Meerhof Iron Railway Bridge: Over the Bridge and Up Harties River Trail

So this hike was with Esti. Let me tell you a little something about Esti, for those who don’t know her—and for those who do, you’re probably already nodding knowingly.

Esti is basically a mountain goat in human form. She conquers peaks like it's just another Tuesday and sleeps on rocks like they’re memory foam.

We’re kinda similar. Kind of.

I do absolutely none of that. My expertise lies in oversharing via blog posts that are 90% sarcasm and low-grade emotional unraveling.

So… you see the similarity yet? No? Okay, fair.

Could I sleep on a rock? Absolutely not. Could Esti write something drenched in self-deprecation and unnecessary snark? Also no. But we both navigate life pretending we’ve got it all together, showing zero cracks—even when we are low-key melting on the inside.

Savage exterior, marshmallow core.

Same species, different fonts. Hers is bold italics. Mine IS ALL CAPS.

So when I saw her message: “Save the date. Meerhof Iron Railway Bridge.” I, being the meticulous calendar hoarder I am, immediately messaged her back asking for more info. Because what if I saved a date, and then didn’t go? What if I ended up hike-less for a day? That’s chaos. I don’t live like that.

Her reply: “Not exactly sure of the details, but it’ll be fun.”

Of course it would. It’s Esti. She’s the kind of person who messages a group on a Thursday like:"I believe it will be snowing in Clarens this weekend. Anyone want to go?"

I mean… yes dammit , I did want to go. But I’d just been there the weekend before. I’m not that gangsta yet (give me time, I’m working on it).

So turns out we were crossing the Meerhof Iron Railway Bridge, and hiking the latter part of Harties River Trail. And yes, even though I’d recently done the Harties River Trail—and I don't do repeats—I still showed up. Because it was Esti. And let me tell you,so glad I did!

I finally met the mythical PK. The man I follow on social media because he’s all about hiking, trails, and uh… more hiking. My kinda people.

And he was as lovely as I expected—even if he did admit he’d been “looking out for a short woman who never shows her face” on the trails.

(Weirdly flattering? Mildly insulting? I’ll go with flattering.)

Then came that moment: he asked if Rosemary was my daughter. Technically possible? Sure. Biologically feasible? Fine.

But really, PK? Sister was right there. Low-hanging ego fruit and you just... walked past it. Tragic.

And yes, Rosemary was there. Munchkin too. It was basically a fuzzy wuzzy hiking reunion

Now to the actual trail, for the three of you still reading for hiking details.

We parked in Meerhof—a suburb I didn’t know existed but now have deep feelings for. The energy as I drove in? Awesome. Like “maybe I should move here and start over” kind of energy.

Esti, in her usual organizational goddess form, even arranged a security guard to watch our cars. Because of course she did.

Then we walked toward the bridge. And honestly? Walking over this random, rusted Iron Railway Bridge was weirdly

magical. Don’t ask me why—I can’t explain it.

Maybe it was the view. Maybe it was the vibe. Maybe it was the company. Probably all three, if I’m being honest.

The rest of the trail? Beautiful. Familiar. But when the company’s great, even familiar feels brand new.

There were a few inclines along the way—nothing too hectic, all totally manageable in Harties trail terms.

So, if you’re looking for something a little different, a little refreshing, and a little Esti- flavoured—this was it.

There were smiles. There were jokes. There were squishy insides hiding behind tough exteriors. Because that’s how hikers roll—hard shell, gooey center, and hydration bladders.

Today’s hike in three words? Magical. Chaotic. Humbling.

Also: I look short in photos.