Mixed · South Africa
Around Knysna
A hilly 31 km mixed-surface cycling loop from Knysna, Western Cape through Rheenendal, with 294 m of climbing over the Knysna climb. Mixed surface: 79% is mapped as paved and 21% as gravel or unpaved.
At a glance
- Best for
- Short, climbing-heavy rides
- Distance
- 30.6 km
- Elevation gain
- 294 m
- Riding time
- 1½–2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Bike
- Gravel bike
- Surface
- Mixed surface
- Traffic
- Mostly minor roads
- Food & water
- Longest gap 16 km
- Navigation
- GPX download
- Start and finish
- Knysna
Map and elevation profile
Elevation profile
- 294 m
- 31 km
Route description
- Knysna
- Knysna climb
- Rheenendal
- Knysna
The ride begins in Knysna and heads towards Rheenendal at 13.9 km. Early on, from 3.4 km to 6.6 km, there is a 3.2 km climb gaining 181 m at an average gradient of 5.7%, peaking at 200 m height. The highest point on the route is 231 m at 14.3 km. The route profile shows most climbing occurs in the first half, with 78% of elevation gain done early.
The surface is mostly paved (79%) with 21% gravel or unpaved. Roads consist mainly of minor roads (26.5 km), with smaller sections on major roads (2.1 km), quiet streets (1.3 km), and track (0.7 km). The two longest named roads are Rheenendal Road (18.8 km) and Phantom Pass Road (7.1 km). There are 2.1 km on main roads without cycle lanes, and 2 km on roads with posted limits over 80 km/h.
After passing Rheenendal, services are limited, with no café, shop or water for 15.6 km between km 14.9 and 30.5. There is a kiosk near 13.8 km (33 m off route), and a petrol station near 14.9 km (37 m off route). Bailout options include a station at Keytersnek (27.7 km, 159 m off route). The longest descent is 2.7 km starting at 26.7 km, dropping 158 m. The route loops back to Knysna where it finishes.
Why ride this route?
- Climbs the Knysna climb (3.2 km at 5.7 %).
Highlights
- 3.2 km climb from 3.4 km
- Rheenendal at 13.9 km
- Longest descent 2.7 km from 26.7 km
- Rheenendal Road 18.8 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | On this ride | Full ascent | Top on this ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knysna climb | 3.4 km | 3.2 km · 181 m · 5.7 % · max 8.4 % | 3.2 km · 181 m · 5.7 % | 200 m |
Knysna climb · full ascent, starts at 3.4 km
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%
Traffic, surface and gradient
Mostly minor roads and streets on the map; 2.1 km is on main roads without a cycle lane.
- Roads
- 87% minor road · 7% major road · 4% quiet street · 2% track
- Main roads
- 2.1 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 2 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- Rheenendal Road (19 km), Phantom Pass Road (7 km)
- Surface
- Mixed surface: 79% is mapped as paved and 21% as gravel or unpaved.
- Gradient
- 23% climbing · 22% descending · 54% flat
- Steep sections
- 1.9 km over 5% · 0.4 km over 8% · steepest 500 m averages 8.1% at 4.9 km
- Longest descent
- 2.7 km from 26.7 km, dropping 158 m
Food, water and services
The longest stretch without a café, shop or water is 16 km, from km 15 to 31. Along the route: 2 shops and 1 petrol station.
Food, water and shops in ride order
- 13.8 kmKiosk · 30 m off route
- 14.9 kmPetrol station · 40 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 27.7 km — Keytersnek (station), 160 m off route
Know before you go
- 15.6 km without café, shop or water from 14.9 km
- 2.1 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 2 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h+
- 21% gravel or unpaved surface