OVERVIEW
Meerendal Wine Farm MTB trails are ideal for beginners wanting their first taste of single-track riding, but the undulating landscape makes them perfect for those in search of some endurance training, too. All trails are graded from easy to moderate and can be enjoyed by the whole family, though the Dorstberg climb can be challenging for less fit riders.
On your bike
Start at the gate along a track meandering gently uphill around the upper dam and onto the Pomegranate single-track down the ‘Mineshaft’. Some more single-track will now lead you to the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ zigzag with its tricky switchbacks. The climb is short and not too brutal. After cresting and a quick breather, you have a choice: continuing up Dorstberg to your left or giving this Meneer a miss. Previously the Dorstberg climb was fairly straight up a rocky jeep track, but as of 2023 it is now a pleasurable switchback climb which rewards you with beautiful views of the Durbanville area and right across to Table Mountain.
You have two ‘opt out of the Dorstberg climb’ options: Go right for a quick finish to your ride via the Esther Suss berms, Epic corners and bottom flow track lines that spit you out literally at the car park, or you can peddle straight along the single-track that takes you to the Burry Stander climb and descent, a fun, flowing, not too technical trail. The end of the Burry Stander trail leads you into another nugget of a trail hugging a little gorge . You’ll have serious fun on the small jumps, tabletops and other little surprises.
At the top, if you opted for Dorstberg, first enjoy the view and then check out the arrow for the single-track descent that will be right in front of you… you’re in for some serious fun. The trail is beautifully carved, with berms and small jumps down the side of Dorstberg and will bring you back to the top of ‘Stairway to Heaven’.
Here you can hook into either the Burry Stander route by staying left at the route split, or taking the shorter Esther Suss bermed route back down to the car park.
Day permits are available at the entrance gate.
Off the bike
Both the Meerendal Restaurants are excellent and, cherry on top, have bike racks!
Best time of year
Anytime of the year is a good time to ride Meerendal. Some of the trails become waterlogged during winter, but these areas are cordoned off and detours are put in place while regular winter maintenance is done. Early starts are recommended in summer due to the heat.
How to Get There:
Follow the N1 North out of Cape Town before turning left onto the N7 towards Malmesbury. After about 10km, take the Durbanville/Vissershok road (M48) turn off to your right-hand side. Continue on the Visserhok Road for about 8km, past the 4 way stop and up over the hill. The Meerendal Wine Farm will be on your left-hand side just after the crest.
CONTACT:
Telephone: +27 (0)83 268 1171
Website : www.meerendal.co.za
GPS: South 33°47’57.31” / East 18°37’26.85″
Meerendal Wine Estate on Trailforks.com
