Montagu MTB and Gravel Trails

Montagu is the outdoor adventure capital of Route 62 — the scenic inland alternative to the N2 between Cape Town and the Garden Route — and a destination that has attracted mountain bikers and gravel riders for decades with its dramatic Langeberg mountain scenery, hot springs and warm small-town hospitality. The greater Montagu area offers 240km of gravel and MTB trails across seven mapped routes, ranging from flat, family-friendly Grade 1 loops to Grade 5 mountain epics requiring two or more riders for safety.

The Routes

All seven routes start from the Montagu Tourism Office on Bath Street (elevation 204m) and are graded 1 to 5. Route 1 (Ashton-Klaasvoogds, 37km, Grade 2) is the most varied — passing an Anglo Boer War fort, 90-year-old vineyards, honey tasting, cactus nursery and olive groves for a scenic touring experience. Route 2 (R62 Rietvlei, 18-24km, Grade 1) is flat and perfect for families or a fast training loop. Route 3 (Talana Loop, 40km, Grade 2) is ideal for those wanting a longer flat and fast effort. Routes 4 through 7 progressively increase in mountain challenge — the Grade 5 route requires a minimum of two cyclists and serious mountain navigation ability.

The Montagu Mountain Reserve adds dedicated mountain singletrack on the 2,000-hectare reserve flanking the town — technical trails to Cogmanskloof, Bloupunt and Badskloof through dramatic sandstone gorges rich in leopards, caracal, klipspringer and extraordinary fynbos. These require a reserve entry permit.

Events

The Langeberg GravelGrinder (multi-day gravel stage race) and the Cape Classic MTB event based at Mimosa Lodge have put Montagu firmly on the South African cycling events calendar. The annual Montagu Mountain Mania trail race attracts trail runners from across the country.

Getting There

Montagu is on Route 62, 180km from Cape Town. From Cape Town take the N1 to Paarl, then R318 through Rawsonville and Nuy Valley. GPS for Tourism Office: -33.7844, 19.7846. Tel: +27 23 614 2471.

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