Closest Town: Moorreesburg
Grading: Intermediate to difficult (with 2 extreme downhills)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Location (Area/Province): Cape West Coast and Western Cape
Configuration: Various options – from 17km
Start Point: Start at the Dutch Reformed Church in Koringberg
Access: Free access, but check with locals if some farm areas are closed
Beware of: Two extreme downhills; farm animals
Facilities: None
Cell Reception: Intermittent
Test your endurance along this rocky 4X4 track ascending Swartberg for superb views of Table Mountain and the Swartland region.
On your bike
This tough ride kicks off on 500 m of tar and then follows a 7 km jeep track warm-up (5 km along the railway line) before cranking into the first 3.8 km monster uphill.
The descent is exhilarating, following a steep cement track, aptly named ‘The Mineshaft’ and due care must be taken here. After descending you will have time to relax for a while as you cruise the flats through a farmyard or three – winding your way through wheat fields galore all the while.
A few moderate climbs and a short technical section follow. Then, it’s up a 2 km hill and back onto an easy ride along the gravel road crossing the neck of the mountain. Now the real test follows! Take on a severe 3.6 km of granny climbing to the summit of Koringberg – and then take a deep breath before blasting into a nightmare descent. This hectic footpath bangs amongst stands of eucalyptus trees, through dongas and past gaping aardvark holes for 1.5 km before you make it home – hopefully in one piece. The route is tough, but not impossible.
For more information on the Swartberg region, check out our blogpost here!
GPS: 33°01’07.9” S 18°40’36.5” E