Cowies Hill, Pinetown

The quiet, leafy suburb of Cowies Hill is situated approximately 10km west of Durban's beaches in KwaZulu-Natal. Upmarket Cowies Hill was originally established as farm land and was inhabited by the mayor of Pinetown and his family due to its position overlooking Pinetown. Cowies Hill was known as Steilhoogte (steep heights) and named after William Cowie who came to KZN in 1837 with a group of Voortrekkers to meet with the British to negotiate their settlement in the area. Now one of the most sought-after suburbs in the greater Westville area, residents enjoy tree-lined streets and generous properties and cooler temperatures than Durban as it sits on the crest above the city.
 
Cowies Hill has abundant bird life because of the tranquillity and prevalence of trees and foliage and is a quiet way of life whilst remaining relatively close to Durban and her attractions. The Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, just up Fields Hill near the neighbouring suburb of Kloof, offers a wonderful escape amidst waterfalls and the mist belt of Kloof in an indigenous forest.
 
Cowies Hill has become something of a household name to fans of the world-famous Comrades Marathon as it is a key section of the race. For the health-conscious, Virgin Active Gym in Westville is only a stone's throw away. Not much further is the extensive Pavilion Shopping Centre which is next-door to the highly respected Westville Hospital. Foodies will be delighted with the abundance of excellent restaurants and pubs in the vicinity.