“Conquering the Forts Loop: A Journey of Steep Climbs, Scenic Views, and Milkshake Magic!
We decided to tackle the Forts Loop at Crossways. We knew it was going to be a tough ride, but we didn’t realize just how challenging it would be. Not very technical, but a lot of elevation: 41km and 1200m elevation gain. #LegDay
En route, we saw amazing scenery and passed two forts from the Anglo-Boer War and the Upper Van Stadens catchment dam, complete with a waterfall. The last 2km of the climb until we hit the downhill were grueling—not because it was extremely steep, but because we were extremely tired. #ScenicRoute
We took some snacks, gels, and water. Note to self: take more food and maybe an empty bottle to fill up at the stream. We nearly ran out of water and could definitely have used more snacks. Once we got to the descent of Purple Cow, we knew it was an easy bit home. We love doing Purple Cow on a regular basis, so we are very familiar with this section. Our friend met us at the country kitchen and ordered us each a milkshake for when we finished. And boy, did we appreciate those milkshakes. #MilkshakeMagic
All in all, we absolutely loved the ride, but for once, we wished we had e-bikes. My legs were sore for the next 3 days, but it was that nice feeling like you’ve done some exercise. #NoPainNoGain
A bit of history about the area (Info received from the 3 Rivers website):
During the Anglo-Boer War, the Upper Van Stadens Dam, a beautiful waterfall and pool, and the original Van Stadens Dam caretaker’s cottage, which is home to the original Ox Wagon used during the Anglo-Boer War, were key points in the Port Elizabeth region. The dam was conceptualized in 1862 when the issue of water supply and security to Port Elizabeth was raised. The development of the Upper Van Stadens Dam with its intake weirs, filter beds, and caretaker’s cottage was completed in 1893. Approximately 3 km downstream, a pump house and weir were constructed in 1899.
During the Boer War, a battalion was created to protect the dam and surrounding infrastructure, consisting of two parties—one to protect the pump house and the other to protect the dam. The battalion remained at the Upper Van Stadens Dam for three months and during this time constructed two small forts—a lower and upper fort, both still visible today and can be seen along the route.
The Upper Fort:
The Upper Fort has a circular plan with an external diameter of approximately 10 meters. It has an internal wall below the loopholes and an external slope to the wall. The entrance on the south side is covered by a loop-holed screen wall, and a paved walkway runs around the inside of the circular wall.
The Lower Fort:
The Lower Fort is in the shape of a parallelogram with rounded ends. The walls are 700 mm thick and have an external slope. In the middle of the east wall is the entrance, which is protected by a projecting right-angled wall. Outside the entrance, a 1m wide and 1.2m deep trench begins and extends 22 meters east down the hill, joining a U-shaped trench. This was built as a hidden access to the fort, as this slope faces directly onto the Upper Dam and the caretaker’s cottage.
