Montagu

The approach to Montagu is the introduction: the road from Ashton runs into Cogmans Kloof, a gorge where the rock strata have been folded almost vertical, and passes through a short tunnel cut in 1877 with a small blockhouse on the ridge above it. Beyond it the valley opens into orchards and vineyards and the town, which has a long street of Cape Victorian houses under national protection. Hot mineral springs rise at around forty-three degrees at the head of the valley and have been developed into a resort with pools. The reason climbers know the name is the rock: the Montagu crags carry hundreds of bolted sport routes across a wide grade range, and the winter climbing season here is the best in the Western Cape. Walking trails run up the kloof behind the town, and Route 62 continues east into the Little Karoo.

What you actually see

• Cogmans Kloof - folded near-vertical rock strata and an 1877 road tunnel.
• The hot springs - mineral water rising at around forty-three degrees.
• The Victorian street - a long row of protected nineteenth-century houses.
• The sport crags - hundreds of bolted routes, best climbed in winter.

When to go

Autumn and spring; winter for climbing. A weekend. Summer is very hot.

Honest expectations

The springs resort is a family holiday complex, not a quiet spa - it is busy in school holidays. Summer heat in the valley is severe. The town is small and quiet at night. Climbing requires your own gear and a guidebook.

Nearby

Robertson and the wine route are west; Route 62 runs east to Barrydale.