Skurweberg MTB Route (Closest City/Town: Sutherland)
Skurweberg MTB RouteCLOSEST TOWN > Sutherland TRAIL DESTINATION > Skurweberg Farm DISTANCE > up to 52km
GRADING > Moderate to difficult |
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OVERVIEW Skurweberg offers scenic rides with awesome views and potential sightings of grey rhebuck, duiker and black On your bike 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. More adventurous riders can take on the Baboon Trail, with gruelling climbs along some seriously rocky sections. The trail along the river is less rugged, but you can expect sand. True masochists can face off against gravity on the 52km Sneeukrans 4X4 Trail on an adjoining farm. Ride along 80m-high cliffs or follow the Ouberg Pass, a beautiful old-time gravel switchback linking the escarpment with the Tankwa region via a sheer drop of some 700m! 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 the 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, even paragliding - or just relaxing in the mind-expanding landscape of the Karoo.
CONTACT: Route information: Elsa and Witjan van der Merwe, Houdenbek Farm, Skurweberg Trail GPS: 32°17’24.8”S 20°23’10.2”E Weather:
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FAST FACTSGRADING: Moderate to difficult DURATION: Various (2–6 hours) CONFIGURATION : Circular or there-and-back (up to 52km) START POINT: Skurweberg camping site TERRAIN: 4X4 trails, jeep tracks, dirt roads MAP: Invest in a 1:50 000 topographical map of the area CELL RECEPTION: No reception ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: No fees for guests, some FACILITIES: Various accommodation options, no fuel BEWARE OF: Rough terrain, steep ascents, and spectacular views |
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HOW TO GET THERE
BEST TIME OF YEAR The climate varies from red-hot in summer to below zero in winter; snow is possible in winter |
Clear 12 oC
