Pniel – Colour Dots

Four passes circular route

carynkaleido — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:53:13 +0000

Four Passes Circular Route (Stellenbosch Loop) A scenic and challenging circular route through the Cape Winelands. Popular with both drivers and mountain bikers. Expect long climbs, rewarding views, and good stop options along the way. Route Overview Distance: ±130kmElevation gain: ±2000mStart/Finish: StellenboschBest direction: Anti-clockwise (recommended) This loop covers four major passes: Sir Lowry’s Pass Viljoen’s Pass Franschhoek Pass Helshoogte Pass Stellenbosch to Grabouw (via Sir Lowry’s Pass) Head out of Stellenbosch towards Somerset West using back roads parallel to the N2. Avoid the highway where possible. Follow the Old Sir Lowry’s road, which is lined with trees It is recommended to do Sir Lowry’s Pass early in the day, before the traffic increases and the wind begins to blow. There are no dedicated bike lanes on this pass. The pass climbs for 3.9 km, gaining an elevation of 265m Descend towards Grabouw, where you can stop off at the Peregrine Farm Stall or Elgin Railway Market if you are there on the weekend Grabouw to Franschhoek (via Viljoen’s Pass) From Grabouw, turn left onto Viljoen’s Pass. This section is mostly steady and rideable, with a fast descent through the pass. Watch your speed on the hairpins. Continue towards Theewaterskloof Dam. Take care not to miss the turn-off towards Franschhoek. Theewaterskloof to Franschhoek (via Franschhoek Pass) Turn left and begin the 10km climb up Franschhoek Pass, with an elevation gain of 420m There is a natural fresh water spring just after the summit where clear water runs off the mountain. Then begin the descent towards Franschhoek. This is a great place to find somewhere to eat or visit heritage sites or the transport museum. Franschhoek to Stellenbosch (via Helshoogte Pass) Leave Franschhoek and follow the relatively flat stretch towards Pniel. Climb Helshoogte Pass back towards Stellenbosch: Climb: 8.5km Elevation gain: 190m Includes a steeper ±2km section Descend back into Stellenbosch to complete the loop. Stops: Boschendal (picnic stop) Bartinney Tasting Shed (viewpoint) Notes for Cyclists Ride anti-clockwise to tackle Sir Lowry’s Pass early Expect traffic on Sir Lowry’s Pass (no shoulder) Watch for strong winds, especially later in the day Be cautious on descents (sharp bends and changing road surfaces) Carry water, although there are refill points along the route Summary A well-balanced Winelands loop with four distinct passes, varied scenery, and multiple stop options. Suitable for experienced cyclists and a rewarding scenic drive See some other scenic drives and road trips and browse the complete Western Cape guide

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Pniël Museum

carynkaleido — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 10:04:22 +0000

The Pniël Museum tells the story of how a former Mission Station that was established by the Apostolic Union in 1843 for the freed slaves and indigenous people, grew and developed into the peaceful village you see today. The rooms of the 17th-century farmhouse of Papiere Molen, which is now the Pniël museum give one the sense of a humble but proud community that is at peace with itself. The professionally laid out photos, stories and artefacts keep the visitor enthralled and captivated, while time seems to take you back to 1843 when the first freed slaves came to start a new life here. River Street Pniel pnielmuseum@gmail.com Open from Tuesdays to Fridays: 10.00 to 16.00

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The Dwars River Escape Route

carynkaleido — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:20:41 +0000

The Dwars River Escape Route was launched in 2003 to support local enterprise. The route honours deep historical roots from Khoi grazing lands and Huguenot settlers, to emancipated slaves, WWII POWs, and Mandela’s release from nearby Groot Drakenstein prison. “Escape” refers to slaves escaping, the POWs escaping and Nelson Mandela’s “escape” from the Drakenstein prison where he spent the last few years of his sentence. The Dwars River Escape Route stretches from Helshoogte Pass (Stellenbosch Side), Latitude ‑33.92225, Longitude 18.91035, to Groot Drakenstein near Franschhoek. This short but scenic route offers sweeping views of the valley and surrounding vineyards. It winds through the villages of Pniel, Lanquedoc, and Kylemore, offering rich history, cultural landmarks, and welcoming community initiatives. It is a popular route for cyclists, hikers and road trippers. Enjoy the panoramic views as you travel. The Dwars River Valley was originally allocated to Dutch Free burgher settlers in 1687. They were joined by the French Huguenots. Before them, the land had been used for seasonal grazing by the Khoi herders. The settlers also reared stock, planted fruit trees, vegetables and grape vines. The region had a high proportion of slave labourers on the land. This was brought to an end only in 1834 The first small settlement is Pniel at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains. It is a historic mission settlement founded in 1843 as a home for freed slaves after emancipation in 1834. Look out for the Heritage Garden and Graveyard, and street art murals. Also, some quaint cafes and farm stalls. You will pass Tokara Wine Estate and Olive Shed.. The Dwars River Escape Route will take you then to Kylemore, which is a quiet village with a strong focus on education, art, sport, and community development. The Imbali Live Craft & Art Centre, where you can find handmade crafts and art by local women. There is a children’s feeding scheme, The Anna Foundation, that works with local schools to empower children through education and sport. You will find Johnson ‘the wire worker’, Tokara Olive Shed, Living Stones, Candles for Africa, which creates handcrafted candles with a strong social mission, plus wineries, restaurants and other small businesses. The stretch of road features a mix of fruit farms, wine estates, and agri-based businesses, many of which have farm stalls or tasting rooms open to the public. There are many Hiking and mountain biking access points in the Simonsberg and Jonkershoek ranges. Next is Lanquedoc, a small community surrounded by farms, where you will find farm stalls selling local produce Just before the Franschhoek turn-off is the historically significant Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster Prison). The Nelson Mandela Statue marks the spot where Mandela took his first steps as a free man in 1990 after 27 years in prison. Continue onward to Franschhoek to see more wine estates and restaurants. You can also make a detour to Banhoek Valley for additional food and wine venues. See Tips for road trips See some other scenic drives and road trips and browse the complete Western Cape guide The Dwars River Escape Route

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York dam swim

carynkaleido — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 16:09:27 +0000

York dam swim: Swim in the York dam at Boschendaal on Friday evenings at 5 pm The wine estate hosts a gathering of open-water swimmers. Anyone is welcome to join them – from beginners to more serious triathletes getting in some training. Meet at the Languedoc Gate, gate 20. Dogs are not allowed. Boschendal Wine Estate, Helshoogte Road (R310), Pniel

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