Weaver’s Roost Hiking Trail: Short But Packs A Punch

Why I Put Off Weaver’s Roost (And Why You Shouldn’t)

Because it’s an hour’s drive for a measly six kilometers, that’s why.

But when my social media feed made it sound like six kilometers of sheer, unadulterated suffering, I accepted the challenge, packed my backpack, my son Pepper, and off we went.

Me vs. Pepper

Pepper nearly bailed.

On the Friday he said he’s been invited to dinner… and I didn’t want to wake up early on the Saturday morning.

Oh no, sir. Not this time.

This ship sails at dawn - well, 7 a.m. (which is Pepper’s version of dawn).

Arm of celestial trail guide

The Great Gate Debacle

We arrived a few minutes before 8 a.m. and stared at the closed gate, waiting for someone to….. do something.

After a few minutes, we realized: you just push it open.

So began the hike like most of ours do - me and Pepper, outsmarted by inanimate objects.

Inside, we cruised past a buzzing campsite and I checked in at reception, where I requested the slow-motion version of the trail instructions. I nodded, took notes, and still knew we were absolutely going to get lost.

Because it was me and Pepper.

And if you’re new here - welcome - Pepper and I can (and have) gotten lost in parking lots.

Lost Before We Even Started

Naturally, we couldn’t find the start of the trail.

Then, from absolutely nowhere, a man with a hiking stick materialized.

“Are you hiking?” I blurted out - possibly too aggressively.

“Yes, but I’m not quite sure where to start,” he replied.

Perfect. My favourite kind of stranger: equally clueless, but confidently so.

So, we did what any rational people would do - we followed him. And he led us straight to the gate we’d somehow failed to find ourselves.

The Celestial Trail Guide

This man, I’m convinced, was our "Celestial Trail Guide" - a mystical being sent by the Universe to shepherd the geographically challenged.

We didn’t even hike together, but every time Pepper and I reached a confusing junction, he’d reappear - always at the perfect moment, just long enough to say one word, and vanish back into the trees. POOF.

Pretty sure he photosynthesized.”

The trail was actually well-marked. The problem was… us. It's always us.

I’d been told to watch out for a rock with a skull - where you choose left for the hard route, right for the easy one.

Naturally, we strolled right past it. Not because I didn’t see it - oh no, I even stopped to take a photo of it. I just… completely forgot I was supposed to be looking for it.

Eventually, the penny dropped. We backtracked, and as we approached the rock - there he was.

He pointed left.

And just like that, we were back on track and he disappeared.

False Summits.

That incline?

Brutal, and every time I thought, “This must be the top,” it was not.

Then we hit a fence. I said left, Pepper disagreed, claiming we were backtracking. I assured him we weren’t.

We were.

So we turned back. And I kid you not — there he was, like some divine forest spirit.

He nodded toward the fence and said, “We’ll have to squeeze through it.”

Obviously. Because what’s a good hike without mild trespassing and humiliation?

Meanwhile, Pepper stood there narrating my struggle - “Are you sure you’ll fit?” “Do you need help?” - while offering exactly zero actual assistance.

Our celestial trail guide, on the other hand, gently parted the wires for me like Moses in hiking boots.

Thanks, Pepper — stellar teamwork as always.

THE PERFECT SWEET SPOT

It’s short, yes - but it absolutely does not feel it.

There are savage inclines, technical descents, and by the end, you’ve earned the right to pat yourself on the back.

You know all those other majestic monsters - where on the way up you swear you’ll never hike again, but the summit somehow makes you believe in joy and nature? And then that never-ending stretch back to the parking lot nearly finishes you off?

Pepper squeezing through the fence

Weaver’s Roost is exactly that - just fun-sized.

All the pain, glory, and smug satisfaction of the long trails, neatly condensed into a tidy package.

RATINGS

Trail Information

AREA

Krugersdorp

COST

R 60

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Hard. But awesome.

TRAIL LENGTH

6 km.

TRAIL MARKERS

Good

WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER

There are shaded sections, but in summer?

Bring water. Then bring more (and salt).

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

An amazing looking campsite, swimming pool, mini golf, games room, and a playground complete with trampoline (for Pepper to embrace his inner five-year-old.)

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

We saw droppings.....we always do

NOTE TO SELF

Maybe hire that celestial guide full-time.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Absolutely

PET FRIENDLY

No

ON A FINAL NOTE

I stumbled across plenty of quirk and charm around the establishment - just in case the trail hadn’t already ticked every possible box.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO