Major roads in 17th and 18th century in Paarl

Khoikhoi tribes were using the Drakenstein Valley on seasonal basis to graze their extensive herds. Many animal tracks would have criss-cross the valley, many leading down to the Berg River and other mountain streams.

In 1657 when Abraham Gabbema visited the valley, his expedition entered the valley along the foothills of Simonsberg and past the southern tip of Paarl Mountain.

The following year Sergeant Jan van Harwaerden headed north along the western slopes of Paarl Mountain, through Slot van die Paarl towards Wagenmakersvallei.

In 1687 the first free burghers to settle in the valley, entered it from Stellenbosch via Helshoogte. In 1688 the French Huguenots also favoured this route.

By the 1700's there was a road circumnavigated Paarl Mountain. On the eastern slopes of Paarl Mountain it followed a route between the mountain and the Berg River, towards Wagenmakersvallei and Tulbaghkloof.

The road from the Cape through Agter Paarl to Riebeeck Kasteel joined this circular road at Windmeul. There was also a road from Suider Paarl eastwards towards Du Toitskloof.

This road joined a similar road from Noorder Paarl in Daljosaphat, near the farm Kleinbosch.

Come see our valley. Take the N1 you will get there.