We are often asked by those who are travelling from up north to Hogsback, what road to take and what the shortest route is. It all depends….
If you are travelling from Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Alliwal North, Queenstown, auntie google maps will take you via Whittlesea and then onto the back “tennis court” gravel road, which is about 42km of gravel road. Even though this road is less gravel road than the one from Cathcart , it is terribly corrugated. (and it took me years to figure out why it is called the tennis court road – look out for it!).
There currently is quite a bit of roadworks on the road between Queenstown and Whittlesea and you are taken on a rather horrible detour (especially when you are stuck behind a slow couch).
Travelling via Cathcart means that you stay on the N6 longer and you can stop off at the pie shop and stock up on the most delicious freshly baked pies!
The longer gravel road (47 km) is actually in great shape with a few rocky patches in places, but totally do-able with a normal sedan car.
The road gets progressively worse after you go over Maggie’s prayer bridge with about 12 kms of potholes. Just drive slowly around the potholes.
The gravel road(s) from the North are very scenic and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the vistas.
Once you see Boltpoint on your right, look up at the Elandsberg and see the heart of Hogsback- a natural heart shaped rock that is clearly visible.
Remember it is not all about the destination, you also must enjoy the journey!
