Nestled in the heart of Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha lies a little piece of heaven known as the Baakens Valley. This natural wonder offers some of the best hiking and cycling trails, beautifully maintained, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Fat Tracks MTB club.

If you find yourself in town for the weekend, make sure to carve out some time for a cycling or walking adventure in the valley. The trails here cater to all levels of expertise, from single and jeep track ranging from easy to more challenging routes. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never get bored. While there’s no fee to cycle here, it’s highly recommended to donate to the Fat Tracks MTB club. These are the folks who maintain the trails, building bridges, clearing paths, and filling holes to keep the trails in top-notch condition.

A typical ride for us in the valley ranges between 20 and 30 km, with a plethora of routes to choose from. On weekends, you’ll find the valley bustling with cyclists, hikers and runners. However, we wouldn’t recommend riding, walking, or running alone for safety reasons.

We love starting our adventure at the containers near Cyclo Pro and exploring different routes. Often, we pop out to the surrounding suburbs for a coffee break before diving back into the valley to finish our ride.

So, if you’re looking for a blend of nature and adventure, the Baakens Valley is the place to be. Happy trails!