MTB TRAILS
Whales, Fynbos, Wine, Trails
Hemel & Aarde Valley,
Western Cape, South Africa
HERMANUS MTB TRAILS
The Hermanus MTB Trail network, in the Hemel & Aarde Valley, has 4 options for the beginner to serious MTB rider.
Starting and finishing at the Hemel & Aarde Village, the Green, Blue, Red and Black Route offers something for each rider. With trails ranging from fast forest single track to section of tarmac, the trail will take you past vineyards and orchards, through spectacular fynbos and give you amazing views of the valley and our town.
Closer to town you can find the "Urban Assault" route which winds its way around the back of Voëlklip and back towards the beaches and town after turning at the Kleinriver Lagoon. Though this trail is frequented by many riders, it is technically not part of the Hermanus Adventures Trails and is maintained by the Overstrand Municipality.
TRAIL PERMITS
Our trails are being maintained by a dedicated group of people who do their best to keep the trails clear and accessible year round. Please note that use of the trails are strictly NO PERMIT = NO ACCESS and all riders are expected to purchase a permit upon entry or exit. Permits are available at Village Cycles or The Wine Village at the start of the trails, or at selected cycling shops in Hermanus town.
Please remember that a lot of our trails are on working farms and private land and are also somtime used by trail runners and hikers, so please be careful.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
EMR Ambulance services - 076 585 0899
Schalk - 082 591 3351
Kobus - 071 862 1440
DAY PERMITS
Adults - R70
Scholars (<18) - R30
ANNUAL PERMITS*
Adults - R700
Scholars and Trail Runners - R250
Family Permit (2 adult; 2 kids) - R1300
*Valid 1 December - 30 November each year
SEASONAL PERMITS
For visitors during peak times who intend on using the trail often
Prices and duration TBC depending on the holidays
RULES FOR THE USE OF OUR TRAILS
GREEN ROUTE
Perfect for beginners and families, the Green Route is the shortest option for a ride in our valley. A mixture of jeep and single track, even the Green Route will test your skills a little, which is why it is a frim favourite for MTB skills training by our local coaches.
At the center of the Green Route is also a short circular track - "4 Kids" - which is a popular destination for youngsters. Here parents can sit and watch their children doing laps and having a great deal of healthy fun, while they enjoy the forest sounds and fresh air.
BLUE ROUTE
The Blue Route is a lovely MTB trail, ideal for families with a little trail experience, or those just starting out with the sport. With only short, not too hectic, climbs, this trail also has the option for a stop at Die Plaaskombuis, where you can enjoy a little refreshment, around the halfway point. This trail is also the ideal challenge for the youngsters, though mountain bikes with a wheel size of 24” or larger isrecommended.
The Blue Route is very popular with families and beginner groups, as well as youngsters training and working on their fitness. It includes sections used most years for big events like the Wines 2 Whales and will not dissapoint.
RED
ROUTE
The Red Route is a decent challenge for those “weekend warriors” and serious riders alike. The route will take you up the Onrus River Gorge and bring you to De Bos dam wall – amazing spot for a photo! Follow the trail around the back of La Vierge, onto Sumaridge Wine Estate (water point around the cellar), over towards Newton Johnson, then Bouchard Finlayson and onto Hamilton Russel until you reach Rotary Drive and enjoy the amaing view of our town. You will drop back down into the valley on Southern Right Farm, where you’ll cross the road and enter the forest again for an unforgettable trip back towards the start/end of the trails.
BLACK
ROUTE
Our Black Route is both a technical and endurance challenge, with spectacular views of the Hemel & Aarde Valley and its farms. This trail will take you across the neck to Bosman Farm, from where you will enjoy a bit of tarmac through stud farms and eventually back down onto Sumardige Wine Estate. There is a water point at the Sumaridge cellar you might need. Using a mixture of single track, farm and service roads you will find your way to the “turning point” at Domain Des Deux, where you will be required to ride a section along the road, before turning back at Babylon farm. After the Spookfontein Drop and Spookfontein Winery, you will once again be on the road, until the trail signage will again take you into the mountains at Newton Johnson. From here you will enjoy a fast downhill section after lots of climbing, joining the red route for another amazing few km’s back.
urban
assault
A mix of technical single track, beautiful views, mountain side trails in the fynbos, urban trails following the coastline and beautiful tar roads. This is a great little route if you're in town and pressed for time. You can add a trip around to the Hermanus Harbour if you want to add a few km's, or arrange for a meetup at the Country Market on a Saturday morning.