Botmanskop and Banhoek route?

[Emin]

Hi

I have seen a couple videos on the Botmanskop and Banhoek trails but haven’t seen a gpx file for any of the routes. I am open to any distance below 50km and any amount of climbing below +- 1200m. I don’t know much about the Stellenbosch area so some local knowledge would be welcome.

 

Thanks

[wolver]

Here is an option.

Banhoek_.gpx

[Emin]

Hello, thank you so much this looks amazing! Any tips for the route e.g gates, technical features, permits etc.

[openmind]

You need a permit but you can buy a day permit with Snapscan at the trailhead at the entrance to Botmaskop forest area from the Uniepark suburb and even at the top of Botmaskop as you go over onto the Skyfall trails (at the top of Bartiney Wines). The trailheads have boards up with a code for Snapscan. Honesty system - please pay and keep the trail builders employed!!

[Emin]

Thank you Openmind, will do.

[Emin]

Ok, so after playing around with a couple route planners and done some research my final route will probably be: Start at Old Bethlehem Plaas then ride through Kylemore to Hellshoogte, ride Hellshoogte until the turn off to the old road. I will then ride old road through the storm water tunnel in Botmanskop and climb to the Corkscrew, I will then ride the Corkscrew, Luiperd se Fijndraai, Bartiny Skyfall and Banhoek berms. I will then climb back up and do a bit of the Botmanskop sky traverse, then descend down and climb up to the top of Klipwerf via Nik Naks and do a run then I will climb up the Elevator and down Afterburn before finishing back at Old Bethlehem. About 32km and 900m of climbing. Is this a good route? Anything I am missing?

Thanks

[Hilton.]

I find that Trailforks is really good for exploring the trails (with their names) in this region:

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/map/?nearby=1&activitytype=1&z=13.3&lat=-33.92205&lon=18.94015&content=trails,labels,trails_top,region,poi,directory,polygon,eventpremium,waypoint

[Hilton.]

As per Emin's route described above. Start at the dot, top right (Bethlehem, Kylemore)

[JayLow]

I would avoid bartinney skyfall and replace with two of the camissas or Fijnbos if it's open. And klipwerf and afterburn is worth two loops...

Edited December 13 by JayLow
Caps and apostrophe

[Emin]

Hi JayLow, why should I avoid Bartinney skyfall and are the two Camissas or Fijnbos nicer trails then Bartinney? I am looking for some flowy and mid technical trails e.g. Vasbyt Tokai. 
 

Thanks

Edited December 13 by Emin
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[JayLow]

Yes Fijnbos is the most technical, the camissas are fun and Bartinney Skyfall is mid. Klipwerf is the best of them all.

[M L]

22 hours ago, Emin said:

Hello, thank you so much this looks amazing! Any tips for the route e.g gates, technical features, permits etc.

If you're planning to do other rides in the area it might be worth buying a Winelands holiday permit (region) or North for Banhoek.

https://winelandstrails.com/memberships/

[Emin]

Thanks JayLow and M L for the advice will definitely edit my route and will consider the membership.

 

[Emin]

Hi, does anybody know if Fijnbos is open?

[JayLow]

I rode past there this morning and it seems open. Strava heatmap and segment also show recent activity. Trails are 🤌🏻🤌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

My ride today is basically the route you want to take (with some deviations due to personal preferences): https://strava.app.link/31VJQBsTjPb

Edited December 14 by JayLow
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[Emin]

Guys thank you all so much for all of your responses!

Edited December 14 by Emin
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