Kilometres of fun at Meerendal

Meerendal is more than just a sought-after wine destination. With three cross-country running and walking routes, and at least three trails for mountain bikers, it’s an adventure oasis for city dwellers looking to catch a breath of fresh air. Come stretch your legs.

Over the past decade or so, the family-owned Meerendal Wine Estate has established itself as one of the most sought-after sports destinations in the province. Serious cyclists have tested their mettle here in the gruelling prologue of the Absa Cape Epic, but on weekends, it’s filled with families enjoying the outdoors. Perhaps it’s the winning recipe… the estate offers walking, running and cycling routes of various difficulty levels, and afterwards, friends and family can socialise at any of the eateries – Bossa, La Romantica, and COCOAFAIR – or on the patio in front of the tasting room.

Cycling routes

The estate is one of the most well-known and popular mountain-biking destinations in the province. Sections like the Sauser Sprint, the Burry Stander, the Dorstberg Loop, the Barti Bücher and Esther Süss Berms, and the Mineshaft together form three routes of 5 km (yellow), 12 km (red), and 18 km (blue). The Stairway to Heaven – another section – is also a firm favourite. On a clear day, you have a view all the way from Dorstberg to Robben Island. All routes start and end at the main gate. Purchase a day pass at the gate or get an annual pass (at Meerendal or on the Tygerberg MTB Club website).

Walking and trail-running routes

Walkers and trail runners share the same routes but do not share paths with cyclists. All routes are along dirt and veld paths – no asphalt. There’s an easy 5 km route, a 7 km route and a challenging 9 km route. The 9 km route includes Dorstberg, the same hill that hikers will tackle atthe go! Festival of Hiking. Take a break on the bench at the top of Dorstberg, and enjoy your morning coffee from your Stanley flask. A few times a year, Meerendal hosts a 5 km moonlight walk, and on weekends, there’s also a popular Parkrun. The Parkrun is free, but you will need a day permit or an annual pass for the other routes.

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