One day Gravel routes from Stellenbosch

[RossChristie]

Hey everyone. Hope it's okay to post here. 
 

A friend and I are going to be travelling to visit the Western Cape from Scotland in January. We will be bring our gravel bikes and staying in Stellenbosch.
 

We plan already to take the bikes for a multi day ride down to Betty's bay and up through Groenlandberg and over Franschoek pass. 

 

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for one day Gravel rides out of Stellenbosch, maybe exploring the North and North West of Stellenbosch? Anything up to 80km really. 

 

Some images attached of recent cycling at home in Scotland for attention. Thanks in advance

[Chingy182]

I am perhaps not the most knowledgeable person to be offering too much advise around riding in Stellenbosch and many others will have more intricate knowledge of the endless gravel back road options.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NVQPg7rdW4swGb9e9

Just a Google Maps with a few reference points.

My 2c worth, be VERY careful around R304 KAYAMANDI and R44 CLOETESVILLE

These are two extremely high risk areas

On the Map, I've used "Klapmuts" as a safer starting point just a short distance outside Stellenbosch, pinned it to Specialized Bike Shop in Paarl, as well as Paarl Rock (Paarl nature reserve), which has a very nice circular route with a bit of elevation and beautiful views.

Here some locals can point you in right direction with the abundance of gravel roads in the area which will cover way in excess of 80km in almost any direction.

You can also inquire at Specialized Bike Shop in Stellenbosch about group rides, etc.

[Shebeen]

10 hours ago, RossChristie said:

Hey everyone. Hope it's okay to post here. 
 

A friend and I are going to be travelling to visit the Western Cape from Scotland in January. We will be bring our gravel bikes and staying in Stellenbosch.
 

We plan already to take the bikes for a multi day ride down to Betty's bay and up through Groenlandberg and over Franschoek pass. 

 

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for one day Gravel rides out of Stellenbosch, maybe exploring the North and North West of Stellenbosch? Anything up to 80km really. 

 

Some images attached of recent cycling at home in Scotland for attention. Thanks in advance

AWESOME! love it that we are being seen as a destination for gravel.

I don't think Stellenbosch is the best base for gravel riding, but it has some obvious other bonuses!

The betty's bay ride is tar (and incredible on Clarence drive). Groenlandberg is hardcore MTB only, but I think you're referring to the viljoen's pass - the "4 passes route" is s tellenbosch classic road ride, about 150km.

 

beyond that, paarl is a much better gravel base, get clicking here

 

  

On 4/21/2025 at 6:12 PM, MongooseMan said:

Quite a few topics on this:

 

but if you're really looking for some fun, I'd be inclined to suggest Greyton as a base.  @guidodg will point you in the right directions

 

and then you might not have found this. needs updates but a great resource

https://bicyclesouth.co.za/bikepacking-routes/

 

 

 

 

Edited October 24, 2025 by Shebeen