOTHO
Fordoun Hotel and Spa
KALAHARI OUTVENTURES
ICHINGO CHOBE RIVER LODGE
HIGHLAND LODGE
GIANTS CUP
EASY ESCAPES
SANDSTONE COTTAGES
Nottingham Road Hotel
Notties Breakaways
uMngeni Tourism

24/07/2024

Due to popular demand, the Cannonball run Banger Rally returns to Nottingham Road from the 16th to 20th October.
It’s the most fun you can have in an old banger!
Find a partner, and enter your vehicle, which must be a 1990 model or older and worth less than R100k.
Follow this link for all details and to enter http://www.cannonballrun.co.za/banger-rally/ Raising funds for Hero Burn foundation, helping burn victims reclaim their lives

17/07/2024

Congratulations to Clifton Stud and KZN breeders
on Flag man’s 4th place in the Durban July. He ran a really brave race, coming from a wide draw and finishing in the money, ahead of some really good horses, including favorites Green with Envy and See it Again
What a super horse with a big future!

09/07/2024

Win a year's membership at the Bill Barnes Crane and Oribi nature reserve worth R1000. See details below, competition ends 25th July

Notties is helping to save South Africa’s cranes and is lucky enough to have 3 indigenous cranes resident in the area- the Grey Crowned, Wattled and Blue Cranes. All 3 of these cranes are either endangered or vulnerable.

The KwaZulu-Natal Crane Foundation aims to ensure their long-term survival and that of the wetlands and grasslands ecosystem that sustain them. The Bill Barnes Crane and Oribi Nature Reserve, situated in Nottingham Road, was created in 2009 for this purpose. It is comprised of 462 hectares that were donated by local farmers, and is an incredible asset situated on our doorstep. The reserve is also available for walking, cycling and running to members.

Recently an event was hosted at the beautiful Fordoun Hotel and Spa, adjacent to the reserve, to discuss improving the monitoring and breeding success of the Grey Crowned Crane. This was presented by Carmen Demmer. New expanded walking and cycling trails on the reserve were launched at the same event.

Become a member of the Crane Foundation and receive full access to the trails at the Bill Barnes Nature Reserve and help preserve our crane population.
https://kzncranefoundation.org.za/get-involved/become-a-member/

Comment on this post with the correct answer to the following question and you will be entered into a draw to win a years’ family membership to the Bill Barnes Nature Reserve, worth R1000. Competition closes 25 July 2024.

“What is the name of the nature reserve in Notties that was created to protect our crane population?"
Love Notties

08/07/2024

Saturday's aren't complete without a visit to our Earth Route Market! 🧀☕️🥦🍞🍩

Our Market is EVERY Saturday! Hope to see you there this Saturday!

05/07/2024

Let’s get behind our local hero Flag man as he takes on the 2024 Durban July. 🐎🥇
Flag man, bred at the Clifton Stud in Rosetta, will run in the Durban July at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday the 6th of July and is tipped among the favourites!
Peter and Jenny Blyth, owners of Clifton Stud, also bred Classic Flag, who won the Durban July in 1998.
Stud Manager, Christine Quinn, remembers Flag man fondly as a sweet little chestnut with his daddy’s looks.
Flagman will run under his long-time partner, Serino Moodley, and is trained by Gareth van Zyl.
He is owned by Messrs L M Nestadt, Reon Barnard, D D MacLean & G J Player
Let’s support our local hero, bring back the cup Flag man!

04/07/2024

We are so excited to be hosting the MPO Dairy Fest in Nottingham Road. So much to do for the whole family. Get your tickets today and make a weekend of it! 🐄🥛🧀🏃‍♀️🚴🎶
MPO Dairy Fest
Fordoun Hotel and Spa
uMngeni Tourism
UMngeni Local Municipality

Join us for the ultimate festival experience as the Notties community comes together in celebration of dairy!

hosted by KZN is a fun-filled event dedicated to celebrating the richness and goodness of the dairy industry.

What to expect:
🐮 Insights into dairy
🐮 A range of vendors
🐮 Wine and Cheese Tasting
🐮 Kids Zone
🐮 Livestock
🐮 Trail Run and MTB Cycle
🐮 Live Entertainment by Jesse Clegg, Georgetown and Qadasi & Maqhinga
🐮 Stunning natural beauty of the KZN Midlands

This is not just a festival, it's a milky way to connect, share, and savour the goodness of our local dairy industry.

Get your tickets now to be part of the most anticipated event of the year.
📅 Date: 31 Aug - 1 Sep 2024
📍 Location: Fordoun Hotel and Spa, Nottingham Road
🎟 Tickets: https://bit.ly/44vVpvf

23/04/2024

Welcome to the Harvest Moon Night Market, where the flavours of the Midlands come alive under the moonlight. Our gourmet gathering celebrates seasonal produce and culinary delights, offering a feast for all senses. Wander through stalls adorned with artisanal delicacies, sourced locally to bring you the freshest flavors of the season.

Whether you're a food enthusiast, a music lover, or simply seeking a family friendly magical night out, join us at the Harvest Moon Night Market for an experience that's sure to delight and inspire. Come discover the essence of the Midlands, one bite at a time, as we gather under the harvest moon to celebrate the abundance of the season.

Venue: Farmers Hall, Nottingham Road
When: 26th April 2024
Entrance Fee: R60/ person. Children under 12 are free.
Entertainment Line-up:
17.00-17.30 : Kids Magician Show
17.30-18.00 : Clifton Prep School Nottingham Road Marimba Band
18.00-18.30 : Michaelhouse Jazz Band
18.30-19.00 : Michaelhouse Marimba Band
19.00-21.00 : Tanner Wareham Music

19/04/2024

19/04/2024

19/04/2024

We look forward to hosting those attending to enjoy this initiative, learn more about their surroundings and themselves whilst benefiting from what the Midlands can offer!! See you all then

19/04/2024

🎹 we are SO excited for our live music line up for Friday night 🎹

19/04/2024

18/04/2024