The Owl Route
- Nieu-Bethesda
Durations
3 Days
Date
Ride: 23-25 April
Run: 30 April - 2 May
Location
Nieu- Bethesda
23 - 25 April 2027
A Journey Through The Karoo
YOUR 3 DAY KAROO ADVENTURE
The Owl Route is a luxurious escape into the heart of the Karoo. At this limited-entry 3-day mountain biking experience, riders can indulge in an all-inclusive riding and culinary experience in the quaint village of Nieu Bethesda. The rolling mountains of the Sneeuberge will remain the backdrop of the 3-day experience. You will be swooped back to the welcoming arms of Nieu Bethesda and its hand-built, fully functioning water furrows and historic sites.
Ride Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Day 1– THE JOURNEY BEGINS
DISTANCE: 17KM
WATER POINTS: WP 1 – Tot-Hier-Toe Padstall| WP 2 – Aunt Evelyn | WP 3 & 4 – Boetie’s Pub and The Village Inn.
ROAD SURFACE: A mix between Jeep tracks, Single tracks, Gravel and District road.
RECOMMENDED BIKE: We recommend using a Mountain Bike or E-Bike.
ROUTE: Day 1 is all about exploring the town of Nieu-Bethesda and to see what the enchanting town has on display along a 17km route through town with pit stops at interesting places. The Suspension Bridge crossing will be the first focal point which ascends to the Nieu-Bethesda viewpoint. Here you can enjoy a birds-eye view of the town and some small local farms. You will then head down to the Tot Hier Toe Padstal for a revitalising snack before going up towards Aunt Evelyn’s place for an ice-cold homemade ginger beer. The route descends onto a section alongside fully functioning historic water furrows, which serve as the watery veins of Nieu-Bethesda. The pitstops keep rolling in with a duel check-in pitstop at Boeties Pub for a refreshing beer and a delicious cinnamon-sugar-filled pancake nibble right next door at The Village Inn Restaurant before heading back to the race village.
Day 2– CONQUER THE CLIMB
DISTANCE: 60KM | CLIMBING 800M
WATER POINTS: WP 1 – 30km | WP 2 – 50km
ROAD SURFACE: Mainly gravel roads.
RECOMMENDED BIKE: We recommend using a Mountain Bike or E-Bike.
ROUTE: On day two you will start your ride with a gradual climb towards the Sneeuberg nature reserve. Be sure to look out for wildlife like zebra, kudu, wildebeest and more along the way. Your first waterpoint will be at 30km, Blaauwater farm’s old train station siding. Thereafter it’s smooth sailing for a while before you hit a steep climb at 50km just before your second waterpoint just at the right time! With new energy, the last stretch to Nieu-Bethesda will go by swiftly. Heading into town, you will head straight to Brunos for lunch.
Day 3– THE HOME STRETCH
DISTANCE: 53KM | CLIMBING 660M
WATER POINTS: WP 1 – 23km | WP 2 – 36km
ROAD SURFACE: A mix between Jeep tracks, Single tracks, Gravel and District road.
RECOMMENDED BIKE: We recommend using a Mountain Bike or E-Bike.
ROUTE: The final day heads out on a circular loop on the district gravel road leading to Graaff-Reinet, boasting beautiful views of kloofs and plateaus and bends back to Nieu-Bethesda. You can expect some steep uphills, fast downhills and mild oncoming wind in the true nature of the sweeping vistas of the Sneeuberg mountain range. You will be welcomed back in Nieu-Bethesda at the event finish line with a glass of Champagne and a handmade Souvenir to salute a great weekend!
