Drakensberg - Cathedral Peak Area

[OneMac]

Does anyone know what MTB trails are available in the Cathedral Peak area of the Drakensberg?

 

I know there is about 15km of trails near the hotel but I am looking for longer trails. Maybe into the neibouring villiage areas? Maybe along the contour paths to Drakensburg Sun?

 

Is there a way across to the Northern berg to Chris' AOA trails?

 

The ideal would be to files that I could load onto my Garmin.

[Mojoman]

Wasnt there a guy who biked the Drakensburg?

[davetapson]

Try and get hold of hiking maps. The contour paths and access up and down to them would make pretty awesome riding depending on your fitness levels.

 

http://www.slingsbymaps.com/drakensberg.aspx

Edited November 30, 2012 by davetapson

[JustAgar]

Does anyone know what MTB trails are available in the Cathedral Peak area of the Drakensberg?

 

I know there is about 15km of trails near the hotel but I am looking for longer trails. Maybe into the neibouring villiage areas? Maybe along the contour paths to Drakensburg Sun?

 

Is there a way across to the Northern berg to Chris' AOA trails?

 

The ideal would be to files that I could load onto my Garmin.

 

I found this map online.

It covers some good parts of the Northern Berg and there are contact numbers there of people likely to be able to give you info on the region you're interested in.

 

I have not used it though and am not familiar with these trails but hiked most of this area many years ago, beautiful scenery, God's own country!

[ricochet_rabbit]

Where will you be staying?

If you are anywhere near Mt Splendour pop in and have a chat to Iain Don-Wauchop. He owns the place and often takes out rides. He usually rides on a time basis, say 2-3 hours, distance covered will depend on the speed of the group.

 

I don't know of anyway, other than a drive around to cross over to the Northern Berg.

Edited November 30, 2012 by ricochet_rabbit

[OneMac]

Thanks for the comments.

 

Thanks for the map MountainKing. The area you are referring to is about 50km north of the Cathedral Peak area where we will be staying. Ricochet_rabbit, Mt Splendour is in the same area as the map.

 

It would be ideal to have a short cut across, but I cannot see a recognised route. I have 1:50 000 maps of the area and I may just use that and take my chances.

 

Davetapson, I have done quite a lot of hiking on the contour paths and in some places it is too dangerous to ride. I may try this on sections that will not be too hectic. I will let you know when I get back.

 

Any more comments would be welcome.

Edited December 1, 2012 by OneMac

[hillbilly]

This might help - many years ago I rode south from Royal Natal via the Busingatha valley and eventually ended up at the Mweni Cultural Village. The route was a mix of dirt roads, paths and animal tracks - good fun on the bike. I know from Mweni, one can get around to Cathedral Peak along the district roads - so technically you could do the same in reverse or drive around to All Out Adventures and start from there, heading back to Cathedral Peak.

 

The whole Mweni area is full of trails and it's still tribal land so the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife ban on mountain bikes doesn't apply. (That's the problem with the Contour Path - it could be a great MTB/multi-use trail but you aren't allowed to ride it.)

Edited December 1, 2012 by hillbilly

[kosmonooit]

I don't think Parks Board will be happy it you ride them hiking trails up in the National Park - it's a big no-no as far as i know. Only time riding is permitted in the park proper is the Giants Castle mtb event.

 

Otherwise its the foothills, cow paths, dirt roads

Edited December 1, 2012 by kosmonooit

[OneMac]

I have found some routes I would like to try, especially in the Mweni area, thanks hillbilly.

 

Does anyone know how I can map these and download them to my Garmin Edge 800?

Edited December 1, 2012 by OneMac

[hillbilly]

I have found some routes I would like to try, especially in the Mweni area, thanks hillbilly.

 

Does anyone know how I can map these and download them to my Garmin Edge 800?

 

You can draw your intended routes on Google Earth (it does take a bit of time to do accurately), save them as .kmz files. Upload and convert using www.gpsies.com (will convert to .gpx files which your Garmin can read). Then upload to your Garmin.

Edited December 2, 2012 by hillbilly

[Dirtbreath]

The AOA trails are brilliant. If you find your Mweni rides are not up to scratch I would recommend the short (?) drive to ride there. Awesome groomed singletrack.

[OneMac]

Thanks Hillbilly, I cannot get drawing routes on Google Earth to work. Will try tomorrow again.

 

I will definitely be visiting AOA.

[FC&P2C]

Try and get hold of hiking maps. The contour paths and access up and down to them would make pretty awesome riding depending on your fitness levels.

 

http://www.slingsbymaps.com/drakensberg.aspx

 

Ive cycled up Mikes pass and then the first section of the contour path towards Cathedral Peak is a jeep track. But after a few km it becomes proper hiking trail and you wont get much further. I have also hiked the contour path extensively and every time you have to cross a valley the path disappears and drops down through thick vegetation and up again on the other side of the river. Wont be able to get through on a bike.

Mikes pass was fun, especially going down!

[OneMac]

Thanks, will do Mike's Pass a few times!

[Paulst12]

Opposite the hotel there is a good route upto Lake William, and then below baboon rock.

 

Here is a link to my Strava site if you want a better idea... except i stopped at the gate at the top of Mike's Pass

 

http://app.strava.com/rides/18036425#329222687

 

If you continue through the gate and past the old burnt out house, there is a circular route going left... just zoom in a little to get a better idea... its fairly technical with plenty a loose shale type rocks, and will take you a fair while. Also you get a ver remote feeling when riding up there so i would advise going with a partner.

[OneMac]

Thanks, Paulst12, there is a fair amount to do.