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PAARL ADVENTURE TRAIL SOFT OPENING
Posted by Lorenzo Samuels on 10 December 2018 9:40 AM CAT
What started off as a far-fetched idea while chatting over a beer with friends over 2 years ago, the massive challenge of building a Trail around Paarl Mountain for Mountain biking, Trail running, and Hiking was accepted, and so started an unforgettable journey of route scouting, endless hours of negotiations Planning and long days in the heat and rain.
n the 1 December 2018 the 1st part of this journey will culminate with the soft opening of phase 1 of the Paarl Adventure Trail Network. This Project would certainly not be possible without the unbelievable support from land owners, venues, stakeholders and the city of Drakenstein who have all worked tirelessly with us to create what was thought to be impossible. Together we have spent the last 12 months developing trails and processes to start what we believe will grow into a product that the entire city can be proud of.
What is the Paarl Adventure Trail Network ?
The City of Drakenstein has no shortage of magnificent views, spectacular locations and unrivalled terrain. Adventure sports like Mountain biking, Trail Running and Hiking are a favorite with most locals and attract some of the biggest event organizations in South Africa who come to Drakenstein to host their events. In short adventure sports run deep through the lifeblood of the city. Drakenstein and Paarl in particular are becoming major Tourist attractions with visitors descending from far and wide to visit this amazing city, and the increase in facilities and attractions to cater for this market is very evident. Hero Adventure Trails, Taal Monument and Paarl Mountain Reserve are just a few of the many places where a one can take on a variety of outdoor activities and all add to the growing attraction of Drakenstein.
The Paarl Adventure Trail vision is to link many of these venues and attractions into a network that is user-friendly and showcases what the city has to offer. Special emphasis is around Paarl Mountain where a multitude of great venues and attractions add to the perfect setting around the mountain
Paarl Adventure Trails have also joined forces with Hero Adventure Trails who currently have trail networks at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate and Spice Route Destination. Adding these trails into the network of 4 new trails will give visitors over 130km of trails and almost 30 different options to select.
The Trail network has been designed to offer visitors an experience that combines great adventure with great memories. Along the trail there are over 50 different feature points. These include Restaurants, museums, artisan shops, specialist activities, retail and galleries to name a few. All set in and around Wine Estates, Protected Reserves, Olive orchards and various other farming activities. The goal is to provide users with an experience they can mold themselves. Whether it be taking on the 45km Base Trail around the mountain, taking on the challenge of the Paarl Mountain reserve trail where you can admire some of the best views the western cape has to offer or selecting a section of the trail and spending the day stopping at all the features along the way. whatever your interest there is bound to be an adventure for you.
Routes that form part of the Paarl Adventure Trail Network
Paarl Adventure Base Trail (orange trail 45km)
The Base Trail forms the foundation of the Paarl Adventure Trail network. a 45km trail that traverses right the way around Paarl Mountain. As expected it is not a flat trail, there are a number of undulations that make up the 1300m odd elevation, but it is worth every drop of sweat. the views are amazing and the features along the trail can make for a full day experience. This trail has not been developed to take on as fast as you can. There are many feature points along the way and to get the full experience one needs to take the time and stop to enjoy the many activities along the way.
There are also a number of accommodation options along the trail and makes for the prefect opportunity to take your time and spend more than 1 day on the trail.
Paarl Mountain Reserve Trail (18km Purple Route)
This trail consists of 100% sand roads and circumvents the top of the mountain. a must do, the trail will leave you astounded with breathtaking views and hopefully rekindle your love for nature. There are also a host of other activities on offer at the Reserve that include Picnics, Rock-climbing, and other hiking trails to name a few( book directly with the reserve for extra options ).
Important to Note
- Jan Phillips Berg Pad ( sand road ) is a public road and although it also forms part of our Base Trail ( Orange Route ) this road is a public road and free to use without a Paarl Adventure Trail Permit
- The Paarl Mountain Reserve ( the circular sand road from boom gates in the reserve , the Purple Trail ) . This is also a free Trail at this point for visitors under the conditions and rules of the reserve and can be used without a Paarl Adventure Trail Permit .
All other trails including the balance of the Base Trail ( Orange ) , Link Trails ( Grey ) , Rhebokskloof and Spice Route all form part of the Permit network and you need to have a annually access membership or a day permit to use
Paarl Adventure Town Route (10km Pink Route)
This route goes through Paarl along the tar roads and marked mainly for tourists who would like to experience the many amazing venues, museums, galleries and food establishments on offer. Important to note that you will be sharing the road with vehicles so be cautious
Paarl Adventure Link Trails ( Grey Routes)
With the Hero Adventure Trail network been included we have created 2 link trails between Hero at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate and Hero at Spice Route Destination. the 2 trails are 40km and 28km respectively and both are developed for the experienced adventurer. but if you are up for taking the technical ,1200m + elevation trails you will not be disappointed
Hero Adventure Trails at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate
A network of 5 custom built trails ranging from a 3km kiddies trail to a 30km black trail. this network is rated as one of the best and a must visit. The 10km and above trails are developed for people with a reasonable level of fitness and technical skill.
Hero Adventure Trails at Spice Route Destination
A network of 6 trails that range from a 2km kiddies trail to a 30km Red trail. This network has been developed for fun without too much effort. Packed with single-track and features it makes for a great day out
As with any new Trail Project, the terrain is loose and soft in places, Most trails take many years to settle so please bear with us, over the next few months we are sure many small changes will be made and improvements done. What is important is that we have a foundation to work from and with time improve it to the standards we are all used to.
