Closest Town: Suurbraak
Grading: Easy to Intermediate
Duration: Various
Location (Area/Province): Overberg & Southern Cape and Western Cape
Configuration: Return route
Start Point: Suurbraak Tourism will give you directions to the start of the routes
Access: Public roads
Beware of:
Facilities: No ablution facilities
Cell Reception: Intermittent
OVERVIEW
Suurbraak is a small rural village close to Swellendam and is mainly a farming community. Originally established as a mission station in the folds of the Langeberg mountains, the village is well worth a visit for its sense of history alone.
On your bike
River Walk – An easy flat route that runs parallel to the main road. Swimming, picnic and braai (barbecue) spots can be found at ‘Grootgat’ and ‘Boeregat’. This is an easy ‘away from it all in one minute’ ride.
De Oude Meulen Trail – The Meuldam is a natural rock pool in the kloof across the river, where the town’s water supply is collected and piped underground to the reservoir. Breathtaking scenery, interesting vegetation, ancient fruit trees and oaks, abundant wildlife and birdlife are the attractions on this trail.
Fynbos Route – This is a ride up the mountain above the pine forests, where a field of proteas awaits. This trail gives spectacular views of the village while riding waist deep in Fynbos. Mountain streams of the purest water are plentiful. This ride is quite a climb and has a sharp descent on return.
Off the bike
Suurbraak was a mission station enfolded by the Langeberg Mountains. The village is well worth a visit as many of the original houses and buildings remain. Off the main town square are the original church, parsonage and school – built by the London Missionary Society between 1828 and 1848.
The village is also well worth visiting for day trips as the area is rich in fynbos and birdlife and hikers are welcome.
CONTACT:
Phone: + 27 (0) 28 522 1806
Email: suurbraak@gsto.co.za or suurbraak@swellendam.co.za
Website: www.openafrica.org
GPS: 34° 4’11.65″ South / 20°40’35.45″ East
