It was a beautiful spot nestled in the shadows of the Langeberg
Mountains, an ideal place to rest and recharge before embarking on
the next leg of our journey.
Swellendam - Heidelberg – 60 km
I woke feeling refreshed and energetic, and eager to take on the
challenges of the day. Though I had driven this route countless times
before, I hadn’t appreciated just how steep and unforgiving the
terrain could be. The weight of my loaded bike, combined with the
gusty winds, added to the difficulty of the uphill climb. However, I
was determined to push myself and keep going, admiring the breath-
taking landscapes that surrounded me. The area was sparsely
populated, and I could see vast expanses of wheat and sheep farms
spread across the rolling hills.
As the day progressed, we made a few stops at farmstalls to refill our
water bottles, taking in the peaceful solitude of the countryside. By
midday, we reached the picturesque little town of Heidelberg, and
chose to stay the night at a charming Cape-Dutch-style guesthouse.
Heidelberg was one of many settlements established by European
settlers around a church in the 1800s. However, it was primarily the
railway line established in the early 1900s that brought growth and
development to the town. In time, Heidelberg became a vital
transport link for the area’s wool, wheat, fruit, and tobacco industries.