IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Our trail network is once again open and operational!
We do ask that trail users take care of the freelance tree-fellers working in the municipal forests.
The traditional RED ROUTE some might remember which went through Camphill Farm is STILL CLOSED.
Please do not ride any trail in “reverse”. Areas such as “The Gorge” is only ridden as a downhill with special events and attempting to do this in the wrong direction could have catastrophic consequences.
Access to the trail network from Rotary Drive is only via Southern Right Farm and the area known as “Mineshaft.” Hamilton Russel Vineyards and “Witklippies” no longer offer access to the network in this direction.
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 sections 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 on a NO PERMIT = NO ACCESS basis and all riders are expected to purchase a permit upon entry or exit. Permits are available at Village Cycles close to the start of the trails, or at selected cycling shops in Hermanus town. For the early risers, there is also an honesty box system in place outside Village Cycles, with a cash drop off or Snapscan available.
Please remember that a lot of our trails are on working farms and private land and are also sometime used by trail runners and hikers, so please be careful.
TRAILS ARE CLOSED between sundown and sunrise.
NIGHT RIDES are only permitted for pre-arranged times/dates – if the farmers catch you out there at night, there is a good possibility you’ll have a gun pointed at you!
DAY PERMITS
Adults – R70
Scholars (<18) – R30
ANNUAL PERMITS* (01 Dec. ’21 – 30 Nov. ’22)
Adults – R750
Scholars and Trail Runners – R300
Family Permit (2 adult; 2 kids) – R1600
*Valid 1 December – 30 November each year
SEASONAL PERMITS
For visitors during peak times who intend on using the trail often
A 20 day permit for holiday times is available for R450.
Please contact Kobus on 071 862 1440 or info@dustyfeet.co.za for if you have any queries.
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.
DISTANCE: 7km
ELEVATION GAIN: 90m
EST. DURATION: 30-60 min
HIGHLIGHTS: Two Rope Bridges; “Snakes and Ladders” flow trail; “4 Kids Sake” Track; “Feetjie Bos” Trail
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 is recommended.
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 disappoint.
DISTANCE: 11.5km
ELEVATION GAIN: 130m
EST. DURATION: 60 – 90 min
HIGHLIGHTS: Two Rope Bridges; Die Plaaskombuis for refreshments; “River Radness” Trail; “Snakes and Ladders”; “4 Kids Sake”; “Feetjie Bos”
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 Karwyderskraal Road. Here you will be required to cross the R320 at the Stop, from where you will drop down to Bouchard Finlayson, and then further down towards Vrede and Die Plaaskombuis. Shortly after Die Plaaskombuis you will again cross the road into Mountain Rose Drive, which will take you around Hamilton Russel up the challenging “Witklippies” until you reach Rotary Way and enjoy the amazing 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.
DISTANCE: 25km
ELEVATION GAIN: 780m
EST. DURATION: 90-120 min
HIGHLIGHTS: Onrus River Gorge Waterfalls; Bouchard Finlayson; Vrede; Die Plaaskombuis: “Witklippies”; Rotary Way; “The Bypass”; “River Radness”
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 to the De Bos Dam via the Onrus River Gorge, where you will ride across the dam wall and turn right at to go around the dam. 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 Moya’s Cottage and 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.
DISTANCE: 62 km
ELEVATION GAIN: 1780m
EST. DURATION: 150+ min
HIGHLIGHTS: “Barrel Loop”; “The Gorge”; De Bos Dam; “Heuwels Fantasties”; Babylon’s Toren Trail; Spookfontein Drop and Winery; Newton Johnson Vineyards; “Bucky the MTB Slayer”; Bouchard Finlayson; “Witklippies”; Rotary Way; “The Bypass”; “River Radness”
Rules and Conditions:
• Use the trail at own and absolute risk
• Only permit holders are allowed on the trails
• Do not cycle, walk or run alone
• Abide to Portage, Horse and Dangerous notifications
• No litter/ no smoking/ no fires/ no shouting is allowed
• Stay on the marked route
• No quads, motorbikes and/or vehicles (excluding those of landowners and their staff) are allowed on the route and will be confiscated
• Peddle-assisted bikes (E-Bikes) are allowed – no electric motorcycles or vehicles are allowed
• Obey the instructions of cycling marshals and land owners on the trails
• Report any transgressions immediately to Paul 082 820 3331
• The trails are clock wise, no ‘against traffic’ is allowed (the first +- 1 km is two way traffic)
• NO CYCLING allowed in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve from Rotary Way, or down towards town from Rotary Way – PLEASE OBEY THE “NO CYLCING BEYOND THIS POINT” SIGNAGE
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
EMR Ambulance services – 076 585 0899
Schalk – 082 591 3351
Kobus – 071 862 1440
INDEMNITY/LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
By buying a permit the participant acknowledge that they fully understand and accept that such activity (mountain biking/trail running/hiking/cycling) shall be undertaken at the participants absolute own risk and undertake on behalf of themselves and the applicant to indemnify, hold harmless and absolve DUSTY FEET, Kobus Stofberg, Hermanus Adventures and it owners and staff, The Hemel and Aarde Trails, the owners of the land on which trails pass and all their associated companies and organizations and their employees and representatives acting in such capacity, against and from any claims whatsoever which may arise in connection with any loss and/or damage to the person and/or property of the applicant and the course of such activities.
They also agree to adhere to the rules of the trails and respect the areas they share.
Download Liability Disclaimer [Click Here]