Bainskloof Pass

Bainskloof Pass (Afrikaans: Bainskloofpas) is a mountain pass on the R301 regional road between Wellington and Ceres in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The 18-kilometer (11-mile)[1] pass, opened in 1854,[2] was constructed by road engineer Andrew Geddes Bain with the use of convict labour.[1] Originally built for horse-drawn traffic, the pass was later tarred.

Bainskloof Pass
Bainskloofpas
Part of the scenery
Elevation594 metres (1,949 ft)
LocationWellington and Ceres, Western Cape, South Africa
Coordinates33°37′00″S 19°06′00″E
Bainskloof Pass is located in Western Cape
Bainskloof Pass

The pass reaches 594 metres (1,949 ft)[3] at its highest point. Here, the road joins the Witte River, which descends the northern side of the mountains through a precipitous cleft to a stretch of rapids, waterfalls and natural pools. Bainskloof Pass is now a national monument.[3]

Plaques of the Bainskloof Pass

After roadworks starting in 2018, it finally reopened to the public in June 2022.[4]

See also

References

  1. "Discover the secret of the Winelands". Bainskloof. Archived from the original on 10 February 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  2. Rosenthal, Eric. 1978. Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa. Cape Town and Johannesburg: Juta and Company Limited
  3. "Bains Kloof Pass (R301)". Cyber Drive Mountain Passes South Africa. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  4. Getaway Magazine
  • Passes Index at Wild Dog Adventure Riding website
  • Bainskloof history
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