30 April - 2 May 2027
A Journey Through The Karoo
YOUR 3 DAY KAROO ADVENTURE
The Owl Route is a luxurious escape into the heart of the Karoo. This exclusive, limited-entry 3-day running experience combines spectacular trails, warm Karoo hospitality, and exceptional local cuisine in the enchanting village of Nieu-Bethesda. With the rolling peaks of the Sneeuberg Mountains as your constant backdrop, each day offers a new adventure through vast landscapes, historic sites, and the village’s famous hand-built water furrows. After every run, you’ll return to the welcoming embrace of Nieu-Bethesda, where memorable meals, comfortable accommodation, and authentic Karoo charm await. The Owl Route is more than a running event—it’s an immersive Karoo experience designed for those who appreciate adventure, connection, and the finer things in life.
* Walkers are welcome.
Run Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Day 1– THE JOURNEY BEGINS
DISTANCE: 8KM
WATER POINTS: WP 1 – Tot-Hier-Toe Padstall| WP 2 – Aunt Evelyn | WP 3 & 4 – Boetie’s Pub and The Village Inn.
ROAD SURFACE: A mix between Jeep tracks, Single tracks, Gravel and District road.
ROUTE: Day 1 is all about exploring the enchanting village of Nieu-Bethesda and discovering the hidden gems that make it so special. The 8 km route winds through town, with unique pit stops and local highlights along the way.
Starting on the village’s iconic gravel streets, runners soon tackle a switchback singletrack climb up the surrounding koppie, where a stop at Aunt Evelyn’s house offers a refreshing homemade ginger beer. The route then meanders along scenic singletrack and past Nieu-Bethesda’s historic water furrows, the lifeblood of the village. A dual check-in stop at Boeties Pub for a cold beer and The Village Inn Restaurant for a delicious cinnamon-sugar pancake keeps the energy high before runners return to the race village, having experienced the true charm of this unique Karoo town.
Day 2– CONQUER THE CLIMB
DISTANCE: 19.3KM | CLIMBING 300M
WATER POINTS: WP 1 – 9km | WP 2 – 15km
ROAD SURFACE: Mainly gravel roads.
ROUTE: Runners head out of Nieu-Bethesda on a gradual gravel climb, rewarded with sweeping views across the valley. Settle into your rhythm, soak up the scenery, and make your way to the welcoming waterpoint at Doornberg Guest Farm. Owned by the same family for over 150 years, Doornberg’s historic homestead, gardens, and farm buildings offer a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage.
From here, the route transitions onto a combination of jeep track and singletrack, winding through mesmerising Karoo landscapes. The final 6 km takes runners through a series of picturesque koppies, following the spring-fed stream that has supplied Nieu Bethesda with fresh water for more than a century.
As the route gently descends toward the finish, the pace quickens and the scenery remains unforgettable. By the time you cross the line, you’ll have experienced the very best of the Karoo and your adventure cup will be overflowing.
Day 3– THE PADSTAL PARTY
DISTANCE: 6KM | CLIMBING 148M
WATER POINTS: 3.6KM
ROAD SURFACE: A mix between Jeep tracks, Single tracks, Gravel and District road.
ROUTE: The final day of Run the Owl Route is a relaxed 6km leg loosener and, just when you think you’ve discovered all that Nieu-Bethesda has to offer, there’s one last surprise waiting. Runners head out towards the double suspension bridge crossing the Gats River before skirting the edge of town on scenic gravel roads. The route leads to the beloved Tot Hier Toe Padstal, where farm-style treats and steaming moerkoffie await. Take a moment to meet the friendly farm animals – from ostriches and lambs to turkeys and more – before enjoying the final stretch back to the finish, bringing an unforgettable Karoo adventure to a close.
LOCATION
Helen Martins (1897–1976), creator of The Owl House in Nieu‑Bethesda, transformed her home and garden with hundreds of mystical sculptures made of glass, mirrors, and cement. Inspired by the Karoo and literature, her surreal vision is now a heritage site drawing visitors worldwide.
What's Included in Your Entry?
We handle the details so you can live the experience. Here’s what’s covered
- LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
- WELL DESIGNED ROUTES
- WELCOME PACK
- EN ROUTE SUPPORT
- ALL MEALS
- ALL DRINKS
- MEDICAL SERVICES
- HANDMADE SOUVENIR