The Langeberg form a natural barrier between the fertile farmlands of the Breê River valley and the sunburned rock garden of the Little Karoo. Our route straddles this rocky divide, passing through two rugged gorges, closely following ancient paths of the San and Khoikhoi. Almost the entire route is on good tarred roads.

For a view over Swellendam and the rolling countryside to the south, turn out of Voortrek Street into Andrew Whyte Street, driving towards the mountain. After 1 km, turn right for ‘Swellendam State Forest’. Go right at the fork, then turn right towards the concrete dome of the reservoir. Park at the reservoir and walk around the reservoir fence to the south side, from where the view is uninterrupted.

Return to Voortrek Street and turn right. At the end of the town, turn right out of Voortrek Street onto the R60 for Ashton and Montagu, noting your kms. About 5 km later on your right there is an old water mill. Soon afterwards the road begins to ascend Bakoondshoogte (oven height).

Roughly 20km from the turn out of Voortrek Street, turn left onto gravel for Middelrivier, then 2,3 km later turn left at the T-junction. Keep straight, passing through the settlement of Drew and crossing the railway within the next 1 km.

Cross the Breë River and turn right at the T-junction onto tar — noting your kms. Stop after a few hundred metres for a view back of the river and bridge.

After 9,4 km, turn right at the T-junction. Continue into Bonnievale and turn left at the T- junction. Call at the municipal office (opposite the hotel on your left) to collect the key to the Myrtle Rigg Memorial Church. If you intend visiting the church on a public holiday or at the weekend, telephone the Town Clerk at (02346) 2105 to arrange to collect the key.

Turn right out of the main road, following signs for ‘Police’ into Forrest Road. After about 1 km, turn right into Myrtle Rigg Avenue. The church is on your right after 100m.

Bonnievale to Montagu

Return via Forrest Street to Main Road, and turn left. At the first road past the municipal offices turn left for Montagu and Ashton. Follow the road left around the church, and continue straight. Note your kms as you cross the railway, and roughly 7km later turn left at the T-junction onto the R60. A little over 5 km later turn right at the T-junction for Montagu.

As you approach Cogmanskloof, about 1 km after the T-junction, there is a shady picnic spot on your left near the river (no facilities). Close to Bain’s Tunnel it is possible to see the Anglo-Boer War blockhouse, Sidney Fort, on the hill — slightly to the left of the top of the tunnel. It is difficult to spot because it is built out of the local sandstone. From the bridge approaching the tunnel mouth you can also see the old road on your right.

Soon after the tunnel there is a picnic site on your right (no facilities), with a bronze plaque recording the building of this road by Thomas Bain. 500m further on your right is the Keurkloof campsite, where there are braai and picnic sites close to the river (small entry fee at weekends and on public holidays; water, toilets). From here there is an attractive short walk along the Keurkloof into the mountains.

to be continued