Barkly Pass
Elevation2,018m
Traversed byR58
LocationEastern Cape, South Africa
RangeDrakensberg Mountains
Coordinates31°14′8.4″S 27°50′30.8″E / 31.235667°S 27.841889°E / -31.235667; 27.841889

Barkly Pass is situated in the high mountains of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, on the Regional R58 tarred road between Elliot and Barkly East.

History

The pass is named after Henry Barkly, governor of the Cape.[1] It was constructed in 1885.[2]

Route

The pass starts a few kilometres outside Elliot at 1,473 m (4,833 ft) above sea level and ascends moderately steep at a gradient of 1:22 attaining an elevation gain of 626 m (2,054 ft) in a distance of 12 km (7.5 mi).[3] After a few sharp hairpin bends it reaches an elevation of 2,018 m (6,621 ft) at the summit. The pass is subject to frequent winter snow closures.

References

  1. Raper, P. E. (1989). Dictionary of Southern African Place Names. Jonathan Ball Publishers. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-947464-04-2 via Internet Archive.
  2. Coulson, David; Clarke, James (1984). The Roof of Africa. Internet Archive. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. ISBN 978-0-03-071766-6.
  3. Mountain Passes South Africa - Barkly Pass


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