Departing from Barrydale brace yourself for one of the most enthralling rides as we venture through the Tradouw Pass which provides the perfect balance between natural beauty and sheer riding pleasure. The road climbs through a narrow gorge into the heart of the Langeberg where many splendid sightseeing opportunities await. Leaving the charm of the Karoo in your dust, we proceed onward to Heidelberg, which is considered by many as the staring point of the Garden Route, before reaching Witsand for a delightful beachfront lunch. After exploring this quaint village known for its spectacular whale sightings, we circle back, taking in more of the splendor of the Tradouw Pass. Weather permitting, our guides will ensure that you experience (swimming and/or sight seeing) the tranquil rock pools that are perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the area.
Distance: +/- 250km (mostly tar with a short dirt road section)
Riding Level: Easy
Availability: All year
Often referred to as the gateway to heaven, Barrydale is situated on the world famous Route 62. This quaint village is a mere two-and-a-half hour drive from Cape Town International Airport and, quite uniquely, boasts the features associated with the nearby wine district while also providing guests with the tranquility that can only be found in the Karoo.
A masterpiece created by Thomas Bain which was completed in 1873, the Tradouw Pass (which means Womens Path in the old Khoi language) is a 16 kilometer drive through an altitude range of 219 meters through some of the most beautiful and rugged mountain scenery on offer in the Langeberg. It has been rated as one of the top 20 mountain passes in the Western Cape.
While whale watching attracts thousands of tourists to this small town every year, the area is equally renowned amongst bird watchers while it is also considered a fisherman’s paradise. Situated at the mouth of the Breede River, Witsand offers 4km of white sandy beaches, surrounded by magnificent species of Cape Fynbos within this Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.
