Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails

Welcome

Bottelary Hills MTB Trails were opened by the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) in April 2011. The trails formalise riding in the area and serve as a much needed source of funds to further conservation efforts.
BHRC encloses the Bottelary Hills situated near Stellenbosch, approximately 40km East of Cape Town, South Africa. The hills are home to endangered fauna and flora species.
The unique terroir of the area lends itself to growing grapes of the highest quality. It’s no coincidence that BHRC is home to many well respected wine estates known for producing world class wines

Overview

All the trails are on private land with permission from landowners, as a result strict rules apply to ride the trails.

The trails offer scenic beauty and incredible views of the Winelands, Table Mountain and False Bay.

The trails cover a total distance of 74km and appeal to riders of all capabilities. They are made up of one “Main Route” with five loops connected to it.

Trails

Red Route “Main Route”

  • 23km with 665m of climbing
  • renosterveld jeeptrack, 1.5km forest singletrack and farm roads
  • moderate to challenging riding
  • lovely scenery and stunning views
  • a challenging 2km climb

Yellow Loop

  • 6.7km with 144m of climbing
  • farm and vineyard roads
  • easy to moderate riding
  • lovely scenery
  • one long 2.5 km downhill
  • From Middelvlei to start of the Yellow Loop is 3.75km , so total ride distance from Middelvlei via Yellow Loop and back is 14km

Purple Loop

  • 9.2km with 243m of climbing
  • mostly farm roads through vineyards and renosterveld
  • easy to moderate riding
  • a challenging 1.3km climb
  • some technical downhill sections
  • From Middelvlei to start of the Purple Loop is 6.75km. Purple Loop distance is 9km. Exit back to Yellow Loop and complete Yellow to return to Middelvlei for a total ride distance of 22.4km.

Blue Loop

  • 6,3 km with 290m of climbing, or an easier 4 km option with 230m
    of climbing
  • Three very steep hike-a-bike sections
  • mostly jeeptrack through renosterveld
  • tough 2km climb

Green Loop

  • 12.3 km with 383m of climbing
  • renosterveld jeeptrack and farm roads
  • two single track sections (900m & 1.5km)
  • stunning views
  • a moderate 2.5km climb
  • From Hazendal to start of the Green Loop is 1.85 km, so total ride distance from Hazendal via Green Loop and back is 16km
  • From Zevenwacht to start of the Green Loop is 1.7km, so total ride distance from Zevenwacht via Green Loop and back is 15.7km

Orange Loop

  • 8.7 km with 153m of climbing
  • Ideal for beginners and the “not-so-fit”
  • jeeptrack and farm roads through vineyards
  • From Ons Genot to start of the Orange Loop is 1.5km. So total ride distance from Ons Genot via Orange Loop and back is 11.6km

Trail Rules

  • Riding time is from Sunrise to Sunset, no night riding !
  • No alterations are allowed to any trail or the riding area in general without explicit approval of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy Committee.
  • Only annual or day permit carriers are allowed access to the trails. Armband to be worn on wrist or bike board to be displayed on handlebars at all times.
  • Riding alone is not advisable (in case of incapacitating accident). Carrying a mobile phone is recommended.
  • A helmet must be worn at all times whilst riding.
  • Bikes must be well maintained and of an appropriate calibre to remain safe under all riding conditions.
  • Do not stray off the designated (marked) routes.
  • Do not tamper with plants or provoke any animals.
  • Good and courteous behaviour towards fellow riders is expected at all times. (A friendly “hello” to any farm staff, managers, owners you may encounter along the way is always appreciated.)
  • Access to the routes is only allowed via the designated entrances.
  • All vehicles must be parked in the designated parking areas. Vehicles are not allowed within the riding area.
  • No camping or making of fires allowed.
  • No pets allowed.
  • NO LITTERING ! If you brought it, take it home.

Safety: Be on the lookout for tractors and vehicles at all times as they have right of way. These are working farms you ride through, tractors pull heavy loads and take a long time to stop. Please move out of their way quickly for your own safety.

Riders breaking any of the above rules are liable to have their annual or day permit revoked. Permit fees will not be refunded.

You can contact the Conservancy Secretary at info@bottelaryhillsmtb.co.za

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