09 Sep Meiringspoort – Swartberg – Western Cape
This lower road through the Swartberg between Prince Albert and Oudsthorn was pioneered by P.J. Meiring who farmed in the pass .
The first road was built in 1857 by A.G.De Smit and the 16 km pass opened in 1858. The road crossed the river 21 times which made it impassable during wet conditions. An upgraded tar road with causeways, shortening the road but now with 30 river crossings.
About halfway is a rock engraved with the word Herrie, by C.J. Langenhoven on 1 July 1929. Herrie was the elephant in the novel ” Herrie op die ou Tremspoor”, who pulled a tram from Outshorn to Meiringspoort. C.J. Langenhoven was the composer of ‘Die Stem” and had lived for some time in Riversdale.
Combining a trip on this pass and the Swartberg pass over the mountains is a highlight of any road trip which includes mountain passes. The Swartberg pass may be closed in inclement weather or snow.