This rough and rocky ride starts off from the Skurweberg farmhouse and the hills kick in immediately as you crank up Kameelkop. The surface is stony with the rough trail winding through arid Karoo scrub along the Roggeveld escarpment, affording wonderful views over the Tanqua Valley, Sederberg, Klein Tafelberg and Witzenberg. Take a deep breath and hit the helter-skelter jeep track downhill along Skuinsvoetpad, dropping a gut-thumping 1,000 m over the next 3 km. And relax, but only for a few minutes, as the trail now scrambles up the slopes of Ouberg Pass (800 m) and back to the Skurweberg farmhouse. There are breathtaking views along the route with sightings of grey rhebuck, steenbok, klipspringer, black eagles and baboons. Pack enough water as there’s not much along the route (sometimes available at Winteroord) and be prepared for extreme weather changes at the drop of a hat.

Off your bike

Sutherland is famous for its observatory and a star gazing session is a must. The town also hosts the occasional ‘star party’ and this should not be missed. The period village of Matjiesfontein is down the road. Otherwise visit the cheese dairy about 20 km from skurweberg or the tulip farm at Koornlandskloof. Outdoor options include a hike along the Bossie route, horse-riding or 4x4 trails on surrounding farms and just relaxing in the mind-expanding landscape of the Karoo.

CONTACT
Route information: Elsa and Witjan van der Merwe, Houdenbek Farm, Skurweberg Trail
Address: PO Box 171, Sutherland, 6920
Telephone: 023 571 2728
Email: skurweberg@xsinet.co.za
Website : www.skurweberg.co.za

[ FAST FACTS ]

• GRADING: Intermediate to Extreme
  
  
• DURATION:
  
  
• CONFIGURATION : Circular
  
  
• START POINT: Start at the Skurweberg Farmhouse
  
  
• TERRAIN: Stony ground, jeep track
  
  
• MAP: Maps available from reception
  
  
• MORE INFORMATION:
  
  
• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: R50 per bike, payable at reception at Skurweberg Farmhouse (023) 571 2728
  
  
• FACILITIES: Campsite, guesthouse accommodation, ablutions, no cell phone reception
  
  
• BEWARE OF: