Swartland MTB Trail

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TRAIL INFO

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

TRAIL BASICS

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

Route Flyover(s)

Premium and Curated Trails Only

OVERVIEW

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 farm yard or three and wind your way through wheat fields galore.

A few moderate climbs and a short technical section follows. 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 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.

Off the bike

In Koringberg there is no pressure to do anything – just relax! Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Swartland’s wide open spaces and visit small dorps brimming with character (and characters!)

Darling boasts Pieter-Dirk Uys and his eclectic cabaret venue ‘Evita se Perron’. Riebeek Kasteel is graced with a dyed-in-the-wool Royal Hotel and other establishments featuring the best in country cuisine, art and crafts. Stop for lunch and you’ll stay for a day.

CONTACT:

Telephone: +27 (0)22 433 1072

Website: www.mo0rreesburgtourism.co.za

GPS: 33°01’07.9”S 18°40’36.5”E