If you’re craving a mix of adrenaline-pumping trails and breathtaking vineyard views, the Bloemendal South Trail is calling your name. Tucked into the Durbanville Wine Valley in South Africa’s Western Cape, this trail network is a haven for mountain bikers, trail runners, and families looking for outdoor fun. Here’s your guide to hitting the trails like a pro.
Where to Find Bloemendal South and the Trail Website
The Bloemendal South Trail sits on the Bloemendal Wine Estate, right off the M13 Tygerberg Valley Road in Durbanville, Western Cape—about 30 minutes from Cape Town’s city center. Imagine rolling hills, vineyards, and the Tygerberg backdrop—it’s a stunner. The main trailhead is near the Trail Centre parking lot (roughly -33.8386° S, 18.6012° E on Google Maps). For all the details, check out the official Bloemendal Trail Park site at bloemendaltrailpark.co.za or shoot them an email at info@bloemendaltrailpark.co.za. Got questions? WhatsApp them at +27 21 001 0292 to confirm trail access or bike rentals.
Types of Trails (With Trail Map Link)
Bloemendal South is a playground for all levels, offering mountain biking, trail running, and even kid-friendly paths. The network spans over 36km of singletrack across Bloemendal and nearby estates like Hillcrest, with trails from easy green loops to punchy blue descents. Bikers love the flowy Bloemendaaler, while runners can enjoy shorter loops like the 2.5km or 5km running trails. There’s even a pump track and kids’ singletrack for ages 4-8.
Here’s a snapshot of some standout mountain biking trails, based on Trailforks data and rider buzz:
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Rating (1-5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloemendaaler | 3.0 km | Blue (Moderate) | 4.9 | Epic descent with berms and jumps, a crowd favorite. |
| Lombards Terra | 1.5 km | Blue (Moderate) | 4.6 | Jumps, drops, and berms—perfect for skill-building. |
| B-Gums | 1.2 km | Green (Easy) | 4.4 | Scenic singletrack through bluegum trees, chill ride. |
| Kuilvoergat Jump Line | 0.8 km | Blue (Moderate) | 4.7 | Fast pump track vibes with small jumps. |
| Lower Bloemendal Loop | 12 km | Green/Blue (Easy/Moderate) | 4.5 | Family-friendly with smooth tracks and light climbs. |
For a full trail map, dive into Trailforks here: Bloemendal Trail Network Map. It’s your go-to for plotting routes and checking elevation.
Trail Fees for Bloemendal South
Accessing Bloemendal South requires a small fee to keep the trails in top shape. A day permit is R50 for adults (about $2.80 USD as of March 2025) or R30 for kids under 18 (around $1.70 USD). Buy it at the Trail Centre or via SnapScan on-site. For regulars, a Tygerberg MTB Club membership (R850/year, ~$47 USD) unlocks this network plus 70+ km of nearby trails. Worth it if you’re a frequent rider!
Amenities at the Clubhouse
The Bloemendal Trail Centre keeps it practical yet welcoming. You’ll find parking, bike rentals, and a basic retail spot (BioSport) for gear. The Trail Park Café and Bar is the real gem—think coffee, beer on tap, burgers, and a chill vibe overlooking the valley. It’s open late (until 9pm some nights), perfect for post-ride hangouts. No fancy clubhouse, but it’s got what you need to refuel and relax.
Where to Find Trail Maps
Maps are a breeze to snag. The Bloemendal Trail Park website has basic route info, but Trailforks (linked above) is the gold standard for detailed maps, GPX files, and trail conditions. On-site, trails are marked with clear signs—blue, green, and orange routes are easy to spot. For runners or hikers, the Tygerberg MTB Club site (tygerbergmtb.co.za) offers extra insights.
What the Trails Are Like
Bloemendal South serves up a slice of Durbanville’s finest—think flowing singletracks weaving through vineyards and renosterveld, with views of Table Mountain in the distance. The trails range from smooth, family-friendly loops to technical descents with berms, rollers, and jumps (hello, Bloemendaaler!). The terrain’s a mix of hardpack and loose dirt, with some punchy climbs to keep your legs honest. It’s well-maintained by the Tygerberg MTB Club, but still feels wild enough to thrill. Bonus: the café’s right there when you’re done.
How People Rate It (1 to 5)
Riders and runners rave about Bloemendal South. On Trailforks, the Bloemendaaler scores a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5 for its flow and fun factor. The broader network averages 4.6 from hundreds of reviews, with praise for variety and upkeep. Families love the kid-friendly options (4.5/5), though some note the signage could be clearer for newbies. Overall? A solid 4.7 out of 5—top marks for accessibility and post-ride vibes.
Coffee Shops Nearby
You’re spoiled for choice here. The on-site Trail Park Café is your first stop—grab a signature-blend coffee or snack with valley views. For more options, head to Bon Amis Restaurant on the estate (5-minute walk) for fancier fare and coffee. A quick 5-10 minute drive lands you at 360° Social Café, a modern spot with panoramic vistas and killer brews. All are perfect for unwinding after a ride.
Final Summary
The Bloemendal South Trail is a Western Cape treasure—affordable, diverse, and packed with scenic punch. Whether you’re shredding the Bloemendaaler, jogging a vineyard loop, or introducing the kids to biking, it delivers. The trails are top-notch, the fees are fair, and the café seals the deal. Pair it with a coffee break on-site, and you’ve got a winner. So gear up, hit Durbanville, and see why Bloemendal’s a local legend. Ride on!
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