If you’re looking for an iconic cycle route in Cape Town, cycling to Kalk Bay via Chapman’s Peak Drive is an absolute must. This 47km (approx. both ways) coastal ride offers gradual climbs, smooth roads and breathtaking ocean views.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for an unforgettable ride, this route ticks all the boxes.

🚴 Distance: Approximately 47km

⏱️ Duration: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (excluding stops)

📍 Start/Finish: Hout Bay (You can also start at Sea Point, Greenpoint or the CBD too)

📍 Turn-around point: Kalk Bay

*Elevation map of the entire route there and back*

The ride has some climbs, but it never gets extremely steep. The Chapmans Peak Drive section on the way back (cycling south to north) will be the most challenging section.

If you are riding from Cape Town, you can start your ride from Seapoint promenade, the coastal road between Sea Point and Hout Bay is also extremely stunning.

Bike Hire & Essentials

We rented our bikes from Chapman’s Peak Cycles located in Hout Bay which offers:

Bike hire for approx. £40/day
Helmet
Puncture repair kit with a NOS canister
Multi-tools
Note: they don’t provide locks; but the advice is to keep your bike nearby at your stop (let’s face it, you can’t resist the coffee/ pastries or fish & chip offerings on this route)

You will need to bring your own:

Cleats / Cycling Shoes
Bibs and other cycling layers
Water bottle
Glasses
Bike light (which you shouldn’t need unless you’re planning a cycle before sunrise/ after sunset)

Other options for bike hire if you’re located in Cape Town are

Cycling Friends (Greenpoint)
East City Cycles (CBD)

Chapman’s Peak Drive – Coastal Perfection

The ride begins with Chapman’s Peak Drive, renowned for its spectacular coastal views, well-maintained roads, and minimal traffic. With gradual climbs and plenty of scenic pull-off points, it's a cyclist’s dream. Chapman’s Peak Drive ends when you reach Noordhoek beach and start turning inland.

The road is usually a toll road, but it’s free for cyclists, so you can ride past the toll gates.

There are plenty of viewpoints along the road for you to pull over, take in the views, and snap some pics.

Noordhoek to Fish Hoek – Smooth Descents

After the exhilarating descent into Noordhoek, the ride flattens out before a mostly downhill cruise towards Fish Hoek (a small coastal town). The final section of the ride is a coastal road from Fish Hoek to Kalk Bay.

Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a vibrant seaside town packed with independent boutiques, vintage stores, and incredible eateries. After the ride, we stopped at Olympia Café—a lovely local spot for a coffee

Olympia Café – Great for a mid-ride coffee and a croissant with apricot jam. The plated breakfasts looked fantastic, and plenty of diners were singing their praises. Along this side of the café there is a narrow courtyard for outdoor seating options but note, whilst this café is often described as a ‘cycle-friendly café,’ it’s more of a popular stop for cyclists rather than a place with dedicated bike storage—you’ll need to leave your bike on the pavement and grab a seat inside.
SALT (next door to Olympia Café) – A small-plate spot with a cool vibe. Grab a seat at the front counter by the window for a perfect view of the street, the sea, and the occasional passing train.

Other food recommendations in Kalk Bay

Brass Bell – A local favourite located on the seafront with a tidal pool right outside.
Kalky’s – Famous for fish & chips, but expect long queues.
Live Bait – A scenic seafood spot with ocean views.
Bob’s Bagel Cafe – A good, quick refuel option for a coffee and bagel.

Coffee stops in Hout Bay for your return trip

South Yeaster Bakery – A cycle-friendly bakery serving great coffee and pastries.
Sentinel Coffee – Another excellent caffeine stop situated by Hout Bay beach.

Final Thoughts

The Chapman’s Peak to Kalk Bay cycle route is easily one of the best rides in Cape Town, offering a perfect mix of challenging but steady climbs, rewarding descents, and jaw-dropping scenery. Add in a fantastic food stop in Kalk Bay, and you’ve got an unforgettable cycling experience.

🚴 Would you ride this route? Let us know in the comments! 🌊✨

Cycling Chapman's Peak to Kalk Bay: The Ultimate Cape Town Ride