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GREEN ROUTE-closed |
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A fun route on some of our best single track.
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Distance: 23km
Elevation: 700m Duration: 2 to 3 hours Terrain: Single track, gravel road and rough jeep track |
POINTS OF INTEREST
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● STRAWBERRY HILL
A guest house with a focus on mountain biking. The farm hosts the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy office. The farm is named after the wild strawberries that used to grow here. MCS DOWNHILL A section of trail sponsored by a legendary Australian mountain biker who visited the area for the annual Pumpkin Festival race. COETZEE’S REST The private cemetery of the Coetzee family that have farmed here for 5 generations. ● BRACKENHILLS A luxury tented camp with an abundance of local game. A CapeNature partnership site. NERINA TROGON ESCAPE Normally found in the indigenous forest, this beautiful green and red, medium-sized bird has been spotted in these wattle thickets. THE DUIWENHOKS RIVER This critical aquatic biodiversity is home to several important wetland systems, dominated by palmiet reed. These systems provide ecosystem services: erosion control, improve water quality, flood attenuation and carbon sequestration. OLD MILL The Coetzee family milled wheat for the whole district in the 1800s. The mill was closed in 1880. The farm was later divided equally between 3 children – including a daughter (which was unusual in those days). PALMIET PLANT The conservancy is assisting to clear invasive vegetation in the Duiwenhoks River and replant important aquatic plants, particularly palmiet reed. PORCUPINE VALLEY You’ll undoubtedly see a quill or two here, but as porcupines are nocturnal, you’ll only see them at night. There are many across the conservancy. JACKAL BUZZARD JAUNT A common resident. Listen for its distinctive call, much like a jackal. Recognized by its rich brown rufous breast. Listed as least concern in the red data book. ● HONEYWOOD FARM The guest farm sells raw honey and provides pollination services. Guest houses are spread across the farm. BRYAN TRUNDLE This section of trail was sponsored by a legendary mountain biker called Bryan. BUSH BUCK DOMAIN Bush back are common across the conservancy. They prefer thick bush. The male is very dark with white banded legs. The females are light brown and smaller. FOREST SWITCHBACKS 13 switchbacks in species-rich Afrotemperate Forest. South African forests have the highest biodiversity of all temperate forests: 3 to 7 times richer than any other forests in the southern hemisphere. The conservancy has a small tree nursery that you can visit at the office. ● FOREST LODGE One of the cottages available for rent on Strawberry Hill. |
OUR OTHER TRAILS
Here’s a snapshot of the trails you can ride:
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This trail network was funded by the Table Mountain Fund to showcase the biodiversity across the landscape, working with multiple partners to support conservation activities. The trails include over 150km of single track and jeep track that traverse indigenous forest, mountain fynbos, renosterveld and productive farmland.
The trails were built by beasts* and pimped by man.** Respect the trail builders, follow the rules, ride safe & have fun! * Mainly cow, sheep, bushbuck and the occasional leopard. ** People who live and work here and love riding bikes. |
LIABILITY
The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy Trust Board, partner organizations, funders, landowners and/or its employees and/or its successors in title shall not be liable for any damage, loss, theft, injury, accident or death suffered by any person, howsoever caused. Right of Admission Reserved. Ride at own risk. No helmet no ride. TRAIL RULES No picking of flowers. No smoking. No camping. No littering. No picnicking. No swimming. No pets. No helmet, no ride. Please stay on the marked routes. We promise they are the coolest. Please close any fences that you open. Approach animals with caution. Please be extra careful when approaching sheep as they can easily injure themselves if startled. Ride all fence bridges at your own risk. Walk them if you are unsure. |
CONTACT THE
GROOTVADERSBOSCH CONSERVANCY
OFFICE HOURS: Mon to Thu: 7:30am to 5pm. Friday: 730 to 4pm. We are closed every second Friday.
MTB PERMITS: Available all hours at the Office (Cash in honesty box or Snapscan)
MTB PERMITS: Available all hours at the Office (Cash in honesty box or Snapscan)
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phone |
071 691 6463
(Vodacom landline during office hours) |
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