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The
Tradouw Pass is one of 13 passes that
master road engineer Thomas Bain built
during the 1800's. Farmers in the surrounding
area wanted Port Beaufort (Witsand) at
the mouth of the Breede River made more
accessible for their produce. Thomas Bain
was instructed to do the planning and
estimating, using convicts as labourers.
The Bain family moved into a lovely old
farmhouse called Lismore belonging to
the Barry family. Today the house still
stands at the foot of the Tradouw Pass
and still belongs to the Barry family.
The Tradouw Pass is renowned for its wild
flowers in spring, clusters of blazing
red aloes in late autumn, breathtaking
waterfalls in winter and magnificent swimming
pools in summer. As you drive along, enjoy
this beautiful pass and admire Bain's
genius for carving a pass through such
rugged terrain without the help of modern
technology.
Grootvadersbosch
Nature Reserve / Boosmansbos Wilderness
Area lies in the Langeberg mountains.
The wilderness area is 14 200 ha in extent
and is incorporated in Grootvadersbosch
Nature Reserve. An association of mountain
fynbos and forest vegetation occurs in
the wilderness area. Mammals include grey
rhebuck, klipspringer, grysbok, baboons,
leopard, mongoose and genet. The area
is rich in birdlife, with 184 species
recorded. Trails are unmarked and huts
provide only basic shelter. Hikers should
be well equipped for difficult terrain
and adverse weather conditions, and must
have a good map. There are 64 km paths
and hikers may choose their own routes.
The circular two-day route of 27 km is
a popular option.
There
are two Barrydale hiking trails starting
close to the village. The Bertus Cooke
trail takes the hiker into the Klein Karoo
landscape, is more arid with a greater
variety of succulents. The Moerasriver
trail runs into the Langeberg, through
the catchment area and has more fynbos
and proteas. Hikers are advised to start
early during summer and carry plenty of
water.
Big
Sky Trail is for those who enjoy a free
rein. The Aínudib Arabian Stud
offers a four-day adventure trail ride,
giving advanced horse riders the unique
opportunity to experience the splendour
and solitude of the great open spaces
of the Klein Karoo. Riding briskly, covering
up to 40 km per day, the spirited and
comfortable Arabians are ideally suited
to the vast plains. The trail runs every
second week and is limited to groups of
four.
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