Biggarsberg, Battlefields

Situated on the N11 between Ladysmith and Newcastle, Biggarsberg, rather than being a town per se, is the name of a range of mountains that run from north-west to south-east between Glencoe and Ladysmith.

Drive along the N11 and there isn't much to indicate that you are in Biggarsberg, other than undulating hills that easily bring to mind the age-old song 'Green are the hills of Natal' and the odd herd of cows. This is mostly farm land now, and farm style accommodation is the an ideal way in which to stay awhile, as indeed you must if slightly interested in the intense history that occurred in and around the towns of Ladysmith and Dundee.

Biggarsberg is a particularly pretty part of the world. Because of its geographical placement, the range of mountains formed a natural barrier between Dundee and Ladysmith and was hence heavily involved in the battles that were at the heart of todays Battlefields Route that links seventeen towns across fifty historical sites.

The valley at the feet of Biggarsberg has the largest concentration of battlefields in the country. It was here that Boer, Brit and Zulu clashed in conflict upon conflict, making it an ideal spot from which to explore the route.

The highest peak of the Biggarsberg range is Indumeni mountain, which gives its name to the local municipality known as Endumeni. History aside, there are other reasons to visit this part of the country. There are also a number of crafts people who produce pottery, hand knotted rugs, grass baskets and wood work, and to just sit and let the world go by in the company of green hills and effortless grassland is easily done.