Glencoe

Named after a valley in Argyleshire, Scotland, by early Scottish pioneers during the late 1800’s. Glencoe has a proud railway history, the first train arriving on 4 September 1889. General French was stationed here on occasions during the Anglo Boer War, and President Kruger twice stayed overnight during the Siege of Ladysmith. The house of Carl Landman, second in command at the battle of Blood River, is situated on a farm close to the town.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Durban 303 km, Johannesburg 316 km, Ladysmith 65 km, Newcastle 56 km, Richards Bay 230 km

Altitude - 1312 m above sea level

Average Rainfall - 950 mm

Average Temperatures - 11°c – 25°c

Banks – Absa, Standard (ATM)

HISTORICAL VIEW

Carl Landman’s House

A typical example of houses built by the Voortrekkers. It was built by Carl Landman, a Voortrekker leader who fought at the Battle of Blood River.

Elandslaagte Battlefield and Cemetery

This tiny village and railway station was abandoned after the retreat of the British forces from Dundee to Ladysmith during the early stages of the Anglo Boer War.

Fort Mistake

Closely resembling an Indian fort, this is one of a series of British signaling posts built between Ladysmith and Newcastle during the First War of Independence (1880 – 1881). The remains of the once sturdy fortress can be reached after a brisk 45 min climb, starting at the Fort Mistake Motel on the Ladysmith / Newcastle Road. The motel, currently a sports school, has ab interesting display of clippings relating to the history of the fort.

Ghandi Memorial

There is a Ghandi memorial stone outside the Civic Buildings in Glencoe’s main street.

ATTRACTIONS

Donald McHardy Dam

Offers the opportunity of enjoying a variety of water sports, including fishing, waterskiing and swimming.