The Dassiedeur Tunnel, built in 1879, is an old disused 271-meter railway tunnel between Cradock and Cookhouse.  It was constructed by a contractor named Mr W Forrest as part of the railway line that was completed in 1880.  The railway line used to run along what was a steep (40-1) track leading up to the tunnel. Apparently, the steep incline made it necessary for an extra locomotive, which was parked close to the tunnel, to assist trains with power up the steep ascent and with braking down the descent on the other side. When the new line was built around the mountain, the old rails through the tunnel were removed. The last time the tunnel was used as a rail tunnel was in 1957. The tunnel is noted for its impressive stone-cut engineering and is considered a unique historical landmark in the region. 

To get there: On the N10 on the way to Cradock, just after the Daggaboersnek Farm Stall, which will be on your left-hand side, will be a turnoff to your left signposted Dassiedeur. Turn left onto this road. Follow this road until the fork, where you will keep left. This is your first gate that crosses the railway line. This gate is unlocked, but you need to open and close gates on both sides of the railway line. Stay on this gravel road for about 3km and it will fork. Keep right. You will pass another two gates and end up at the tunnel entrance. You can drive through the tunnel but you can’t keep going as the farmers have closed the road after the tunnel. You have to turn around on the other side of the tunnel and go back the way you came.