Bottelary Hills Conservancy MTB Trails Mountain Biking Trails

The Bottelary Hills Conservancy MTB Trails were opened by the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC) in April 2011 to allow controlled access to the Conservancy via a network of curated and well-marked MTB routes and trails. The trail network traverses 20 private farms in the hills outside Stellenbosch that, collectively, make up the BHRC. Money raised from the sale of Trail Permits goes towards the maintenance and development of the trail network and the conservation of the endangered Renosterveld.

The rolling hillsides of the BHRC feature vineyards, farmland, conservation areas and a trail network comprised of farm roads, jeep tracks and numerous purpose-built single-track trails. While never too technical, there are several challenging climbs and a variety of distances on offer for riders of all fitness and skill levels.

The trail network can be accessed from several designated starting points. Please see the link below for more information.

The Red Route, is the main route – 25.7 km through Renosterveld jeep track and along farm roads with three single track sections. All of the Loops are connected by the Red Route which is a moderately challenging ride.

The Yellow Loop 6.5 km ride is along farm roads with a 2.5 km single track that provides an easy to moderate ride.

The Purple Loop is 9.2 km along farm roads that take you through vineyards and Renosterveld; an easy to moderate ride with some technical downhill sections and a 1.3 km climb.

The Green Loop is 13 km through Renosterveld jeep track and farm roads with three single track sections and a 2.5 km climb.

The Orange Loop is perfect for beginners at 9.7 km with a little climb only, along jeep track and farm roads.

For a map of the trails, see the link below.

Trail Rules

- Only annual or day permit holders are allowed access to the trails & bike boards are to be displayed at all times.
- Riding time is from Sunrise to Sunset only - no night riding
- Do not stray off the marked routes.
- A helmet must always be worn whilst riding.
- No alterations are allowed to any trail or the riding area in general without explicit approval of the Bottelary Hills Conservancy Committee.
- Riding alone is not advisable (in case of incapacitating accident). Carrying a mobile phone is recommended.
- Do not tamper with plants or provoke any animals.
- No camping or making of fires allowed.
- No pets allowed.
- NO LITTERING!

Safety

Be on the lookout for tractors and vehicles at all times as they have right of way. These are working farms you ride through, tractors pull heavy loads and take a long time to stop. Please steer clear for your own safety.
Riders breaking any of the above rules are liable to have their annual or day permit revoked. Permit fees will not be refunded.

Contact the Bottelary Hills Conservancy at [email protected]