The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, with its giant granite boulders dating back more than 500 million years, provides a spectacular backdrop for an enjoyable gravel ride. Leisure cruising on good dirt roads with a gentle gradient makes this route suitable for the whole family.

However, Paarl Mountain is surrounded on all sides with wine estates featuring stunning, custom-built single-track. Rheebokskloof, Spice Route and Laborie are all great starting points – with excellent restaurants and facilities.

On your bike

Various circular gravel loops offer great views of the Boland mountains and across False Bay towards Cape Point in the distance. The route takes you right up to the Afrikaanse Taal Monument, the Victoria Dam and Paarl Rock. In winter, the waterfalls are pumping and the dams full, but expect the roads to be dusty on dry summer days (vehicles do use these roads, so beware).

For mountain bikers there are a number of trailheads to choose from – and more trails than even the hardiest riders can do in a day. Refer to the Trailforks map below, as well as paarltrails.com for information on trailheads, permits and routes.

Off the bike

Paarl is located within the heart of the Cape Winelands; check out the Taal Monument, sample country cuisine or go wine tasting at award-winning estates.

Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve on Trailforks.com