Things to do near
Barrydale
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Hiking Trail
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Boosmansbos Wilderness Area (18.7 km from Barrydale) Boosmansbos Wilderness Area in the Langeberg Mountains offers 64 km of unmarked walking paths. Hikers have the freedom to decide on their own route. The two-day hike up Loerklip and down Saagkuilkloof is the most popular. This 27 km circular route is not clearly marked and graded demanding, so it is essential to carry an accurate map. Advance bookings are essential.
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: Moderate to tough
Galleries and Museums
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Swellendam (30.9 km from Barrydale) Kunstehuijs Fine Art Gallery specializes in original art by prominent South African artists.
The owner, Grady Zeeman, is well known for her emotional and humanitarian paintings and has participated in numerous exhibitions in USA, UK, Italy, France and China. Art is shipped worldwide.
Popular Attractions
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Swellendam (31.5 km from Barrydale) Diagonally opposite the 1838 Cape Dutch-style Oefeningshuis is the 'Moederkerk' – Swellendam's Dutch Reformed Church. Built in 1910, this giant wedding cake of a building displays a wonderfully eclectic fusion of architectural styles.
Cape Dutch gables, Gothic windows, Renaissance entrances, and a Baroque spire combine into an attractive fairytale-like building. Great for happy holiday snaps!
Golf Courses
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Swellendam (31.8 km from Barrydale) Practice your swing and tee off on De Kloof's golf driving range and putting green. De Kloof Luxury Hotel and Estate provides its own private short golf driving range and putting green for guests. The facility, clubs and balls are supplied at no extra cost.
Hiking Trail
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Swellendam (33.1 km from Barrydale) The circular Swellendam Hiking Trail traverses the Langeberg Mountains, starting at the forestry station 3 km outside the town of Swellendam. The route offers incredible views, passing through mountain fynbos, rugged gorges and past impressive crags. Only fit and seasoned hikers should tackle the 6-day route. Shorter options are possible.
Duration: 4 – 6 days
Difficulty: Tough
Distance: 81 km
Golf Courses
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Swellendam (33.2 km from Barrydale) 9 hole, par 72 at the foot of the Langeberg mountains with views of farms and the Hermitage Valley.
Hiking Trail
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Ladismith (49.6 km from Barrydale) The two-day horse trail in Anysberg Nature Reserve offers an amazing adventure in a vast wilderness. One of the reserve’s rangers will show you the basics of tacking up your horse before setting out. Along the way guides point out interesting rock art, Karoo vegetation and wildlife. Klipspringer and gemsbok can often be seen. Evenings are spent around the fireside and camping out under a canopy of stars.
Hiking Trail
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Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve (50.4 km from Barrydale) The 10 km Bushbuck Trail in Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve rambles through the pristine mountain fynbos and prime indigenous forest of yellowwoods, ironwoods and stinkwood trees. Underneath the canopy are an abundance of ferns, and numerous birds flit abut the treetops. Depending on weather conditions, the trail may be closed at certain times during the year.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Trail
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Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve (50.9 km from Barrydale) The 15 km Grysbok Trail in Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve takes hikers on an exploration of the pretty mountain fynbos and forest fringes of the Langeberg Mountains. The reserve offers varied birding opportunities. Grysbok and bushbuck can be seen in the fynbos and indigenous forest of yellowwoods, ironwoods and stinkwood trees.
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15 km
Beaches
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Witsand (56 km from Barrydale) Witsand Beach is one of the best-kept secrets of the Overberg. Lying at the mouth of the Breede River, it offers excellent prospects for boating and walking.
During winter and spring, Witsand is one of the best places on the South African coastline to for whale watching. Facilities include ample parking, benches with views and a restaurant. Lifeguards are on duty from 1 December until 31 January.
Hiking Trail
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Infanta (58.8 km from Barrydale) Starting at the Infanta slipway, the Infanta to Moddergat route offers an interesting hike along the beach and riverside. Walk past Kontiki and then along the riverbank until you reach the slipway at Moddergat.
Hiking Trail
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De Hoop Nature Reserve (60.3 km from Barrydale) The De Hoop Vlei Trail is a circular route starting near the reserve office. The 15 km walk is well sign posted and can be cut shorter by using two jeep tracks. A large number and variety of resident and migratory bird species can be seen around the vlei.
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Trail
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De Hoop Nature Reserve (60.3 km from Barrydale) The De Hoop Coastal Trail is best done at low tide when the coastal limestone platforms are exposed. A number of rock pools are ideal for exploring, swimming and snorkeling. The trail can be walked in either direction along the shore from the boardwalk at Koppie Alleen. Turn right for the beach and left to explore the rock pools and limestone cliffs.
Dams Vleis
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Montagu (65.6 km from Barrydale) Bring your boat, braai equipment or picnic basket and enjoy chilling at Poortjieskloof Dam with spectacular views of the Langenberg Mountain range. Entrance to this beautiful spot is free; you only need to register at the gate. For angling a permit is required. There are no toilet facilities.
Wine Estates
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Montagu (65.9 km from Barrydale) Sip soetes and swirl your glass in Montagu’s oldest winery. Uitvlucht Winery is named after the farm Uitvlucht, on which the picturesque town of Montagu was founded. Uitvlucht also happens to be the oldest winery in Montagu. Uitvlucht Winery features a fine selection of sophisticated wines as well as full-bodied sweet Montagu Muskadel and Port for which Montagu has become renowned across the globe.
Climb aboard the Muscat Express! Experience a two hour scenic tractor tour through this historical town with a glass of Muscadel in hand. View significant scenery and historical buildings while experienced guides tell all the stories. The highlight of the trip is the winetasting in the barrel aging cellar of Uitvlucht Winery. Here you can experience a candle light wine tasting of Montagu’s famous wines.
Need to know? Wine sales and tasting hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8:30am to 1:30pm. Uitvlucht Winery is a member of the Biodiversity Wine Initiative.