With Episode One and Episode Two of Trail Daze shining a light on two quick & easy local trails, it was time for our first destination episode. The extended and frustratingly wet Western Cape winter made things particularly challenging to plan, but we managed to find a small break in the treacherous weather and hit the road with our one-of-a-kind Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD mobile home conversion. Just under 2 hours drive from Cape Town, lies the quaint and exceptionally picturesque town of Greyton. It checks all the boxes when looking for an adventurous weekend away – accommodation options, great food, chill vibes but more importantly an abundance of trails and a hub that connects it all.
Ranging from an easy trail for the whole family, to challenging with exposed rocky descents for advanced riders, the trail network has something for everyone. Seven purpose built and well marked mountain bike trails are on offer, with 6 options for those choosing to bring their gravel bikes. We started off by taking on the 24km Bakenskop red loop, which splits off into the Bakenskop black route, just to ad a bit of spice to the ride. Very quickly into the ride one is surrounded by spectacular rolling hills, covered in flowers, with the Riviersonderend Mountain range looming large in the background. Aside from only a few meters of jeep track, it was all pristine singletrack that just kept going and going, and you really do get the feeling of freedom and adventure. I personally knew there were trails out here, I just never knew exactly how awesome they were.
After a laid back lunch break and a caffeine top-up back in town we explored two more trails called 1st Bench and 2nd Bench. At only about 10km in distance each, these quick loops are more manicured and feature a collection of super fun berms and less technical riding. A great way to sharpen up those cornering skills before bombing back down into town for a cold one to wrap up the day.
As a riding destination Greyton offers the full package. The town itself is full of interesting restaurants and coffee shops and offers plenty to do when you aren’t riding or if you plan to bring along family and friends that don’t cycle. The trails are very well graded and offer a really great variety of routes that go from easy loops to more advanced technical trails with decent elevation. I would highly recommend making a trip out to Greyton if you haven’t already, you won’t be disappointed.
Dayle Holmes
Greyton is such a lovely town to visit, regardless of the season. There is a plethora of quaint accommodation in the area and some great spots to have a beer and enjoy a meal, from pub grub to fine dining, it has it all. Nestled in the shadow of some magnificent mountains lie some amazing trails, a great mix of smooth flow or natural rocky terrain. Every meter of vert ascended in the area will reward you, be it with the views or a thrilling descent back into the Dorp! 10/10 will return in summer for a ride in the heat, a beer at the brewery, followed by a dip in the river
Max Sullivan
Directions and permits
- Hub & Spoke, Greyton
- Oewerzicht farm cottages and campsite
- Permits are required to ride the Greyton trails. Buy them online or at Hub & Spoke.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the next episode, where we bring you a visual essay from another awesome South African trail.
Designed for those who want to get away from the crowds without compromising on comfort, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter AWD combines quality with lasting performance for carefree travelling. When converting the Sprinter into a mobile home, together with a reliable Mercedes-Benz Van Partner, you will have the flexibility to fill it with the features and customisations of your choice, allowing you to take the luxuries of your everyday life with you, wherever you go. You can install the kitchen of your dreams, along with blissful sleeping quarters, or WIFI and a stylish office nook, to create your home away from home, exactly the way you want it. Learn more about the configuration options here.
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