Bekker Trails: The Skeerpoort One

My hiking buds for the day...."strictly off-lead " Boris and his human, Basil.

I don’t make the rules.

Boris does.

After an unreasonable amount of anticipation, confusion and admin, we finally - FINALLY - hiked “the new” Bekker Trails.

And yes kind Sir, steady yourself… because there is sub-text.

(Also known as: context you didn’t ask for but are getting anyway.)

The Backstory

Once upon a time, Shawn ran a trail at Bekker School.

It was called Bekker Trails.

Then Shawn opened his own trail.

Also called Bekker Trails.

But it is…...stay with me here......somewhere else.

I had already hiked the original trail.

Then I hiked it again.

With a club.

Convinced we were finally doing "The New One."

We were not.

We re-hiked the old trail.

It was lovely.

It was not new.

For once, I cannot be blamed for the confusion.

I’d like that noted for the record.

Persistence

Because Shawn is an “I am fully invested in my trail" host, I persevered and contacted him.

After a few WhatsApp messages, it was clear: a moderate, off-lead dog-friendly trail - and a technical kloofing route that’s not for dogs.

Decision made:

Boris gets freedom.

I save my questionable life choices for my other hiking friends.

Sorted, right?

No

When the admin became too much, I dramatically shelved the entire plan.

In hindsight: totally fair reasons for the admin.

At the time: just didn't seem worth it.

But I couldn’t let it go.

So we tried again… through Basil - a calm, emotionally regulated adult who knows how digital forms work.

We booked it.

We were excited.

And then ...

Noah's Floods

The literal morning of - during the December 2025 biblical floods - Shawn messaged to say the trail had washed out overnight and wasn’t safe.

We were devastated, but respected the decision.

Fast-forward to the third week of 2026, and there we were.

When we arrived, Shawn mentioned there’s also now a two-day hike with a wild camp.

(Because apparently he doesn’t sleep - he just upgrades trails.)

We were lucky enough to get a private, guided, off-menu adventure, covering sections of all the trail options.

The sticky green bally things

Inclines, Views, and Adventure

We started with a peaceful road walk.

Loved the area.

Might relocate.

Then came the incline.

Damn you, Shawn.

But the views just kept escalating and we hit forest sections, gorge rock-hopping (the good kind), technical descents, and a calm, serene lake that doubles as therapy.

It’s the kind of hike that leaves you exhilarated, victorious, and a little untouchable.

A true adventure from first step to last.

Bushwhacking

Thanks to recent rain, there was bushwhacking - which I love, especially because this time we weren’t lost. We were following Shawn....Critical difference.

Bushwhacking does, however, come with ticks and those sticky green bally things that latch onto your pants like they are moving in permanently.

Shawn cannot control nature.

But he did send photos to show that he had since cut back the overgrowth.

See - fully invested!!

Final Verdict

I could give you exact route details - but seeing as we didn’t do your route, that would be misleading at best.

What I can tell you:

It has everything a trail should: challenge, beauty, and moments that make you feel unstoppable.

You simply must do it.

And yes… I still passionately hate inclines.

I’ll definitely be back to try the official routes - and maybe those posts will actually be useful to you instead of whatever this was.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Skeerpoort

COST

R 80 per person.

R 30 for fluffies.....yes, really.

Trail Details

Sean

TRAIL OPTIONS

Overnight wild camp hike (details in comments)

3 km

6 km

15 km

We did roughly 8 km of guided, off-menu adventure.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

Shawn mentioned a clubhouse with braai areas and rooms available if you enjoy adventure but not sleeping on a mountain.

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

We saw cows at the start.

I’m counting it.

NOTE TO SELF

Embrace the sludge.

Bushwhacking invites the sticky green bally things.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Depends on the route and the children in question.

PET FRIENDLY

All trails are now pet friendly and off-lead.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Honestly, I did not expect this level of adventure.

Not even from Shawn.

Thanks Shawn!

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO

Better with backup humans