Bathurst Farmland Loop

Bathurst is one of the oldest settler towns in the Eastern Cape — established by British settlers in 1820 and home to the famous Pig and Whistle, South Africa’s oldest licensed pub. The town sits in the heart of the Eastern Cape’s pineapple farming region, and the 30km Farmland Loop explores the gravel roads through these working farms on a historically rich riding route.

What to Expect

Gravel farm roads on gently rolling to moderately hilly midlands terrain. Pineapple plantations, citrus orchards and the characteristic subtropical farming landscape of the Eastern Cape coast characterise the route. The iconic Big Pineapple monument near the trailhead is a mandatory photo stop.

Bathurst’s Heritage

The 1820 Settlers monument and historic Wesleyan church are visible from the riding route — the town’s colonial heritage is embedded in the landscape. The Pig and Whistle pub, established in 1831, makes an excellent post-ride stop.

Getting There

Bathurst is on the R67 between Grahamstown and Port Alfred. GPS: -33.5289, 26.8423.

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