Valentine’s Sunset hike at Muratie

Wednesday 14 February 2025

Sunset 19h37

Toast the sunset on the eve of Valentine’s Day with Muratie Johanna Dry Rose, while enjoying your picnic with your loved one at the foot of Simonsberg!

The circular hiking trail starts from Dirtopia Trail Centre at Muratie wine farm to a look-out point with spectacular views.  The marked circle route is approximately 3.5km total with hand-built steps, and it can take you 30 min / up to 45 minutes to reach the top, so do not arrive later than 17h30 to ensure that you have the full experience. A glass of Muratie’s Dry Rose poured as you arrive at the new picnic area – just past Gilloolys.

Bring a blanket to sit on while you wait for the sunset / moon rise under the watchful eye of the Simonsberg mountain.   There will be a Muratie wine station at this point where you can enjoy your packed picnic. Bring extra cash / card to buy a glass or bottle of Muratie’s red or white wine. Only 20-30 minutes to walk back to the Trail Centre at Muratie. Snacks & drinks for sale at the Trail Centre where you collect you permit on arrival. Coffee station will be open here until 8.00pm.

Time:   Arrival from 17h30, no later than 18h30 to start hike (you hike on your own time!)

Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Muratie Farm, Knorhoek Road, off the R44 near Stellenbosch

Cost:R155pp (incl glass of Dry Rose at the look-out) & R60 for children under 12yrs (incl permit for marked route to be done after hours)

Online bookings essential: www.dirtpass.co.za/product/tickets 

You can be back at the Trail centre between 20h00/20h30, depending on your walking speed and the time you start going down.  Bring something warm to wear after dark and a torch, but there are also some small torches available at the Trail Centre. Wear good walking/hiking shoes – you are climbing a mountain with various terrain. A FALKE sock hamper is up for grabs in the lucky draw and browse through the FALKE selection on sale at the Trail Centre. 

Bring a blanket to sit on while you wait for the sunset / moon rise under the watchful eye of the Simonsberg mountain.   There will be a Muratie wine station at this point, called Gilloolys where you can enjoy your packed picnic. Bring extra cash / card to buy a glass or bottle of Muratie’s red or white wine. 

All hikers to leave the look-out by 8.00 pm latest.

 Remember that you need to carry out all your own trash. No smoking allowed on the mountain!

You can be back at the Trail centre by 20h30/21h00, depending on your walking speed and the time you start going down.  Bring something warm to wear after dark, a picnic blanket and a torch, 

Wear good walking / hiking shoes – you are climbing a mountain with steps & various terrain. Snacks & cooldrinks for sale at the Trail Centre, but you are welcome to bring you own to enjoy on top of the mountain. A FALKE sock hamper is up for grabs in the lucky draw and browse through the FALKE selection on sale at the Trail Centre. 

All hikers must adhere to the rules of the trail and Dirtopia’s terms and conditions.