Somerset West MTB routes

[Tothehills]

Greetings Hubbers

Looking for some suggestions on MTB routes in and around Somerset West over December.

1 - 3 hours options. Not phased about technicality or ascending/descending

Thanks

 

 

 

[andreas17777]

20 minutes ago, Tothehills said:

Greetings Hubbers

Looking for some suggestions on MTB routes in and around Somerset West over December.

1 - 3 hours options. Not phased about technicality or ascending/descending

Thanks

 

 

 

Hi, I would purchase a winelands holiday permit which gives you acces to all the trails south of Stellenbosch to Somerset. https://winelandscyclingclub.co.za/mountain-biking , other options are southey vines mtb trail, which is a small xc trail to do loops and then just the local streets, plenty of hills to climb.

[Anthem24]

Helderberg Farm is nice. Lots of climbing but worth it, and safe. Be careful of riding the Winelands trails around Faure and close to Somerset West alone -- there have been muggings in the past few years, but nothing recent it seems.

Trailforks on desktop is free and will show you the local trails, popularity, technical level etc. Phone app is R400 and well worth it sometimes can see where you are if trail markers aren't great 

[capediver]

If you in Somerset West, the best place to head for...is Jonkershoek!...

[Chrisjanopsyfiets]

Jonkershoek!!

[Headshot]

A route is not a trail system necessarily. Not sure Helderberg has routes per se but Banhoek definitely does fit the bill. Some quite tough routes of 15 to 50 km if you want to punish yourself. Helderberg and Jonks are more for slogging uphill and plummeting down on your trail/enduro bike.

[ArrieM]

Can’t recommend Helderberg Farm enough!

[Anthem24]

On 11/6/2025 at 2:17 PM, capediver said:

If you in Somerset West, the best place to head for...is Jonkershoek!...

Same distance from Somerset West in a different direction are the Elgin and Oak Valley trails up Sir Lowry's Pass, with plenty of different route options. Great trails there with a nice mix. Paul Cluver trails are only open for events.

[Dave]

As a Wine Lands Cycling Club member I but recommend that you purchase a holiday permit, gives you access to private trails from sunrise to sunset, can quite easily do 70-80km without a problem. There is a singletrack on both sides of the R44 between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, which is a good workout. https://winelandstrails.com/

[snakedoctor]

Another "halfway house" option is to park at Blaauwklippen, cycle to/through Eden Forest then from there do the G-spot on your way to Coetzenberg and return. Or extend from Coetzenberg up Botmaskop and back for a really long one.