Sites of interest

Goldmine: (5.1km)

Nothing remains of the shaft and headgear erected by a group of confidence tricksters who persuaded an all too gullible public to buy shares in their mine – and then disappeared with all their money!

Oak trees

The oak trees along the road represent the shady trees planted by Bain originally and replaced often as a result of veld fires.

Brandewyndraai or Morrie-se-draai (Brandy Bend or Morrie’s Bend); 8.8km

Apparently a wagon-load of brandy and raisins plummeted down the steep ravine and gave the drinking water of the farm Welvanpas a strange taste.

Mr Morrie was the locals name for the famous rev. Andrew Murray who, when he started his ministry in Wellington, was met by the congregation at this spot.

The tunnel, West and East Portals: 9.1km and 9.6km

To avoid a wide bend, Bain built this tunnel in 1849. It was completed and apparently used by convicts and even wagons. The construction techniques were not very sound and during the winter of 1850, it collapsed and the wide road had to be made anyway.

Bain ruins: 10.4km

A pathway leads down to the ruins if a structure, the use of which is obscure. The discovery of a steel wedge, a steel chisel and potsherds prove the connection to Bain.

Gawie se water (Gawie’s water): 11.2km

A clear stream of water cascades down the mountain to your right. This water is diverted from the Witte river on the other side of the mountain ridge by means of a deep furrow to bring welcome water to the Wellington farmers in the valley below during dry winter months.

This furrow was the work of a local farmer, Gawie Retief, who offered to do the job for 600 Pounds. Bain had apparently done the original surveying and the local farmers collected the funds to complete the task, but by its completion in 1860, it had cost more than double the original estimate.

The Road to Hugo’s Rest

Some distance after Gawie’s Water you will notice the stonework of a road to your right. This us the road leading to the ruins of a magnificent mansion built by a local businessman, PJ Hugo.

Viewpoints

To your left along the way, are various views of the Cape Peninsula. From the signposted viewpoint at 13.4km, you can see below you the farm, Doolhof, where Bain resided during the construction period. A bridle path, called The Chain, led from the farm to the Neck.

The Neck (Eerste Tol): 14.0 – 14.3km

Today this site, originally the first Convict Station, contains a number of exclusive holiday and permanent homes. Bain’s original stone structures have since disappeared, but the third house to your right (Coaton Cottage) has survived. This building was the first Toll House at the Neck.

Bronze plaques on the rocks to your left at 14.1km commemorate Bain and the centenary of the opening of the Pass, as well as the declaration of the Pass as a national monument in 1980.

The Hotel was probably the most prominent landmark at the Neck between 1925 and 1976. This popular traveller’s rest and weekend getaway was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt.

Convict graves

To your right, a road turns off and leads right again continuing to a site containing 23 grave mounds. Only one convict was recorded to have died as a direct result of building – a remarkable fact, considering the danger of the work, and the fact that a total of 1000 convicts worked on the Pass over the five years.

Montagu Rocks: 16.5km

Named after John Mantagu, Colonial Secretary, whose enthusiasm for road building and support of Bain led to the discovery and building of the Pass. He honoured Bain by naming the Pass after him.

At this point the road slices through the surrounding rocks. Without mechanical aid the road was blasted and hacked, sometimes built up to a height of 20 metres or more (the stonework is clearly visible as you drive along the road).

Bishop’s Rock

Named after the Anglican Bishop of Cape Town who visited the Pass during construction.

Bell’s Rocks: 17.7km

Charles Bell was the Surveyor General who confirmed Bain’s report on the suitability of the route for a pass. He explored the area from the Breede River side.

Bayley’s Krantz: 17.8km

Bailey (correct spelling) was thought to have been a surveyor, but this is uncertain.

Pilkington Bridge: 17.9km

Captain George Pilkington was Colonial Civil Engineer at the Cape from 1848.

Dacre’s Pulpit: 19.5km

Resembling a pulpit, this is probably the most famous landmark in the Pass. The Rev. Dacre accompanied Charles Bell on his exploration. He delivered a sermon here during the opening of the Pass in 1853.

Wolwekloof (Wolf’s Gorge) or Tweede Tol (Second TolL): 21.5km

This bridge, originally made of wood, was named after PB Borcherds, Chairman of the Central Roads Board, who officiated during the opening ceremony on 14 September 1853.

The road from here onwards flattens out and was much easier to construct, passing Steenbok Park, a private camping and holiday venue and Bastiaanskloof a few kilometres further.

Darling Bridge: 29.5km

The bridge which crosses the Breede River, was rebuilt during this century, but its foundations still reveals Bain’s original stonework.