Koringberg singletrack MTB trail is a secret little destination that rises up from the normally flat Swartland. This mtb trail follows steep jeep track climbs and tight technical downhill singletrack. Its is guaranteed to get the heart rate pumping on the climbs and the adrenalin flowing on the descents. The 360 degree views from Koringberg and Swartberg are never ending with Table Mountain, the Cederberg and Winterhoek mountains in the distance.
Closest Town: Moreesburg
Technical Rating Advanced to Expert, climbs loose and rocky and the singletrack can be tricky
Fitness Rating High
Distances 20km of trail and over 50km of Swartland secondary and farm roads
Route Composition 70 % Jeep track, 10 % singletrack
Route Type Circular unmarked
Trail Head Hooggelee Farm – Die Ark Camp site
How to get there: From Cape Town City Center, Take N1 (Paarl) On ramp, Take N7 off-ramp to Malmsbury, take Koringberg turn off left (after Moreesburg but before Piketberg), turn off left to Hooggelee farm (Die Ark)
Parking and access Park at Die Ark Campsite
Entry Fees R20 trail fee pppd
Facilities Camp Site facilities
Be careful of Snakes – especially Sept – Mar, farm animals
Description
Surrounded by green wheat fields in winter and golden fields in summer, this unique riding destination is in the heart of the Swartland where wheat fields sway in the wind as far as the eye can see. The riding is challenging and will test physical and technical ability of the most experienced riders. The best part of this trail is the hand crafted singletrack made by local mountain bikers and is known by those who have done the Swartland FNB MTB Race in the past.
Ride great technical downhill singletrack
This trail has recently been formally controlled and access opened up to the public. The core of the route is approximately 20 km long, but can be extended by adding on loops on the various secondary and farm roads between Koringberg and Piketberg.
It starts off with a contour cruise from the farm, but it is not long before you get into the meat of the climb. There are two options going up, the first goes up the concrete track, only barely rideable due to the insanely steep gradient. The next route up is further along going up a windy loose rocky jeep track. Remember to stop and take in the views over the valley towards Piketberg and the Cederberg. At the T- junction (false crest) you can turn left and finish the last bit of climbing up to the mast. Here at the highest point take another breather enjoying the panoramic view. Then back track enjoying the downhill, staying on the ridge of the mountain, passing t-junction and head over to the other mast. Then follow the jeep track downhill towards Koringberg town. At the end of the road the fun really starts with an excellent singletrack decent filled with sharp hairpin bends all the way down into town.
You can grab a drink at the Café in the main road of Koringberg. Take the easy route back by picking up the railway line jeep track at the entrance to the town and meander all the way back to the starting farm. For the more hardcore you can head back up the singletrack the way you came down and back track to the farm.
Contact Details
- Email: ark@patat.co.za
- Phone: 022-423-8153
- Website: www.live2ride.co.za
