Kwazulu - Natal - Holiday Coast

CLOSEST TOWN »     Port Edward    
DISTANCE »     One long circuit with shorter return rides of 6 km, 8 km, 10 km and 14 km
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GRADING »    
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[ OVERVIEW ]

On your bike
The Mtamvuna River flows from the Ngele Mountains near Harding and meets the sea just south of Port Edward, gateway to the Wild Coast. The river divides the Eastern Cape from KwaZulu-Natal. Clearwater Trails offer a marvelous mix of terrain and memorable sight seeing with four custom-built and carefully marked MTB trails which have something to suit all levels and tastes with riding on singletrack, jeep tracks and tarred roads. All trail options are set against the alluring backdrop of the Indian Ocean and they all pass through Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and “Coffee-Bean Uphill” before ending at Clearwater Cabins. Bike hire is an added bonus for those who have not brought their own bike on holiday with them. For muddy seasons, a bike wash facility has been thoughtfully provided by your hosts, dedicated cyclists themselves. Clearwater also offers Wild Coast rides with Satour-accredited guide, Jan Abbot.

For those who want to enjoy the trails at a leisurely pace, there are a number of interesting places to stop at. The classic view of the Mtambuna estuary meets your eyes before you carry on to “Spook House Downhill” for a white-knuckle ride. Hit the awesome “Red Desert” for some technical fun and fly onto some wicked single-track through rolling grassland above the D595 with its magnificent views of the river gorge and waterfalls in the nearby UMtamvuna Nature. Beaver Creek coffee Shoppe is a rewarding stop along the way!

Green Route (6km): This easy circuit is on farm roads and singletrack and is ideal for family outings and sprint rides. From Clearwater Trails and Cabins, head out of the gate to the Mtamvuna Gorge Viewing Deck. Follow the white poles painted with black arrows and luminous paint so you don’t miss a marker.

Yellow Route (8 km): This is an easy to moderate circuit route on farm roads, singletrack and gravel, great for sprint laps to help maintain your heart rate. This trail stays up on the ridge with only a few gradual hills but is more technical than the Green Route.

Orange Route (10 km): This is a moderate circuit route on singletrack and dirt roads with no big hills.

Red route (14 km) This difficult circuit whips you round on singletrack, tar and dirt tracks. Please ride with care and don’t tear up this terrain unnecessarily.

Off your bike
Other activities at Clearwater include hiking, walking, birding and bass fishing. Tree identification walks with renowned botanist, Tony Abbott, and guided farm tours can be arranged. Fifteen minutes away, guests can enjoy the casino, restaurants, cinema and live entertainment of the Old Pont Resort and the Wild Coast Sun.

Take a lighthouse tour or a deep sea charter. There’s deep sea and estuary fishing, golfing, bowls, tennis and squash at the local Port Edward Country Club, arts and crafts, farm stalls, and the beach of course.

CONTACT
Route information: Natalie and Jan Abbott, Clearwater Trails and Cabins.
Address: PO Box 111, Port Edward, 4295
Telephone: (039) 311 1130 / 083 549 6710 or 083 561 8479
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.clearwatertrails.co.za or www.southernexplorer.co.za

[ FAST FACTS ]

GRADING: Easy to Difficult

DURATION: Various

CONFIGURATION :

START POINT: Clearwater Cabins and Trails

TERRAIN: Farm road, single-track, dirt road, gravel and tar

MAP: Available from Clearwater Cabins and Trails

MORE INFORMATION:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Trails start and finish at Clearwater Trails Office on Clearwater Farm. Day visitors welcome. A trail fee is payable.There is a R30 registration fee. Local riders may take advantage of a frequent user fee of R5 thereafter for repeat rides within the same year. Guests at Clearwater pay a once-off fee of R30 for unlimited use of the trails.

FACILITIES: Ablutions. Self-catering, rustic, timber chalets. Camping. Braais, Trampoline, Kiosk

BEWARE OF: 'No helmet, no ride’ rule applies here. Secure parking within the Clearwater Trails Office/Accommodation premises, which is fenced off. There is cell phone reception so carry your cell phones for contact and go out in pairs or groups for the longer rides. The shorter rides are relatively safe. Staff check the routes regularly for any problems.