I'm horrified how lightly Mark Hodson talks of the "two hour hike" up Table Mountain. Having just returned from Cape Town where we walked down Platteklip Gorge I can tell you it is a major hike. Not something to be undertaken by the casual tourist and families. We had a terrible experience and would not advise your readers unless experienced, fit, well equipped walkers to undertake this. After our experience we were told several times by locals that tourists regularly die on the mountain through falls, exhauston etc. Our Eye Witness guide book of South Africa also describes the walk casually. Has Mark Hodson actually done the walk himself? Gina Woodhead, by email

Mark Hodson writes: Hi, Gina. Yes, I did walk up the gorge, and, no, I didn't find it difficult. In fact, I reached the top with a local family whose two boys were five and seven years old. They looked puffed out, but were still smiling.

As you may know, there are dozens of ways to get up Table Mountain but Platteklip Gorge is the easiest. The route is well-marked and beautifully maintained, with no loose rocks. It's a straight walk, not a climb, which is why it's popular with inexperienced walkers and families. Like many steep trails it is, in fact, harder to get down than up - as you seem to have found! Like you, I heard rumours that many walkers have died on the mountain, though further investigation revealed these stories to be largely exaggerated.

Most of those that have got into trouble have done so because they have strayed off the marked paths or failed to wear appropriate clothing. Of course, it would be foolish to approach any serious hike without proper walking boots, sunscreen, a waterproof layer and plenty of drinking water.

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