It was an early morning at The Big Red Barn. Just before 08:00 AM, I met up with Brandon my hiking buddy for this hike. Brandon recommended we give the Big Red Barn hiking trail a go.
The hiking trail was a first for me and this led to Brandon taking the lead on this one. First, we had to buy tickets at the Yellow Caravan. It was old and looked like it might have been used on farm fields and pulled by a tractor in the past. This is also where the trails started. After looking at the multiple signs around the starting point we decided to do the 10km hike.
I quickly noticed that the Big Red Barn trails are popular with the Mountain Bike (MTB) community. There were mountain bikes around and the Big Red Barn even offers a bike wash & lube when you are done with your ride. Now that’s what I call a good service.
The Trail
The trail elevation is pretty much zero. Throughout the 10km trail, it was pretty much flat. There was no climbing involved. The Big Red Barn is next to a 20-acre Eucalyptus forest and looks out over a vista of fields, and grasslands, and runs along the Olifantspruit which becomes the Kaal River.
The mood along the trail was one of high energy. The landscape was dry and the temperature was not too bad as much of the trail was covered by trees. You could smell the Eucalyptus trees in the air. It’s sharp and slightly medicinal - kind of like Rosemary. As we walked between the trees you could hear a symphony of bird melodies. I saw Pigeons and they had this steady bass note. Their calls resonate with a sense of calm, like the heartbeat of the forest itself. They create a soothing contrast to the more spirited calls of their counterparts.
During our hike, we encountered a woodwork installation. The path was spacious and well-maintained, featuring clear markings that allowed us to navigate effortlessly. Along our hike, we observed avid mountain bikers whizzing past, a testament to the well-segregated hiking and MTB trails. This distinction is highly appreciated, as it accommodates the fast pace of the MTB enthusiasts while affording leisurely progress for the hikers.
We walked past an open pit quarry. According to a warning sign, I saw that the quarry is 21 meters deep. The quarry is a vast, excavated area with steep, terraced walls descending into the earth. I think this area is mined for building materials used to make bricks. Except for the rock faces of stone, there were no bad smells or noisy machines.
Myself and Brandon moved along in tandem synchronizing our steps with nature's rhythm. I was capturing the scenery with my camera while Brandon scanned the surroundings with a keen eye, not to put a foot wrong. Our conversations were a combination of many topics with a blend of laughter punctuated by moments of quiet appreciation for the nature surrounding us.
As we came to the end of the hike I asked Brandon: “How does it feel?” Brandon replied: “it’s fine.” I then asked Brandon: “How would you rate the hiking trail. 1 out of 5, 5 being good and 1 being bad. Brandon replied: “Maybe a 4.” which I think is a good rating for a hiking trail. We took a few pictures and made our way to the Red Barn Cafe for lunch.
It was a journey and a good way to spend a Saturday morning. Next, I give you a bit more in debt details.
Things to Do?
Hiking / Trail Running
Mountain Biking
Irene Village Market - Handmade Arts & Crafts.
Create Red Barn - Create your ceramic masterpiece.
Acrobranch - Tree top adventures. Trampoline. Segway Tours
Ludwig Roses - Roses on a Commercial Scale with a Restaurant.
Where to Eat?
The Red Barn Cafe
Create Red Barn
The Irene Village Market
The Rose Kitchen at Ludwig Roses
Where to Shop?
The Irene Village Market - Famous for South African handmade arts and crafts. The market is every 1st Saturday of the new month. Starts at 08:00 - 13:30.
Where to Stay and How to Get Around?
Follow the link for Accommodation in the area.
You can get around by making use of Uber & Bolt ride-sharing apps.
Things You Should Know?
What does the hiking trail permit cost? (No Cash, Card Only)
Hikers & Runner with Dog on leash - R40pp
MTB Adults - R60pp
MTB Students & Pensioners R50pp
Prices are subject to change.
What trails are there?
Hiking & Running Trails
2.5km
5km
10km
Operating Hours at the Big Red Barn
Monday to Friday: 7AM to 6PM
Saturday & Sunday: 6AM - 6PM
The Big Red Barn Reviews
Follow the link for Reviews.
Is the Big Red Barn a good place to hold a party or event?
I think so. Especially if it’s a kid's party. Speak to the people at the Acrobranch.
What are the different types of events that are held at the Big Red Barn?
They offer a diverse range of venues suitable for a wide array of occasions, spanning from children's parties to conferences, and from casual gatherings to formal functions, as well as large-scale events. Among the offerings, is their flagship venue, the Big Red Barn.
What are the most popular activities at the Big Red Barn?
That probably depends on who you ask. For the smaller kids, it would probably be the Acrobranch tree adventures. Then for the older kids and adults, it would be mountain biking & trail running/hiking.
What kind of food is served at the Big Red Barn?
They have a kiddies menu, breakfast, pizzas, and light lunches with hot and cold beverages.
What are some of the best things to do in the area around the Big Red Barn?
If you drive down the M18 towards Centurion you can visit the Railway Cafe. The Railway Cafe is not for kids. If you have kids with you I recommend you visit the Irene Farm. It’s more suited for kids. Then if you drive down a bit more you will find the Irene Link. The Irene Link has different restaurants and shops.
Some helpful links.👇