On your bike

Starting from the Hemel en Aarde village, the route follows the tar road into the valley. This is flat with a slight drag up till the Camphill turn-off. Here you turn left and follow the gravel road. The Black route will zigzag up a nasty climb, but is well worth the climb if you want to enjoy some of the ever-increasing singletrack among the blue gums. The Green route also returns home from here via some awesome non-technical singletrack all along the Onrus River.

The Black, Red and Blue routes will continue climbing into the valley past Camphill, where the Black route once again goes for a lung-busting loop (again well rewarded with newly opened jeep tracks). Once we enter Volmoed we say goodbye to the Blue route as it finds its way to Hamilton Russell Vineyards and winds down the valley to the start. The Black and Red routes will continue climbing up the valley on the banks of the Onrus River. Watch out for stunning waterfalls, and once you hit the top of the climb you may want to take a break at Sumaridge for a taste of some wine.

The Red route will now wind down the valley passing the Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russell and Southern Right wineries all the way home.

The Black route goes through the vineyards and berry farms to Mogg’s Country Kitchen where a lovely cup of coffee and scones awaits. After this welcome breather the route winds down the valley passing the Newton Johnson, La Vierge, Bouchard Finlayson, Hamilton Russell and Southern Right wineries. There are some breathtaking views, awe­some singletrack and jeep tracks. Be on the lookout for whales once you hit the top of Rotary Drive.

After some whale spotting it is all downhill on jeep- and singletrack to the Hemel en Aarde village where you can visit one of the many restaurants to quench your hunger and thirst. At the Wine Village you can purchase any of the wines from the wineries you just passed, or go to Euodia Cycles for all your cycling needs.