Viewpoint (Hex River Valley)

The Hex River Valley situated between Worcester and Touws River has been producing and exporting grapes for centuries. The valley is known for its scenic beauty surrounded by mountains and decked in vineyards. The viewpoint located en route from Worcester as you enter the valley is a magnificent spot to stop and witness the breath taking beauty of the green valley floor in spring or brown and orange patchwork effect created by the vineyards in autumn. During winter the mountains are covered in snow and the river is in full force. This viewpoint creates a great photographic opportunity.

“The Legend of the Witch at Hex River Valley In the mid-18th century, the french farmer Pierre Meiring moved his family including his wife and young daughter, Eliza, to the Western Cape of South Africa. In a few short years, Pierre had made a name for himself and built several successful farms employing plenty of workers. By 1768 Eliza Meiring was said to be one of the most beautiful women in South Africa and well aware of her own beauty. Many referred to Eliza as “la bella enchantresse” or “the charming sorceress” for her ability to capture any man’s attention. She was often approached by admirers who hoped she would choose them to be her husband but Eliza devised a plan that was sure to keep many away. Eliza announced that she would marry any man who was willing to travel to the highest peak of the nearby Matroosberg mountain and pick the rare red flower that grew there. Upon hearing this challenge most of the men gave up on the goal of wedding Eliza while others attempted but returned after only reaching halfway up the mountain. But one man named Philip De Vos had captured Eliza’s attention and she quickly fell in love. Despite their love for each other, Eliza still required him to fulfill her challenge and so, Philip set off to climb Matroosberg. Philip quickly climbed to the top of the mountain and grabbed the flower for Eliza, but the climb had exhausted Philip and he laid down on a rock near the edge of the peak. Moments later the rock beneath him crumbled and Philip fell to the craggy rocks below. The following day Philip’s mangled body was found and in his hand, he held the rare red flower. Eliza was told of the incident but refused to believe it. Even when shown the body, Eliza denied it was possible and suffered a mental breakdown. Believing Philip was still alive, Eliza constantly attempted to make the dangerous trek up the mountain only to be stopped by neighbours and family. For her safety, her family locked her in the attic of the home but Eliza yearned to escape. One night, Eliza’s father accidentally left the attic door unlocked and Eliza ran toward the mountain. Climbing the top she looked down below where Philip’s body was found and realized he was truly dead. Her cries were heard all through the mountain and town alerting her family of her escape. Her family followed the cries to the peak of the mountain but Eliza was nowhere to be found. Upon looking down from the edge, there they saw the dead body of Eliza, in the same spot where Philip was found. Eerily, Eliza’s family and neighbors continued hearing her cries all through the night. Since then many have claimed to see the ghostly apparition of the charming sorceress either walking around the mountain or crying near the peak. Many began to refer to the area as the Witch’s River Valley or in Afrikaans, Heks River Valley. In time the name Heks became Hex and the area is today known as the Hex River Valley.” - Chris Smit, 2024/05/15

“The Hex River valley lies between the Kwadouw Mountain Range in the south and the Hex River Mountains in the North. Matroosberg at 2230 meters is the highest peak in the Hex River Mountain Range and one of the highest in the Western Cape.” - Chris Smit, 2024/05/15

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