Please note that The Western Cape is vulnerable to wild fires. A number of areas in the Western Cape Trailmaps Series have been closed over the years to give the area time to recover from a fire. Either the whole area or just specific tracks may be closed for some considerable time.
Before planning a trip please research all relevant web sites and check that the area is still open.
Map 6 - Schapenberg
Map 7 - Grabouw
Map 8 - Oak Valley
Map 9 - Lebanon
Map 10 - Hermanus
The Western Cape is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast and this second series of maps and guides by Trailmaps picks 5 of the very best areas for biking and hiking in the Cape Overberg area of the Western Cape. These mapped areas have all been locations for stages of the monumental Cape Epic Race. They offer great rides and hikes with incredible scenery in vineyards, orchards, mountain forest plantations and fynbos heathland.
The first map in this 2nd Western Cape Series covers the spectacularly scenic Schapenberg wine estate with amazing bike routes and great facilities close to Somerset West. Map 7 describes 3 terrific routes in the forest area from Eikenhof Dam to Klipdrif in the Assegaaibosch Reserve on the edge of Grabouw. One of the most popular mountain biking locations and the venue for many races is covered on Map 8 at Oak Valley. Map 9 shows in detail the trails and routes that wind through the wine estates and orchards of Lebanon. Finally Map 10 covers the spectacular trails and scenery at Hermanus in the Hemel-en-Aarde area.
Map 6. The Schapenberg trails wind spectacularly around the wine estates and foothills of the Hottentots Holland Range, near Somerset West. This is part of the route used for the Wines2Whales MTB adventure and Cape Epic race. Entry to the Schapenberg Trails is through the Ongegund Conference Centre, near Sir Lowry’s Pass Village. A permit must be purchased and secure parking is available.
Map 7. There are many different areas to bike and hike in the vicinity of Grabouw. The area outlined in this map and guide is just north of Grabouw at the Assegaaibosch Reserve between Eikenhof and Klipdrif. There is some of the best mountain biking in this area. It offers terrific views and excellent forest roads and single track. The map and guide shows 3 routes suitable for all abilities marked clearly on the map and described in detail in the guide. Many of the trails are not clearly marked on the ground so follow one of the 3 described routes or just ride on your own using the map as your guide.
Map 8. Set across the Oak Valley wine estate, these trails consist of a large percentage of high quality single track trails, ideal for a terrific day out mountain biking.
The trails start in the oak forest of the lower valley and wind through vineyards and orchards out onto grazing lands with magnificent views of the Groenlandberg Mountains. There are 3 marked routes each shown clearly on the map and accurately described in the guide.
There are picnic, refreshment and shower facilities making this an ideal location for all the family.
Hikers can try some of the marked routes or just adventure on their own, using this map and the routes as a guide.
Map9. Situated in the heart of the Elgin Valley, The Lebanon MTB trails are some of the best trails on the Western Cape. The marked routes start at the Oak Lane Cottages where permits can be purchased. The trails meander through the orchards and reservoirs of the lower valley then climb through forests plantations and mountain fynbos. There are magnificent views of the Valley and Groenlandberg Mountains beyond. The 4 marked routes each shown clearly in colour on the map are accurately described in the guide.
Picnic, camping, accommodation and shower facilities make this an ideal location for all the family.
Map 10. One of the best locations for biking and hiking in the Cape Overberg area can be found at Hermanus. Hemel-en-Aarde translates as “Heaven and Earth” and it certainly has a wow factor that makes this area particularly special. The trails meander through vineyards in the lower valley and climb through mountain fynbos to give spectacular views of mountains, Hermanus and the ocean beyond. Rated as one of the best land-based whale watching sites in the World, with accommodation, restaurants and wine estates, this an ideal location for all the family. The MTB trails start from Hemel-en-Aarde village and four routes are each shown clearly in colour on the map are accurately described in the guide.
ISBN 978-1-906184-97-1