Hermanus MTB Trails — Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Hermanus is best known internationally as a whale-watching destination, where southern right whales breach within metres of the shore of Walker Bay from August to October. But the mountain biking community knows Hermanus for something equally compelling: nearly 70km of community-maintained trails through the fynbos-covered mountains of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, managed by Hermanus Adventures (Dusty Feet) and maintained entirely by volunteer permit revenue.

The Trail Network

The Hermanus Adventures network is accessible to all abilities through four colour-coded routes. The 6km Green Route and 12km Blue Route are accessible for families and beginners. The 25km Red Route is the most popular — a full mountain experience through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley that puts the famous wine valley and Walker Bay panoramas firmly in view. The 48km Black Route is a serious expert undertaking: full-day XC riding with significant climbing and technical terrain. All routes are ridden clockwise, and marshals and landowners actively patrol — permits are required and checked.

Important: Winelands Regional Permits and Tygerberg Club permits are NOT valid on the Hermanus network. Only Hermanus Adventures day or annual permits are accepted. Additionally, no cycling is permitted in Fernkloof Nature Reserve from Rotary Way downward — all no-cycling signage must be obeyed.

Fernkloof 17km Circuit

Separately, within the Fernkloof Nature Reserve itself (1,800 hectares, free entry), a 17km signposted circular MTB trail weaves through fynbos on a mix of jeep track and singletrack. This is a wonderful family-friendly option with no permit cost, accessible from the Fernkloof Visitor Centre 3km east of town. Download the Hermanus Cycle Route map at the Visitor Centre before riding — navigation without it can be challenging.

Getting There

Village Cycles for permits: 10 Dirkie Uys Street, Hermanus. GPS for trailhead area: -34.4187, 19.2345. From Cape Town: N2 east, exit at Bot River, follow R43 to Hermanus (120km).

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🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →