DAY 2 13 KM

All of us slept well and we hit the trail again at 8 am. Cliffs towered over us and Namaqua rock fig trees clung to the slopes. Toktokkies scrambled to get out of our way and Verreauxs’ eagles circled against the blue, cloudless sky. We even saw a breeding pair giving their chick a flying lesson.

Suzette lay down on her stomach to drink from a mountain pool and I did the same – the water was cool and sweet.

After about 4,5 km, we took a breather before exiting the canyon. You ascend about 100 m up a cliff – the path is steep. At the top we built a cairn to celebrate the first completed hike on this new trail. The rest of the trail is marked with white crosses.

With the canyon behind us now, we crossed a ridge and passed some quiver trees. I picked up a heart-shaped stone and put it in the branches of one. I had truly lost my heart to the Schaap River.

At noon, we had lunch on a rock slab next to several river pools. Some hikers sat with their feet in the cold water while the kettle boiled. Others took a nap on the warm rocks. Refreshed, we followed a path into a small gorge and walked to its furthest end, then we turned back and stopped at a place called Swartbakke – a series of pools among big, black boulders. Three of us hikers sat down in the icy water to pose for a photo with a copy of Weg. We were the first group to ever hike this trail – we had to mark the occasion somehow!

We exited the gorge and returned to the path. One last hill and we reached the end point at a koppie called Seepsteenberg. We congratulated each other – we’d conquered the Schaap River Canyon! The pipe cars were waiting to pick us up. It felt like the trail had ended too soon, but long after I had pulled off my boots, I still retraced my steps over and over in my mind.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO How does it work? The two-day trail is on the Nigramoep Guest Farm. The night before the hike, you sleep in self-catering units called Rudolph’s Countryseat and Snappy’s Cottage – there’s space for 10 hikers. All the units are well equipped. You camp in the canyon on the second night and it’s recommended that you also overnight on the guest farm on the last night.

Best time to hike? The trail is only open in winter, from April to September, when it’s cooler and there’s more water available. It’s hiked on request only. Contact Suzette Louw in advance.

What should I pack? You’re allowed one medium-sized bag, a tent, a mattress and bedding (max 25 kg). Pipe cars will transport your luggage to the overnight spot. You have to carry your own daypack with food and drinking water.

Cost: From R10 000 for a group of 10 hikers. This includes accommodation, conservation fees and transport. Hikers must bring their own food and gear. Contact: 082 6873 852; nigramoep.co.za