Spring into action with these fun-and-physical days out in the Cape Winelands

Tuesday, 13 September, 2016
Lucie Osman
With the lighter, drier days of spring upon us, there is no time like the present to re-engage with your physical self and step out of your winter hibernation for some good ‘old fashioned’ outdoors fun.

Whilst you may think you know everything there is to know about where to taste your favourite Chenin Blanc, you may not have heard what other fun-filled activities our neighbouring vineyards have to offer their guests, all in the name of building up a healthy thirst no doubt! Here are our top picks of the spring bunch: five fist-pumping activities that we hope you’ll try before you hit the tasting room. And the wine will taste so much sweeter if you have truly earned it!

parkrun at Root 44, Audacia, Stellenbosch (free) 

It is hard not to become immediately addicted to the community spirit and fuzziness that embodies parkrun. A free, timed weekly event that aims to get people out of bed and exercising, every Saturday morning at 8am the Root 44 parkrun organisers fire off a thousand runners, joggers, dog-walkers and pram-pushers, who then wind their way up and around the vineyards of Audacia in an attempt to beat their 5km ‘PB’ (personal best). A global initiative spearheaded in South Africa by running icon Bruce Fordyce, there are already six parkruns in the Cape Winelands, although in what could be seen as biased opinion, parkrun at Root 44 takes pole position in terms of natural beauty, crowd ambiance and course flow. And with all your running done by 9 o’clock, you are well set up for a day of self-indulgence.

Mountain biking at Paul Cluver, Elgin Valley (R40 day permit per person)

If the Cape winelands were a country, one might get away with saying that mountain biking has become the new national sport. Everyone is doing it and owing to the natural backdrop of mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see, a multitude of trails have been purpose built, running through vineyards, pine forests and the sweet-smelling fynbos. It’s no surprise that wine farms all over are driving forward the initiative to open up borders and link existing trails to create an extensive and attractive trail system for mountain bike enthusiasts. The Paul Cluver trail in Elgin Valley is one of the more established biking areas and categorises its trails into four colour coded routes aimed at different levels of fitness and ability from beginner to advanced riders. The trail distances range from eight to 43km and the elevation gain is between 220m and 1,000m. Offering a flowing singletrack with a few technical hotspots, the highlights of this area are the Mamba, a rollercoaster through a river valley with six bridges, and the Pofadder, a bermed bridge built from wine barrel slats at the foot of a waterfall.

Horse riding at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Paarl  (from R400 per person)

If you prefer to remain seated, look no further than a day out on horseback at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. Guided tours range from one hour to half a day including wine tasting and guests are led through the vineyards and up into the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, offering staggering views of Du Toit’s Kloof mountain range and the majestic Table Mountain in the distance. For those who prefer to swap horse power for motorised engines, quad biking is also available (from R250 per person), following the same horse trails and adding the opportunity to do an obstacle course through the forest to polish up your driving skills.

Fly Fishing at Eikendal, Stellenbosch (R150 per person per day)

Another laid-back option is to catch some zzz’s in between casts on the water’s edge at Eikendal. There are two dams on the premises stocked with trout and other popular angling species such as bass and talapia. Open for sport between May and November, there is also a fully-equipped fly fishing store on site that offers fly-fishing lessons if your skills are a bit rusty, and can provide you with all the kit needed to spend a relaxed afternoon of catch and release.

Hiking at Tokara,  Stellenbosch (free)

Fill your water bottle, pack a daypack with energy bars and sunscreen and head to Tokara, a serene wine estate tucked away at the top of the Helshoogte pass. A well-kept secret (until now), this four to six-hour hike starts at the main gate and takes you alongside the boundary of neighbouring Thelema on a footpath leading up the Simonsberg mountain. Among the many highlights of this walk are the kloofs with waterfalls, the sweeping views of distant Cape Point and Table Mountain and the sweet silence of nature. Hiking is by prior arrangement only, so be sure to phone ahead of time. Upon arrival at the main gate, grab a map from the friendly security guard, sign in and make sure you return by 4pm.

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Mountain Biking at Paul Cluver
Mountain Biking at Paul Cluver

Park run at Root 44, Audacia
Park run at Root 44, Audacia

Horse Riding at Rhebokskloof
Horse Riding at Rhebokskloof

Quad biking at Rhebokskloof
Quad biking at Rhebokskloof

Fishing
Fishing

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