Cost to use the Paarl Adventure Trail Network
May People seem to think that Trails just appear out of nowhere and the development, management and maintenance of these trails come at no cost. It’s unfortunate that this is not the case and with the help of the Landowners, the city of Drakenstein , Hero Adventure Trails and a number of other partners we have been able to develop this network at a substantial cost . Phase 1 which will be open from 1 December is the 1st of 3 Exciting phases that will be developed over the next 24 months and include a number of new trails and exciting offerings. To best ensure the maintenance and growth of this network we have to cover the substantial monthly expenses and thus a charge will be levied for use of these trails
In phase 1 we have 3 permit options on offer
- Option 1: Hero Adventure Trails
Day Pass to either Hero Adventure – Rhebokskloof or Hero Adventure at Spice Route.
Cost: R60.00 for Adults and R40.00 For kids and pensioners
Usage: this will entitle you usage of the trails at those specific venues for 1 day per pass purchased
- Option 2: Paarl Adventure Trail Network Day Pass
Day Pass to the entire Paarl Adventure Trail network
Cost: R100.00 for adults and R70.00 for kids and pensioners
Usage: Base Trail, Reserve Trail, Town Route, Link trails, Hero at Spice Route and Hero at Rhebokskloof for 1 day per pass
- Option 3: Annual unlimited access Pass to Paarl Adventure Trail Network
12 months unlimited access to the entire Paarl Adventure Trail Network
Cost: 1000.00 for Adults, R500.00 for Kids, R750.00 for students and pensioners and R2450.00 for a family membership (visit our website for details)
Usage: 12 months unlimited usage of the trails as well as free entrance to Hero Night Series, Discounts on events and various other offerings
How to register to use the trails and purchase a permit
We have implemented 5 Registration points around the Paarl Mountain to make it as easy as possible to purchase your permit and head onto the trails.
- Frater Square, Melissas Coffee Shop (Main Road Paarl) Frater Square
- Paarl Tourism Office (Main Road Paarl) Visit Paarl
- Hero Adventure Trails at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate (Main Road Northern Paarl) Hero Adventure – Rhebokskloof RHEBOKSKLOOF WINE ESTATE
- Ridgeback Wine Estate (Main Road Northern Paarl) Ridgeback Wines & Guest House, Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa
- Hero Adventure Trails at Spice Route Destination ( Suid- Agter Paarl Road ,Paarl ) Hero Adventure at Spice Route Spice Route Paarl
You will be able to pop into any of these Registration points and purchase your day passes
For Unlimited access passes please visit our website and follow the prompts
PLEASE NOTE: we cannot allow people to use the trails without registering or paying, it puts the entire project at risk. We also have a number of safety and security processes which we have put in place and can only be activated once you register at a registration point.
STRICT USAGE HOURS for the Paarl Adventure Trail Network
One of the conditions of been able to traverse through over 50 different properties within this network are strict usage hours. Landowners have graciously given us permission to use their land, but we also need to respect their privacy. not adhering to these hours could risk the further use of the trail through a property and thus jeopardize the entire project. Rogue usage will not be tolerated, and trespassers will be prosecuted as the majority of the trail is on private property.
Security is a key factor and it is compulsory to download the MY SOS app on your phone and use it when on the trails. A massive part of ensuring the safety of users and property owners is users been vigilant and informing us of any suspicious behavior or problems on the trails. It is vital that we all work together.
Usage Hours for Day Permits (NO EXCEPTIONS, need to be off the trails outside these hours)
- Base Trail Usage Hours (orange Trail)
Week days: 08:00am – 18:00 pm
Weekends: 07:00am – 17:00pm
No exceptions, you need to be off the trails outside these hours, please respect . landowner’s privacy
- Paarl Mountain Reserve Trail (Purple Route)
Weekdays: 07:00am – 19:00pm
Weekends: 07:00am – 18:00pm
- Paarl Adventure Link Trails (Grey Trail)
Weekdays: 08:00am – 19:00pm
Weekends: 06:00am- 18:00pm
- Hero Adventure Trails at Rhebokskloof and Spice Route Destination
Weekdays: 08:00am – 18:00pm
Weekends: 06:00am – 18:00pm
Usage Hours for Annual Unlimited Access Pass Holders (No Exceptions need to be off the trails outside these hours
- Base Trail Usage Hours (orange Trail)
Week days: 07:00am – 18:00 pm
Weekends: 07:00am – 17:00pm
No exceptions, you need to be off the trails outside these hours, please respect . . landowner’s privacy
- Paarl Mountain Reserve Trail (Purple Route)
Weekdays: 07:00am – 19:00pm
Weekends: 07:00am – 18:00pm
- Paarl Adventure Link Trails (Grey Trail)
Weekdays: 06:00am – 19:00pm
Weekends: 06:00am- 18:00pm
- Hero Adventure – Rhebokskloof Hero Adventure at Spice Route
Weekdays: 06:00am – 18:00pm
Weekends: 06:00am – 18:00pm
As with any new project of this magnitude there might be a few wrinkles we need to work out, we ask for your support and patience as we do our best to find the best solutions as we go.
For all the detailed info please visit www.paarladventuretrails.co.za
