Du Toitskloof Pass — Cape Winelands toWorcester.
Distance
160 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,200 m
Du Toitskloof Pass — Cape Winelands to Worcester.
Since the Huguenot Tunnel opened in 1988 the old R101 Du Toitskloof Pass has been mostly abandoned by trucks and through-traffic — leaving 48 km of switchbacks, view-stops, and stone-built passes for riders to enjoy. The summit sits at 820m with views back across the Drakenstein Valley to Paarl Rock, and east into the Breede River valley with the Hex River mountains beyond.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance160 km
Days1
Total climb1,200 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
PaarlStart · Start in Paarl beneath the giant granite Paarl Rock. Take the old R101 east — bypass the Huguenot Tunnel deliberately.
Paarl Granite DomesScenic Point · Three enormous granite outcrops above the town — second largest granite formation in the world after Uluru.
Du Toitskloof Pass Summit (820m)Mountain Pass · The old pass climbs in tight switchbacks high above the Huguenot Tunnel. Wide pullout at the summit — sweeping views back over the Cape winelands.
Eastern Descent ViewpointsPhoto Spot · The eastern side opens into the Breede River Valley with the snow-capped Hex River mountains beyond. Best light mid-morning.
WorcesterRestaurant · Main town of the Breede River Valley. KWV brandy distillery cellar tours and the Karoo Desert Botanical Garden.
Slanghoek ValleyScenic Point · Loop back via the lush Slanghoek (Snake Hook) valley — boutique wineries between sandstone cliffs and the Klein Drakenstein range.
PaarlEnd · Return to Paarl completing the loop. The Spice Route winery near Paarl is a fine end-of-day stop for tapas and wine.
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