That is where it all started for me - as a young boy in the 1960’s - a lifetime of hiking, mountaineering and rock climbing. What a pleasure to come across your post on Castle Gorge. Impassioned, informative and brief!

@RoughingItWithRuth

10 ай бұрын

What a lovely comment! Thank you!

Great hike and video. Thank you for sharing. You have a wonderful day.

@RoughingItWithRuth

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Another great video Ruth! I'd love to go once my heel has healed!

@RoughingItWithRuth

2 жыл бұрын

For sure! You would love it!

You have to be very careful in the waterfall area especially when you are with children. When we started we thought it was not challenging but wow..

@RoughingItWithRuth

Жыл бұрын

Yes, definitely need to be careful in that area with children.

Certainly helpful info, thanks 💜……btw also sub’d.

Hi Ruth. Thank you for your helpful videos! I wonder if you can help me. I previously had a Kway 65 litre hiking pack, but unfortunately the hip straps were too big after losing some weight. 😅 Do you perhaps know which backpacks brands has the smallest hip straps? It's quite uncomfortable hiking with a pack that doesn't quite fit right. I am hiking the otter trail later this year. Wondered if you maybe have an idea!

@RoughingItWithRuth

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jianie! Osprey has a whole range of backpacks that are sized (small, medium, etc.) so you should be able to find a good fit in the Osprey range. Drifters Adventure Centre sells Osprey packs, but there are also other stores that stock them too. Some of the Black Diamond packs also have reasonably small hip belts, and some some of the Decathlon packs can be adjusted to be small as well. I would definitely recommend trying the packs on in a shop first before you buy one.

@jianievanniekerk9646

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ruth! Will give those brands a try!

Very challenging hiking terrain. Definitely not for the inexperienced or solo hiker IMO! The water 💦 looks cold 🥶.

@RoughingItWithRuth

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the terrain is quite rugged! The water is nice when it's summer, but pretty chilly in winter 😅

Disappointing to hear that no wild camping allowed unless you are part of an elitist club.

@RoughingItWithRuth

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I'm not a huge fan of that decision. Maretlwane Waterfall Campsite is a decent alternative as it is on the property next door.

@grantrens

Жыл бұрын

In fact the land is owned by a consortium of private landowners and the JHB Hiking club is not even a major shareholder. The truth is that this is how Conservation of such a precious piece of land is actually achieved in this part of Africa. In practice anyone who enjoys hiking will easily be able to hike and camp here. In other parts of the world the government would be expected to preserve and make such beautiful spots available to hikers but in South Africa it is up to conservation minded individuals and clubs. We are fortunate that not only has someone saved this land from exploiters and developers but has made it able to be accessible to us.