Closest Town: Citrusdal
Grading: Difficult
Duration: About 3 hours
Location (Area/Province): Cape West Coast and Western Cape
Configuration: Return, 26km
Start Point: Either at Citrusdal Tourism Office or at Boschkloof Farm
Access: Permit payable at Citrusdal Tourism Office
Beware of: Extreme summer heat, snakes
Facilities: Two self-catering cottages that sleep 6 each at Boschkloof Farm (022) 921 3533; intermittent cell phone reception
Cell Reception:
This rates as a popular 26km trail, with something for all levels of riders.
On your bike
Start off at the Information Office in Citrusdal or at Boschkloof Farm. From the Info Office, follow the tarmac along the Ceres Mountain Pass (R303) for 7 km before turning off towards Gonnafontein. From here it’s goodbye gravel and hello singletrack, so blast onto a stunning mountainside trail meandering through pristine fynbos and fragrant citrus orchards.
An awesome downhill from Gonnafontein to Boschkloof will test your bike skills and balance along a steep descent. From the Boschkloof homestead, cross the Boontjiesrivier and head back onto gravel to buzz the 7 km of country road looping back into town.
The route can also be done in the opposite direction.
Off the bike
Citrusdal is a quaint little town at the foot of the Piekenierskloof Pass and is the perfect springboard into the many delights of the magnificent Cederberg region. The Citrusdal mineral baths make for a relaxing day of regeneration while skydiving and rock-climbing will get your endorphins going. Boschkloof is a working farm with lush citrus orchards, and fields of rooibos tea and a rose nursery to explore. Other attractions include Bushman rock paintings, a multitude of day hikes, swimming in river pools and an impressive bird list.
CONTACT:
Route information: Mariet Smith, Boschkloof Farm
Telephone: +27 22 921 3533 or +27 82 734 9467
Website : www.boschkloof.com
GPS: 32°33’43.4” South / 19°03’29.7” East
