The scenic northern approach
A back-road journey through open farmland and the Amathole foothills, with a long gravel section before the village.
Read the routeThe route
Travelling from Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Aliwal North or Komani, one scenic approach is to continue on the N6 to Cathcart and then take the R345 towards Hogsback.
From Cathcart, allow for roughly 47 kilometres of gravel. It is a slower journey through working farmland and mountain country, so leave enough time and travel in daylight.
Why take the back road?
The reward is the landscape: broad farming country, quiet stretches of road and views towards the surrounding mountains.
As you approach Hogsback, look towards Elandsberg for the natural heart-shaped rock formation on its slope.
Meet the mountainsBefore leaving
The photographs and original route story date from November 2021. They are not a report on today's road surface.
Conditions can change after weather and road works. Ask your Hogsback host whether the Cathcart route is suitable for your vehicle before you set out.
Open Cathcart–Hogsback directions