Closest Town: Wilderness
Grading: Easy, but steep
Duration: 90 minutes to 3 hours
Location (Area/Province): Garden Route
Configuration: Circular route
Start Point: Eden Adventures next to the Wilderness Lagoon
Access: Public access
Beware of: Dirt road traffic
Facilities: Ablutions and secure parking at Eden Adventures
Cell Reception: Good coverage
This route follows part of the first ‘major’ road between George and Knysna, with all the riding on good gravel surfaces.
On your bike
Start off by cranking along the Wilderness Lagoon before ascending along a long (5 km), but gradual, climb up White’s Road to Wilderness heights. Enjoy some spectacular views of the lagoon and sea along the way before heading onto the Old George/Knysna Road, but don’t miss the short detour to the breathtaking ‘Map of Africa’ viewpoint.
Once on the Old George/Knysna Road, you cycle past smallholdings and dairy farms before descending into the Tow River Valley. What goes down must come up, so get ready for a punishing climb up the other side of the valley to Hoekwil. From here you could head home along tarmac through Hoekwil or head back along the lake road to Eden Adventures.
Off the bike
Just 15 km from George’s airport, Wilderness with its exquisite mountains, coastline and inland lakes is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts whether your medium is land, water or air. Choose from abseiling, hiking, hang-gliding, paragliding, canoeing, surfing, boating and bird watching.
GPS: 33°59’30.59 S 22°35’3.52 E
