If you’re chasing a mountain biking getaway with vineyard vistas, fynbos-lined paths, and Western Cape magic, the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails near Stellenbosch are your next ride. Just 45km from Cape Town, this network blends flowy singletrack, tough climbs, and epic views of Table Mountain and the Winelands. From beginners to pros, here’s your guide to conquering the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails—rules and safety included.
Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails at a Glance
Here’s the rundown on the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails to kick things off:
| Key Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bottelary Hills, Stellenbosch, Western Cape |
| Distance | 20-65km (varies by route; multiple loops available) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging (technical sections and climbs) |
| Permit Cost | R60-R80/day (via SnapScan or cash) |
| Trailhead Amenities | Parking at wine farms; restrooms, cafes, bike wash at select spots |
| Map Resource | Bottelary Hills MTB Trails Map (via bottelaryhillsmtb.co.za) |
| Highlights | Vineyard views, fynbos trails, technical singletrack, wine farm stops |
| Rating | 4.7/5 (based on rider reviews) |
| Nearby Coffee | Hazendal Wine Estate Cafe, Jordan Wine Estate, 5-15 min from trailheads |
| Website | bottelaryhillsmtb.co.za |
Where to Find the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails
Nestled between Stellenbosch and Kuils River, the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails are a 45-minute drive from Cape Town via the N1 and R304. Start at wine farms like Hazendal (-33.9186° S, 18.7381° E) or Devonvale (-33.9128° S, 18.7917° E), both off Bottelary Road (M23). These trails run through private land, so grab a permit (see below). Check https://bottelaryconservancy.co.za/, email info@bottelaryconservancy.co.za, or call +27 82 415 9567 for updates—rain can make trails slippery.
Types of Trails at Bottelary Hills
Spanning 20-65km, the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails offer something for everyone. Here’s the lineup from bottelaryconservancy.co.za:
- Yellow Route: A scenic link from Hazendal or Zevenwacht, with jeep tracks and easy singletrack through vineyards—great for a warm-up.
- Orange Route: Ties into the Red Route with rolling farm roads and moderate climbs, perfect for building endurance.
- Green Route: A 4.5km loop with 75m of ascent, mixing mellow singletrack and forest paths—ideal for a chill ride from Jordan or Zevenwacht.
- Red Route: The 20km core loop with tough climbs and fast descents through fynbos and farmland—access via Yellow, Orange, or Green routes.
- Ribbok Trail: A 9km challenge with 260m of ascent, featuring steep singletrack and thrilling drops through Renosterveld—bring your A-game.
- Jordan Trail: A 4.5km beauty from Jordan Wine Estate, blending jeep tracks and twisty singletrack through pines—suits all levels.
Expect moderate to challenging terrain with up to 500m elevation gain on longer loops. Maps are at bottelaryhillsmtb.co.za.
Trail Fees for Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails
Riding the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails costs R60-R80 per day, payable via SnapScan or cash at spots like Hazendal or Devonvale. Annual permits are around R900 for regulars. Fees support trail care and conservation, keeping this Stellenbosch network pristine.
Amenities at Bottelary Hills Trailheads
Launch your ride from wine estates like Hazendal or Devonvale, where the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails begin with style. You’ll get parking, restrooms, and bike washes, plus cafes for fuel. Hazendal’s restaurant ups the ante, while Devonvale keeps it laid-back with golf course views. Pack water and spares—remote stretches have no pit stops.
Where to Get Bottelary Hills Trail Maps
Grab the official Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails map at bottelaryhillsmtb.co.za or pick up a paper version on-site. It’s color-coded and marks key turns. Trailforks offers user-updated tracks too. Signage is decent, but a map or GPS is clutch for navigation.
What to Expect on the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails
The Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails are a rider’s delight—tight singletrack cuts through fynbos, rocky climbs push your limits, and descents beg for speed. The Yellow Route’s vineyard cruise is mellow, while the Ribbok Trail’s steep drops thrill. The Red Route’s vistas stun, and the Jordan Trail’s forest flow wins fans. Summer’s dusty, winter’s muddy—time your ride right.
Rules and Safety for Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails
To keep the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails fun and safe, stick to these guidelines:
- Permit Required: No permit, no ride—grab one at the trailhead or online to access private land legally.
- Stay on Marked Trails: Stick to designated routes like the Red or Ribbok Trail to protect farmland and wildlife.
- Helmet On: Always wear a helmet—rocky sections and descents demand it.
- Ride Within Limits: Know your skill level; the Ribbok Trail’s steep climbs aren’t for beginners.
- No Littering: Pack out what you pack in—keep the fynbos pristine.
- Weather Check: Rain turns trails slick—call ahead or check bottelaryhillsmtb.co.za for conditions.
- Solo Caution: Tell someone your plans—remote areas lack cell signal.
- Yield to Others: Give way to hikers or horses; it’s a shared space.
- Bike Ready: Check brakes and tires—technical stretches like the Red Route test your gear.
Follow these, and you’ll roll safely through the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails.
How Riders Rate the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails
The Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails earn a 4.7 out of 5 from riders. “The Red Route’s climbs are a grind but epic,” one says, while another raves about the Jordan Trail’s “flowy pines.” I’d rate it 4.7 too—scenic, challenging, and perfect for Western Cape mountain biking.
Coffee Shops Near Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails
Post-ride, hit Hazendal Wine Estate Cafe at the trailhead for bold coffee and vineyard vibes. Jordan Wine Estate, 10-15 minutes off Bottelary Road, offers artisan brews in a chic setting. Both are ideal after tackling the Bottelary Hills Mountain Bike Trails.
