Sir Lowry's Pass

Sir Lowry's Pass is a mountain pass in Helderberg named after Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole, who was governor of the the Cape in 1828. Today's four-lane highway is a far cry from the original pass, when travellers would have had a far more challenging time negotiating this formidable mountain range. Now Sir Lowry’s Pass allows easy passage across this daunting natural barrier with the chance to enjoy some spectacular views along the way.
The striking beauty of the area, which is often mysteriously shrouded in mist and rain, more than makes up for the traffic that inevitably builds up through Somerset West and around Gordons Bay. The summit provides one of the most dramatic backdrops in the Western Cape, and on a clear day it’s even possible to see the range from the southern suburbs of Cape Town some 60 kilometers away.

Practical Info

Sir Lowry's Pass can be reached by following the N2 highway from Cape Town. The car park on the approach to the top of the pass on the western side is a good spot for stopping and exploring the area.