Hilton

Hilton offers travellers several different points of interest: Mistbelt Forest and walks in Doreen Clarke Nature Reserve, cycling routes in forestry plantations, sporting activities, and historic sites and railway connections. When planning your stay, it helps to consider these interests separately. That way, you can decide which activities matter to your trip and which side of Hilton you would like to get to know better.

Forest, walking and cycling

Doreen Clarke Nature Reserve is in the Mistbelt area of Hilton/Winterskloof, north of Pietermaritzburg. It consists mainly of Mistbelt Forest, with some grassland at the forest’s edge. The area is suitable for easy walks. The landscape is therefore primarily forest, with grassland making up a smaller part. A 2014 travel article also mentions picnic spots in the reserve. If you are planning a picnic, check the current conditions in advance.

World’s View Road offers another option for an outdoor activity. It runs through commercial forestry plantations, whose extensive network of tracks is described as a technical challenge for experienced cyclists. This description of the routes comes from a 2014 article. Check current conditions before setting out.

The descriptions of walking and cycling differ in difficulty: easy walks are described in the reserve, while the plantation track network is considered a technical challenge for experienced cyclists. This comparison can help you choose between a walk and a more challenging cycling activity.

Sporting activities in Hilton

LivPadel Hilton is located on the grounds of Grace College in Hilton and has two padel courts. The courts look out towards the Karkloof and Drakensberg mountain ranges. The facilities include equipment hire and coaching on site by arrangement. If you are planning to book a court, hire equipment or arrange coaching, check availability in advance.

La Rose Driving Range is right on Hilton College Road. Visitors can hit golf balls outdoors there. If you include this activity in your plans, check the current operating details before your visit.

Historic sites and railway

A 2014 article describes World’s View and the old Wagon Trail as historic sites and starting points for exploring Hilton, which is known for its mist. The two names refer to historic sites in the context of Hilton; the railway station adds a distinct perspective on the rail connection.

Hilton Train Station, originally called Hilton Road Station, is on the main railway line between Durban and Johannesburg. The railway line on which the station stands opened in 1880. This date refers to the history of the line, not the year the station opened.

Decommissioned steam locomotives are located on the grounds of Hilton Train Station, including types H2, 19B, 15AR and 19AR, which visitors can view. As the collection may change, check current viewing options before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Nottingham Road, Richmond, Camperdown, Howick, Wartburg, Impendle.

Go to the broader travel overview: Umgungundlovu.