Greyton

Far from the madding crowd, only 1.5 hours from Cape Town in the sleepy Overberg, you'll find Greyton, a peaceful and picturesque village at the foot of the majestic Sonderend Mountain Range. Mighty oak trees, original thatched cottages, leafy lanes and breathtaking mountain views form the backdrop to this country gem that will enchant and delight you.

Greyton is best explored on foot or bicycle, enabling you to drink in your surrounds. The scenery is fabulous, the coffee shops tempting and the villagers friendly. No matter how appealing it is to limit oneself to a bit of gentle meandering, it would be a shame not to take the time to explore the host of outdoor activities whilst here.

A hiker and mountain-biker’s paradise, there are well-marked trails for every level of fitness and expertise. Greyton is the starting point for the famous one- or two-day Boesmanskloof trail – more commonly known as the Greyton-McGregor trail – and other activities include tennis, horse-riding, yoga and bowls. Golfers can enjoy a round at Caledon or Kleinmond, the two municipal courses within an easy drive of Greyton, or the magnificent privately-owned Arabella Golf Course, which is ranked by Compleat Golfer magazine as the number one golf course in the Western Cape.

The peaceful little hamlet of Greyton lies surrounded by the Riviersonderend (river without end) mountains and farmlands some 90 minutes from Cape Town. Greyton is fast earning the reputation as a perfect weekend getaway.

Essentially lost in time, Greyton, named after Sir George Grey, twice Governor of the Cape, is a picture-perfect rendition of an old town with its gravel roads, thatched roof cottages, pretty little gardens and beautifully restored buildings. The people of Greyton are friendly and the route into the village of Greyton along the R406 as it winds its way through the emerald hills and fields of wheat, barley oats and lucerne of the Cape Overberg, a most pleasurable drive. The sun always seems to shine in this part of the world and the oak-lined streets of Greyton, where ducks cavort in the canals and donkey carts clatter, are as much a way of life as the many outdoor activities.

The historical buildings of the Post House, St Andrews Church, the Smouswinkel and a number of others, are worth the visit alone and, for Capetonians especially, Greyton has become an antique and craft hunters’ delight with everything from bygone treasures to pottery.

There is a craft market every Sunday in the Greyton village square and the annual Rose festival, in October and November is not to be missed. But above all, Greyton is a nature lovers’ destination. It lies at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountain range and, besides the multitude of day walks in the area there are also a couple of hiking trails.

The Noupoort hike takes one to the summit of Kanonberg whilst the Boesmanskloof Trail takes six hours to reach McGregor, on the other side of the mountain range, during which it meanders through mountain side, the Gobos River gorge, a number of refreshing pools and nine waterfalls. A weekend away in the quaint village of Greyton with its shops, restaurants, pubs and art galleries is simply a pleasure.