| Barkly Pass | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Elevation | 2,018 m (6,621 ft) |
| Traversed by | R58 |
| Third Approach | |
| Location | Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Range | Drakensberg Mountains |
| Coordinates | 31°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
References
- Raper, P. E. (1989). Dictionary of Southern African Place Names. Jonathan Ball Publishers. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-947464-04-2 – via Internet Archive.
- Coulson, David; Clarke, James (1984). The Roof of Africa. Internet Archive. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. ISBN 978-0-03-071766-6.
- Mountain Passes South Africa - Barkly Pass