Cowies Hill
This upmarket residential suburb of Pinetown in Durban has bittersweet connotations for all South African runners. Cowies Hill is remembered for its landscape as the hill is a major feature in the Comrades Marathon. The last of the five hills of the Comrades Marathon that is held annually between Durban and Pietermaritzburg has good connotations as it is the last hill before the finish line, but it dreaded as it is one of the toughest to conquer. Tourists are not running away from this suburb with tree-lined streets, abundant bird life and tranquil atmosphere. The prevalence of nature and bird life originates from the farm that Cowies Hill was when it was inhabited by the mayor of Pinetown and his family.
From their position overlooking Pinetown, they were able to view their land while residing on the crest above Durban where the air is cooler. Cowies Hill was named after William Cowie who came to KwaZulu Natal in 1837 with a group of Voortrekkers to meet with the British to negotiate their settlement in the area. Situated approximately 15 km off the coast line, but only ten minutes drive from the beach and the Pavillion shopping centre, there no shortage of local outings and the residents are well settled. Cowies Hill is a popular stop over for businessmen who need to be near the industrial centre of Pinetown and there are many Bed and Breakfast and other accommodation choices for the weary professional person with many restaurants to satisfy any craving.
