The road most travelled to Hermanus and sights along the way
Leaving Cape Town or Cape Town International Airport you will head for the N2 highway which takes you in an easterly direction towards the beautiful Helderberg range of mountains where you will be driving on the famous Sir Lowry's Pass as you rise onto the Overberg Plateau. En route, you will first pass the Engen petrol filling station on your left, then the Somerset Mall on your right after which you will drive through the outskirts of the growing town of Somerset West which lies to your left with the more industrial area of Strand on your right hand side. As you approach Sir Lowry's Pass you will notice the turnoff to the right R44 (Gordon's Bay) being "The "road less travelled to Hermanus..."; see my previous blog on www.eastburycottage.co.za. Stay on the N2 as we follow the road over Sir Lowry's Pass. On the mountain slope to the right you will notice the letters "GB" spelled out with white painted stones above Gordon's Bay. Most people think this is depicting Gordon's Bay, but erroneously so! It actually stands for General Botha which was the Naval training college that was based in Gordon's Bay for many years and which is now situated adjacent to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town.
Sir Lowry's Pass is beautiful as you rise steeply and arrive at the top where you are able to pull off to the right at a look out point and gaze down on the magnificent view of the Cape Peninsula with the azure sea of False Bay sweeping around the coast line of white sandy beaches and Table Mountain in the distance as it stands majestically overlooking Table Bay and Cape Town Harbour. You might just be joined by a few of the mountain baboons who are ever inquisitive of what they might find as "left overs" in the rubbish bins. Be sure not to encourage the feeding of these animals. It will lead to their demise as they become tame and thus a safety threat to humans visiting their territory!
Welcome to the Overberg as you pass the very pretty area of the Steenbrass Dam on your right while continuing on the N2 (you will need a permit to picnic at the dam). The rocky outskirts of Grabouw and the famous Elgin apple growing and farming area flank the N2 as you drive along with forests of pine trees in the distance. The 2nd turnoff to Grabouw will take you to the Orchard Farm Stall (visible from the N2 on your left). Here you may stock up with fresh farm produce or indulge in cake and coffee to break your journey. If you miss this farm stall do not worry! There are more to come. As you approach the 3rd turnoff to Grabouw you will notice the Peregrine Farm Stall on your right. Many tasty treats await you! Further along you will notice the apple and fruit orchards of this abundant and beautiful fruit growing area. You will pass the Paul CluverWine Estate. Be sure to find out what theatrical shows will be presented at their open air amphitheatre during the summer months...just 30 minutes drive from Hermanus. Soon you will notice another farm stall and nursery on your left. I believe their lunches are superb! Further along as you approach the Houw Hoek Pass you will notice the very quaint Houw Hoek Inn on your left and the Houw Hoek farm stall on your right. Take a few minutes to visit this oldest hotel in the Cape. It has such charm and character and many a wedding reception is held on the lawns of this historical building. Feeling thirsty? Be sure to pop into the Houw Hoek Farm Stall just over the road for tea and muffins!
The Houw Hoek Pass lies before you and as you proceed you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the beautiful Overberg farm lands and mountain ranges in the distance and the small village of Bot Rivier at the foot of the mountain. These "patchwork" lands are seasonally changing in colours from luscious greens in Winter, to bright yellows, blues and purples in the Spring, to golden wheat in the Autumn and then terracotta browns in the dry Summer months. Be sure to look out for our National bird, the Blue Crane as it nests and lays its eggs on these open plains. As you come through the last, very sharp bend of the pass take the R43 turnoff to the left to Hermanus. Should you miss this turnoff from the N2, not to worry as there is another a few kilometers further along. The area known as Greater Hermanus now lies only a matter of minutes away as you pass another farm stall, pottery shop, petrol station and then the smouldering brick works on your right. Continue on the R43 and soon you will pass the turnoff to Kleinmond R44 (The road less travelled...) and the Bot River Lagoon as it balloons out to the sea on Sandown Bay and the 5 star Arabella Sheraton Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate overlooks the lagoon. Notice the beautiful mountain scenery across the bay as you enter the Greater Hermanus and pass Fisherhaven and Hawston communities on your right. Soon you will reach the thriving areas of Vermont, Onrust, Hemel en Aarde Valley and Sandbaai which are situated on the outskirts of the beautiful village of Hermanus, previously known as Hermanus Pietersfontein. Hermanus lies between the Raed na Gael mountains and the famous cliffs of Walker Bay, best know for its best land based whale watching in the world. Yes, during the first two weeks of December we say our last good byes to these wonderful creatures of the deep, our Southern Right Whales, whose presence boosts Hermanus Tourism greatly from May to December. BUT, as regular visitors to Hermanus and Eastbury Cottage Self Catering and B&B will tell you, Hermanus is not only about whales...there is much, much more to see and do! Welcome!
