Ladismith in the Western Cape on Route 62 is not to be confused with Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal.

Getting there: take the R62 past Montagu and Barrydale. Ladismith is 340km from Cape Town, 140km from Montagu.

Ladismith lies on Route 62 in the Klein Karoo past Montagu and Barrydale. The Klein Swartberg Mountains, with the distinctive cloven peak of Towerkop, forms a dramatic backdrop to the small town.

Previously only know to me for its cheese, I have been there two years running for the Stanley’s Light Mountain Run. There doesn’t seem to be too much going on in Ladismith, though to be honest both times I have been there I have simply been there to race.

The area is known for its fruit, wine, and dairy.

Stanley’s Light and Waterfall

Oom Stanley’s Light

Start of the climb

Suikerbossies, Protea repens

Going out way too hard at the start, 2010

Snow on the Mountain, 2010

Warming-up Ladismith-style, 2010

Towerkop