Closest Town: Hermanus
Grading: Intermediate
Duration: About 2 hours
Location (Area/Province): Overberg & Southern Cape and Western Cape
Configuration: Circular - 17km
Start Point: Fernkloof gates
Access: Public access
Beware of: Hikers and dogs that share the trail
Facilities: Ablutions at Fernkloof, rental bikes from Hermanus Cycles, cell phone reception
Cell Reception:
Mountain biking in Hermanus recently underwent a face lift, with the PPA (Pedal Power Association) having committed to funding trail development in and around the town.
On your bike
Numerous trails in the Hemel and Aarde Valley as well as a 17km trail in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve are now open for exploration. This circular trail is signposted for clockwise travel and may be joined at any point within the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. The surface is mainly jeep track, but a few substantial stretches of singletrack add to the attraction of the route.
Expect a few sandy sections and rocky stretches here and there as well as the occasional tarmac link. In places, the trail skirts the urban sprawl of Hermanus but for most of your ride you’ll be blasting through a profusion of fynbos alive with butterflies, birds, baboons, mongoose, frogs, tortoises, snakes and lizards.
Off the bike
Whale watching features big on the local leisure menu, so visit during late winter or spring.
GPS: 34°23’40.4” S / 19°15’58.0” E
