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Barkly Pass

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Barkly Pass
Map
Elevation2,018m
Traversed byR58
LocationEastern Cape, South Africa
RangeDrakensberg Mountains
Coordinates31°14′8.4″S 27°50′30.8″E / 31.235667°S 27.841889°E / -31.235667; 27.841889

Barkly Pass is situated in the high mountains of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, on the Regional R58 tarred road between Elliot and Barkly East.

History

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The pass is named after Henry Barkly, governor of the Cape.[1] It was constructed in 1885.[2]

Route

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The pass starts a few kilometres outside Elliot at 1,473 m (4,833 ft) above sea level and ascends moderately steep at a gradient of 1:22 attaining an elevation gain of 626 m (2,054 ft) in a distance of 12 km (7.5 mi).[3] After a few sharp hairpin bends it reaches an elevation of 2,018 m (6,621 ft) at the summit. The pass is subject to frequent winter snow closures.

References

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  1. ^ Raper, P. E. (1989). Dictionary of Southern African Place Names. Jonathan Ball Publishers. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-947464-04-2 – via Internet Archive.
  2. ^ Coulson, David; Clarke, James (1984). The Roof of Africa. Internet Archive. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. ISBN 978-0-03-071766-6.
  3. ^ Mountain Passes South Africa - Barkly Pass