The access road that is recommended is by a good gravel road which branches
off the main tarred road to Middleberg, 27 km. from Graaff-Reinet. There
are three alternative roads leading to the village which pass some interesting
farms, but which are longer and it is not recommended after heavy rains
and snow-falls.
When turning off the main road you pass the historical farm Wellwood
which has been in the Rubidge family since 1838. The farm is famous for
its merino stud, century old orange trees and the private collection of
fossils of Karoo reptiles that inhabited the region some two hundred million
years ago.
In the Rubidge Kloof there are some interesting rock formations. On reaching the plateau at the top of the kloof, the first view that meets the eye is the towing Compassberg which dominates the northern skyline. This peak is 2502,7 meter above sea level and is the highest point in the Sneeuberg range, and is often regarded as the highest point in the province, although the mountains in the vicinity of Rhodes and the peak Ben Macdhui near the Lesotho border are higher.
The road entering Nieu-Bethesda blends into the main street of the village, Martin Street. A large section of this street is lined with pear trees which make a impressive spectacle when in bloom. In autumn the popular trees turn vivid shades of yellow to make a picturesque display against the blue mountain backdrop.
The village Nieu-Bethesda was established by Rev. Charles Murray, the minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in Graaff-Reinet. On seeing the beautiful valley with its fertile soil and abundant water it is reported that he said, "Laten wy deze plaats nu Bethesda noemen", meaning let us name this place Bethesda.