A 24km one way or 48km return route starting at Diepwalle Forest Station. If you’re super-fit, opt to do the entire 48km return ride.
This route has been planned for mountain bikers of average fitness and covers a distance of just over 24km.
The ride begins at the Diepwalle Forest Station office (where you obtain your permit). It is a one-way route from north to south – Diepwalle to Garden of Eden.
If you are cycling fit, the route can be ridden in 2 hours.
The routes starting at Diepwalle descends a few kms down the Uniondale road. It breaks away to the left at 2.8km. Keep a sharp look out for the marker on the left. The track now follows the contoured bed of the old narrow-gauge forest railway which used to run from Ysterhoutrug to Knysna. (Features in Dalene Matthee’s “Toorbos’)
The route turns left into the petrusbrandpad and begins to descend to the Petrusbrand River. One climbs from the stream, winding toward Petrusbrand eiland.
On this section one rides through some beautiful medium- moist to dry type forest. Many of the old yellowwoods (Podocarpus latifolius) are crowned with “old mans beard” (Usnea spp.)
Passing through more moist and medium-moist high forest, one breaks out into fynbos of Kleineiland (“small island”) – a island of Cape Fynbos surrounded by indigenous forest. The contrast is amazing. This is a good resting point and on a clear day the view over the Tsitsikamma mountains.
The route descends to the Kleineiland River valley. The surface is very cobbled- take care! This is the lowest point of the route and the start of a fairly severe climb over 4km.
The last section of route, through the forest on an old timber slip-path, is the most exciting. It winds it’s way down to Garden of Eden, offering some fast single-track. The alternative route follows the Fisanthoek road to the N2 (see map)
For your information:
1. Carry your permit on you.
2. The route is open from dawn to dusk. Do not, however, start your ride after 14:00 in winter or 15:00 in summer.
3. Please do not leave marked trail!
24km
Contact Details
- Email: freejacq@mweb.co.za
- Phone: 044-3825466
- Website: www.knysnacycles.co.za
