Nottingham Road: The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker
go! - South Africa|June/July 2021
Nottingham Road is tucked away in the hills of the KZN Midlands, where potters, weavers, farmers and painters go about their business. It’s home to the founding families of the Midlands Meander, but more importantly, to all those whose hearts yearn for the country.
Kyra Tarr
Nottingham Road: The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker

The KZN Midlands is a canvas upon which the seasons are painted. In winter, the brittle grass is burnt by frost and dampened by mist that lingers in the valleys. Black firebreaks mar the land beneath a pale sky. And then, as if remembering itself, the landscape explodes into a dazzling summer. The sun awakens Christmas beetles that call the thunderstorms and herald the green world that surrounds me now.

I’m driving on the R103 towards Nottingham Road, a small town I haven’t visited since playing hockey matches there as a girl. (I grew up in Hilton.) “Notties” is about 20km northwest of Pietermaritzburg and 25km south of Mooi River. Before the N3 was built, this was the main route to Johannesburg. It has so many twists and turns, I’d imagine people felt a little queasy by the time they got there!

I tick off the usual stops as I drive deeper into the Midlands: The Belgian chocolate shop, Nelson Mandela’s capture site, the Piggly Wiggly shopping centre, the impressive school grounds of Michaelhouse, and Rawdons Estate – the final beacon before entering Nottingham Road.

ALADDIN’S DELIGHT

Visit this stained-glass Aladdin’s cave belonging to Jan and Louise van Niekerk to buy anything from glass lamps to windows and doors. Enquire about stained-glass classes.

033 266 6460; aladdins.co.za

SHUTTLEWORTHWEAVING

The Shuttleworth farm is a 10-minute drive from the town’s centre on the Fort Nottingham Road. Give them a call if you’d like to view the factory. If you’re more interested in purchasing a carpet or rug, pop in to Shuttleworth Weaving in Main Road, Nottingham Road.

076 709 3049;

This story is from the June/July 2021 edition of go! - South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June/July 2021 edition of go! - South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GO! - SOUTH AFRICAView All
The wilder shore
go! - South Africa

The wilder shore

The final leg of a 30-day trek across East Africa sees lan Tyrer and the Africa - Wild & Untamed crew explore both shores of Lake Malawi. Get ready for an overloaded ferry, a croc attack and being surrounded by elephants...

time-read
10+ mins  |
February/March 2024
A river runs through it
go! - South Africa

A river runs through it

Sabie is onthe Drakensberg escaromentialongMpumalanga’s famous Panorama Route. Want a weekend away surrounded by forests and waterfalls? Here's wnat you need to know.

time-read
10 mins  |
February/March 2024
TAKE A HIKE
go! - South Africa

TAKE A HIKE

Harkerville's mini Otter

time-read
5 mins  |
February/March 2024
Sweet & juicy!
go! - South Africa

Sweet & juicy!

This issue's recipes all include lush seasonal fruit like nectarines, plums and apricots. Enjoy!

time-read
6 mins  |
February/March 2024
Big mountain magic
go! - South Africa

Big mountain magic

On a clear day, as you approach the Cathedral Peak Hotel, it happens involuntarily: You start to grin. You'll be standing up there soon, gazing over this valley, and the scuttling of ground-level life will seem irrelevant. Join us on a five-day adventure into the heart of the high Drakensberg

time-read
9 mins  |
February/March 2024
Your next weekend away
go! - South Africa

Your next weekend away

A self-catering house in the Tankwa, a campsite next to the Orange River, a guest farm near the Drakensberg... Toast Coetzer travelled a lot last year: Here are six of his favourite places to stay if you're planning a road trip or weekend escape.

time-read
6 mins  |
February/March 2024
A life through binoculars
go! - South Africa

A life through binoculars

If the name Hugh Chittenden sounds familiar, it's probably because you see it every time you use your Roberts Bird Guide he's one of the co-authors. He lives in Mtunzini on the KZN coast and birding is as much part of his day as a cup of coffee.

time-read
7 mins  |
February/March 2024
Wanderlust in the park
go! - South Africa

Wanderlust in the park

All great cities have great parks, writes Dara Kell: spaces where you can exhale and slough off the stress and grime of urban life.

time-read
5 mins  |
February/March 2024
The Kalahari remembers
go! - South Africa

The Kalahari remembers

The Kalahari is a place of magic and heartache, where drought is an ever-present threat. Drive a loop from Upington to the Kuruman River and discover soulful landscapes, brilliant skies and resilient people who never give up.

time-read
10+ mins  |
February/March 2024
Take a Hike
go! - South Africa

Take a Hike

Hug a baobab in the Bushveld

time-read
3 mins  |
October/November 2023