Oak Valley Estate MTB Trails

Oak Valley Estate MTB is one of the most celebrated trail destinations in South Africa — a 5-star experience, according to expert riders, that manages to pack extraordinary variety into a relatively compact estate. The 1786-hectare farm in the cool Elgin Valley hosts three colour-coded routes through ancient oak forests, working apple and pear orchards, vineyards, sub-clover pastures and the dramatic fynbos slopes of the Groenlandberg Nature Reserve.

The Routes

All three routes start and finish at the main gate parking area and were pioneered by winemaker-turned-trail-legend Pieter Visser, who designed them to suit every type of rider. The 14km Blue Route is a family-friendly circuit ideal for intermediate riders tackling the unique A-frame pyramid bridges over farm fences — these wooden stiles are an Oak Valley signature that allow riders to cross boundaries at speed without dismounting. The 24km Red Route is the most popular choice — a superb combination of climb, singletrack, descent and scenery, rated regularly as one of the best day rides in South Africa. The 32km Black Route extends the Red with additional advanced loop sections.

Named sections have become part of South African MTB folklore: Vissie’s Magic, Stone and Steel, Fountain of Youth, Sounds of Silence, Groenlandberg Stairway, Harrier Hawk, Raging Baboon, JK’s Edge and Wonderland each carry earned reputations among riders who return again and again to hit favourites. The terrain along the Groenlandberg boundary includes encounters with leopards, a wide variety of antelope and abundant birdlife — a reminder this is a working conservation estate as much as a trail destination.

After the Ride

The Pool Room Restaurant at Oak Valley is an institution — country cuisine with ingredients from the farm, served in a magnificently converted venue 500m from the trailhead. Open for Bikers Breakfast and lunch Tuesday to Sunday, and dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Discovery Café serves what locals claim is the best coffee in the Elgin Valley.

Getting There

Turn onto the R321 toward Villiersdorp from the N2 just past Peregrine Farm Stall near Grabouw. Follow the R321 past Elgin Station — Oak Valley entrance is on the right. GPS: -34.1553, 19.0469. Tel: +27 21 859 4110.

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