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Mountain biking in the Helderberg
Farm loops with views over False Bay, single track through vineyards and the famous networks of Stellenbosch and Elgin, all within forty minutes.
Close to Villa Helderberg
Six trail networks we send riders to, from a gentle four-kilometre green loop to full days of single track, with driving times from the villa.
Our closest recommendation, on a private farm halfway between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. Four loops: a 4 km green for beginners, a 6 km blue, a 14 km red and a 17 km black. Views stretch to False Bay and Table Mountain, and there is a bike wash, braai area and a small petting zoo.
Trail details
A 10 kilometre circular route on the farm off the R44, taking around an hour over gravel, tarmac, paving and single track, with some good climbs and fast descents. Parts are rated intermediate to difficult, so pick your line, and the tea garden is waiting afterwards.
Trails and fees
Stellenbosch is one of the Cape’s mountain biking capitals. The Jonkershoek riding happens on adjoining forestry land managed by MTO, which charges its own fee, and access arrangements change from time to time, so check before you load the bikes.
Trail networks
Gentler riding than Jonkershoek, winding between vineyards, renosterveld and wide views across the valley. The trails are run by the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy and permits support the conservation work. Several wine farms on the route have restaurants.
Permits and trails
Purpose-built trails through old oaks, vineyards, orchards and cattle pastures, designed by trail builder Pieter Visser, with the Groenlandberg behind. The estate has hosted stages of the Absa Cape Epic and Wines2Whales. Book online, sign the indemnity, and use the bike wash and showers afterwards.
Book a ride
A big network through orchards, mountain fynbos and forest: a 7.3 km yellow route, a 10 km green, a 17 km blue and a 23.6 km red for advanced riders, within roughly 60 kilometres of trail. Helmets are compulsory and riders register on arrival.
Trail informationDriving times are approximate. Permits, fees, opening times and access arrangements change, so check each venue’s website before you ride. Photos: Stellenbosch trail by Frank Taljaard (CC BY 4.0), riders by Jason Sager and Tim Brink (CC BY-SA 2.0 / CC BY 2.0), Jonkershoek by KodachromeFan and the Hottentots-Holland by Abu Shawka, via Wikimedia Commons; some photos are illustrative rather than of that exact trail.
Before you ride
Permits, water and wind: the three things visiting riders ask us about.
Almost every network here needs a day permit, bought online or at the gate, and a helmet is compulsory. Carry more water than at home, because climbs are long and shade is rare, and start early in summer to beat both the heat and the afternoon south-easter.
There is no bike hire at the villa, but shops in Somerset West and Stellenbosch rent full-suspension bikes and can deliver. Tell us what you need when you book and we will point you to one. There is secure parking at the villa and space to wash and store bikes.
Trail conditions change after rain and during fire season some areas close at short notice, so check the trail network’s Facebook page or website on the morning you ride.
Read our mountain biking guideLet us help
Send us your level and how far you want to go, and we will suggest a trail network, a start time and where to get coffee afterwards.
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