Attractions & Activities

Cathkin Park / Champagne Valley is a suburb of the village of Winterton, which is some 30 kilometres away from the centre of this magnificent valley.
Cedarwood Shopping Centre is approximately 7km away for daily groceries, firewood and fuel.

Cathkin Park has several striking peaks that are amongst the highest in the Drakensberg and Southern Africa.


These are the icons of this area, namely:

  • Champagne Castle Peak (3 377 m)
  • Cathkin Peak (3 181 m)
  • Sterkhorn or Mount Memory (2 973 m)
  • Monks Cowl (only visible from certain angles; 3 229 m)
  • The Amplet (2 550 m) and
  • Dragon’s Back ridge (2 778 m)
  • Drakensberg Creek Cottage (has a height of only 1 310 m)

Cathkin Park is renowned for its wide range of adventure pursuits:

  • Hiking. Numerous trails start at Monks Cowl Camp such as Nandi’s Falls, Sterkspruit Falls and Blindman’s Corner. Very popular trail – Blue Grotto
  • Trail running. There is a dedicated trail that begins from Berg Air
  • Mountaineering. Monks Cowl, for example, is a famous climb
  • Abseiling
  • Helicopter flips
  • Mountain Biking. There is a dedicated trail that starts from Berg Air
  • Fishing. Bell Park Dam is a renowned spot for fishing
  • White River Rafting
  • Hot air ballooning
  • Zip-lining
  • Horse Riding
  • Gliding
  • Scootours
  • A cliff walk
  • E-biking
  • Quad-biking
  • Scrambling, and so much more.

Over above this, it is well known for several other sports pursuits. These include:

  • Golf (Champagne Sports Resort and Gooderson Monks Cowl Golf Resort),
  • Bowls (The Nest Hotel)
  • Road running. A weekly Park Run takes place from the Waffle Hut each Saturday at 08h00.


Moreover, there are many cultural-related, shopping and culinary venues that you can visit. Amongst them:

  • Berg Air – The Drakensberg Brewery, Chocolate Cafe, Farm Friends and The Champagne Bistro
  • World-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir
  • Falcon Ridge Birds of Prey
  • Dragon Rock Reptile Centre
  • Deon’s Honey and Bee tours


Restaurants that we can recommend:

  • Dragonview Lodge
  • Valley Bakery, Coffee shop and art gallery
  • Scrumpy Jacks
  • Monks Cowl Country Club
  • Champagne Castle Hotel (Reservations essential)
  • The Oaks
  • Waffle Hut
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