The R701 is a major regional route in the Free State, South Africa.

[2] From here, it runs east, along the northern shore of the Gariep Dam.

The first town it passes through is Bethulie, where it crosses the R715 and then meets the northern terminus of the R390.

[2] From Bethulie, it heads east-north-east, and the next town it comes to is Smithfield.

[2] At Smithfield, it is briefly cosigned with the intersecting N6 heading north, before emerging to head north-east out of the town.