Maretlwane Wilderness School & Castle Gorge (Sort Of)

So, ages ago—practically in a past life—I dragged my son, Salt, through Dome Pools and had Castle Gorge firmly pinned as “next.”

Fast forward 100 trails later… still haven’t done it. Not for lack of trying, mind you. Turns out Castle Gorge doesn’t just let you hike it—you basically have to barter your soul with the Admin Gods first.

Requirements include:

A permit (naturally).

A minimum group size (because why hike with less than 10 people?).

Patience (which I do not, and will never, possess).

Honestly, the second a trail demands paperwork and emailing strangers, I remember there are plenty of other hikes that don’t come with admin homework.

Centurion Hiking Club To The Rescue

Just when I’d written Castle Gorge off, Centurion Hiking Club came to the rescue with a hike that sort of included it. Basically, we were going in through the scenic backdoor (aka the ass end) via the Maretlwane Wilderness School.

It started early (yay!). Club hikes rarely pull that off because there are always stragglers… but stragglers will straggle no matter what time you start.

So, 5:00 a.m. I left home (factoring in my guaranteed, trademark erroneous detour, of course.) But honestly, in summer, earlier is the only way.

Hiking Poles and Personality Disorders

The hike was led by Lawrence — a saint of a human who also always tries to bully me into using hiking poles and insists we should “love hills.” (Two traits that clearly qualify as diagnosable conditions.) But fine, he’s forgiven, because he’s endlessly patient and calm on the trail.

His other half, Lindy, was sweeping at the back, which meant I could blissfully bumble along, oblivious to all sense of direction, safe in the knowledge I wasn’t going to be abandoned in the wilderness.

The Trail That Might Have Out-Gorged Castle Gorge

So, although we didn’t do the actual Castle Gorge hike, what we did might have been even better.

The Maretlwane trail is ridiculous in the best possible way. The inclines were spaced out just enough that you could huff and puff dramatically, recover your dignity, and then huff some more.

After getting the rock scrambles, bum-slides, and a few river crossings we ended at one of the stunning Castle Gorge waterfalls.

The Waterfall Climb: My Unfinished Business

At the waterfall, there was the option to haul yourself up a rock with the help of a chain to reach a pool. Half the group went for it. I stood there, weighing my odds:

Could I get up? Probably.

Could I get down without crying? Doubtful.

Watching the descent confirmed my decision—people looked like they’d just re-lived every unresolved trauma from high school P.E. class.

Others discovered an alternate route down via rocks, creepers, and roots, which honestly seemed way less terrifying.

So, I filed the climb neatly under “Unfinished Business.” If I ever return, maybe I’ll give it a shot. Consider it… processed.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Brits

COST

Not sure, not my problem. “L-squared” (Lawrence + Lindy) handled it like pros.

But permits are required here too, but from the School.

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

It really depends on your definition of “difficult.” There were plenty of technical sections to keep things interesting, but none of those brutal, soul-crushing inclines.

TRAIL LENGTH

We did 9.2 km.

TRAIL MARKERS

Two words: L-squared.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Honestly? All of it. Waterfalls, bum sliding, rock scrambles, views.

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

If the sun is shining, trust me — it will find you. Early starts = lifesavers.

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

The trail links to a school that gives teens the chance to “discover themselves in nature” (which is both wholesome and terrifying). They offer tailored programs in wooden cabins.

Also: there’s a lodge, cabins, and camping. Basically, options for everyone from “I need a mattress” to “throw me in the dirt.”

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

Apparently there is...we just saw a frog

NOTE TO SELF

Remind yourself daily — hourly if necessary — sometimes you don’t need the shiny thing you’ve been chasing. You just need to say yes to what’s right in front of you.

This trail, was actually better than what I imagined Castle Gorge could ever be.

And also, it was blissfully peaceful. The closer we drifted toward Castle Gorge, the more obvious it became that it’s the “it girl” of trails—more noise, more traffic, and… actual people. Eeeeuw.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Maybe. Depends on your kids’ tolerance for bum sliding and river crossings

PET FRIENDLY

Probably not. Unless your dog is part mountain goat.

ON A FINAL NOTE

Thanks Centurion Hiking Club for yet another stunning hike — and to the Tribe, you were, as always, stupendous.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO, silly!