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vate , there are also six fenced-off campsites , each with its own kitchen and bathroom . This is a fantastic family oasis in the mountains with much activity centred around swimming in the pristine natural rock pools . A short spin further and on your left is the infamous Calabash bush pub . This is a great stop off for a cold coke if you need a sugar rush after surviving the pass . Easy on the beers though , you still have a good way to go .
After leaving the Calabash you will pass a double bridge as the road crosses the Breede River . For the next few kilometres you are going to have vineyards to both sides of you for as far as the eye can see . Towering in front of you is the massive Mostertshoek Mountain . Reaching a height of just over 2000 metres this is the most impressive peak in the Hex River range due to its domination of the surrounding landscape . Ten minutes more and you get to a T-junction . Here you turn right and enter the Michell ’ s pass . This ten kilometer road that cuts a path through to the valley above is not nearly as hair raising as the earlier Bainskloof , but none the less , the views to both sides will leave you breathless . Just over the top and you look down onto the picturesque village of Ceres . Famous for its fruit juice factory , the town is surrounded by farms growing everything from potatoes to peaches and pears .
About half way through the centre of Ceres , a left turn will point you immediately out of the town . Just five minutes further and you will pass through the tiny village of Prince Alfred ’ s Hamlet . This is just a scattering of shops and houses that service the farming communities . It is the last chance for a reasonably sized store if you need any supplies before heading into the mountains . Beware of the speed cameras that line the sides of the road as you both enter and depart this village . They are a little less expected than those that probably snapped your picture as you entered and left Ceres .
The next big rise is up the Gydo pass . This hill is used for an annual ‘ King of the Mountain ’ car race , but assuming that you are travelling on any other weekend , you will have the road all to yourself . Watch out for the one hectic hairpin bend about half way up . On top , again , there is a view point with views right across the valley . The entire plateau below is circled by mountains . It really makes for a jaw dropping sight . As you stand at the viewpoint looking back over the valley , far in the distance , a little to the left is the Matroosberg peak . A location famous for getting snowed out in winter . It is the highest mountain of the Hex River range and towers up to 2249 meters . Matroosberg means sailor ’ s mountain . Perhaps a sign that it was a good beacon for navigating in years gone by .
From the top of the Gydo pass it is just a short and very straight ride to
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