Swellendam is fast becoming a MTB Western Cape destination, with events like the TransCape MTB, routes in the Bontebok & Marloth and the CoronationDC
Cycling in Swellendam – MTB Western Cape0
Posted 24 February, 2015
MTB Western Cape
Goodness, this post has been a long time coming… August last year was the last! It has been an amazing season (although not quite over yet!) and we are so grateful. Thank you to the wonderful people that stay with us, we look forward to seeing (a lot of you) again next year…
Swellendam is fast becoming a MTB Western Cape dream destination, with events like the TransCape MTB, routes in the Bontebok & Marloth Nature Reserves and the road cyclist’s Coronation Double Century beginning and ending in Swellendam each year, more and more cyclists, both professional and leisure are coming to stay…
Even if not a serious cyclist, exploring the village and surrounds is an ideal way to fully experience the natural beauty of Swellendam and work up an appetite for the gorgeous food available on almost every corner.
MTB available for hire from Swellendam Tourism to explore the beautiful natural surrounds
Owing to its central location, only a hop and a skip from some of the most tranquil lunch spots, coffee shops and easy mountain walks, Schoone Oordt Country Hotel is the perfect accommodation choice. Best of all, you don’t even need to lug your own bike along, because Swellendam Tourism hires them out for the day. They have put together a brilliant little cycling map, which highlights all of the places along an easy loop around town. Why not cycle to your massage at Rain before a long lunch at Tredici? What a way to get to know our town more intimately.
Exquisite mountains and captivating scenery just minutes from Schoone Oordt Country Hotel in Swellendam South Africa
We tested out one of their bicycles one perfect Sunday morning, accompanying Sonette (manageress extraordinaire) and @shadowthehoteldog (yes, he has his own Instagram account) on their morning walk into the Marloth Nature Reserve. It was such a pleasure heading off into the crisp morning at 6:30am, cycling directly from the hotel. We would recommend the experience to everyone!
Shadow the Hotel Dog loving the farm dam just before the Marloth Nature Reserve in Swellendam
Little could compare to the feeling of elation, when after only a few minutes of cycling, a resplendent scene unfolded before us. The magic of those Swellendam mountains must really be felt to be understood. The rising sun imbued them with a red-tinged hue as Shadow swum around in the dam like a hippo. We sat and admired the grandeur of nature – almost disbelievingly. Swellendam sure knows how to show off!
Spectacular scenery and soul food for humans and dogs within easy reach of Schoone Oordt Country Hotel Swellendam
After half an hour of gentle cycling, gorgeous views, soul food and some feel-good exercise, we were very happy that the road went slightly downhill towards Schoone Oordt. “Coffee. Orange Juice. Three course breakfast,” thoughts taunted as we freewheeled back to the celestial comfort of Schoone Oordt. Isn’t cycling before breakfast the perfect way to start the day? It was 8am and we’d had our eyes so chockfull of beauty, it felt like we were harbouring a secret at the breakfast table.
Tree-lined quiet village roads for easy cycling or walking from Schoone Oordt Country Hotel Swellendam South Africa