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Montagu – Barrydale – Suurbraak – Swellendam - Ashton

Centrally situated between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, Montagu on the Route 62 nestles in the western corner of the Klein Karoo. Things to do: hot springs; horse riding; wine tasting; quad biking; mountain biking; rock climbing; abseiling; tubing; art galleries; educational craft workshop; Novello Alpaca farm; 4X4 trails; brandy museum; indigenous herb museum; wild flower garden. Cellars in town are Montagu and Montagu Wine & Spirits Co. It is here that the country’s favourite dessert wine, Muscadel, is produced. Things to do: cellar tours; wine tasting.

From here, travel along the R62 towards Barrydale. Next stop along the route is Joubert-Tradauw. Things to do: wine tasting; restaurant. Next stop along the route is Joubert-Tradauw. Things to do: cellar tours; wine tasting; deli; lunch under the vines. The Barrydale Cellar in Barrydale is one of South Africa's top pot still brandy producers and well worth a visit. Things to do: hot springs; game reserve; quad biking; mountain biking; succulent garden; 4X4 trails; nature reserves; labyrinth; just relax.

The spectacular Tradouw’s Pass leads to the historical mission town of Suurbraak. The traveler encounters this quaint town unexpectedly along the Tradouws River at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, on route between Swellendam, Barrydale and Heidelberg. The village is well worth a visit for tourists who wish to explore. Things to do: village walks; mountain hikes; braai facilities alongside the river; bird watching; furniture making; horse riding; cart rides.

Then onwards to the N2. Turn left towards Swellendam. Nestled at the foot the Langeberg Mountains, this historic heart of the Overberg will offer you experiences to remember. It has a diverse variety of activities and attraction including history, architecture, wildlife and outdoor adventure. Things to do: Sulina Faerie Sanctuary; Bontebok National Park; canoeing; fishing; river rafting; hiking; mountain biking; paintball; 4x4; fine art; Wildebraam liqueurs; farm stalls; heritage attractions; pottery. For more information about Swellendam, please visit www.swellendamtourism.co.za.

The R60 will take you to Ashton and from there, take the R62 back to Montagu.
 

Spend an unforgettable day in the Klein Karoo

Distances: Montagu to Rietrivier Cellar (20 km) - Rietrivier Cellar to Joubert Tradauw (35 km) - Joubert Tradauw to Barrydale (11 km) - Barrydale to Suurbraak (22 km) - Suurbraak to Swellendam (20 km). Swellendam to Ashton (49 km). Ashton to Montagu (10 km). Round trip is 167 km.

Reasons to visit Montagu

A unique rural atmosphere distinguishes Montagu as one of the best preserved late Victorian agricultural villages in the Cape with a variety of superb accommodation and restaurants. Because of the mountains surrounding the town, Montagu is ideal for all mountain related-sport and activities.

1. Culture and history

François Krige Gallery Francois Krige is a famous South African artist who lived and worked in Montagu from 1968 to 1993. His studio has been transformed into a gallery with a retrospective selection of his work. The gallery is situated on the corner of Long and Church Street.
Tel: +27 23 614 1204
Cell: +27 73 194 5755

Historic Homes Take a leisurely walk down Long Street and view 14 National Monuments, all private residences. The Historic Homes booklet is available from the Tourist Information Office.
Tel: + 27 23 614 2471
E-mail: info@montagu-ashton.info 
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info

Joubert House 25 Long Street. It is the oldest local dwelling and serves as a house museum, portraying the typical country lifestyle of the 1850's. Behind the house, an indigenous medicinal plant garden was established. Over the past 22 years, the museum has been researching and recording the rich oral history and traditional uses of medicinal plants in the Montagu district, passed down by the Khoikhoi, San and settler farmers from Europe. Open from 08h00 - 17h00 on weekdays and from 10h 00 - 12h 00 on weekends and Public Holidays.
Tel: +27 23 614 1774
E-mail: mmuseum@lando.co.za

Montagu Museum 41 Long Street. Frequently changing temporary exhibitions form a showcase for the large and diverse museum collection of local history. Open from 09h00 – 13h00 and 14h00 – 17h00 on weekdays and from 10h30 – 12h30 on weekends.
Tel: +27 23 614 1950
E-mail: mmuseum@lando.co.za

2. Nature

Birding One of Montagu’s most popular and easily accessible tourism venues is the Leidam with its large variety of indigenous birds, situated in the heart of town at the north-westerly corner of Barry and Bath Streets. It is home to 18 species of birds (including Sacred Ibis, Herons, Cormorants, Egrets, Shrikes and Weavers) that use it as their breeding ground. If this is not enough, more than 52 visiting species have been identified.
Tel: + 27 23 614 2471
E-mail: info@montagu-ashton.info 
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info

Nature Garden Van Riebeeck Street. Open daily. Tea served Tuesdays mornings from May to the end of November.
Tel: + 27 23 614 2471
E-mail: info@montagu-ashton.info 
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info

3. Adventure Activities

4X4 Routes The Klein Karoo is criss-crossed with secondary roads (dirt or gravel) which provide a large variety of interesting and scenic drives as well as the highest concentration of 4x4 routes in the country. Several options exist with differently graded routes suitable for all types of off-road vehicles and drivers with different levels of experience.
Leeuwenbosch                                            Tel: +27 23 358 1722
Monteco Guided Day Trips                          Tel: +27 28 572 1922
Protea                                                         Tel: +27 23 614 2209

Hiking Some people just love the wide open spaces of the Klein Karoo, others appreciate the fact that they are hiking a world heritage site, still others appreciate the beauty of walking through an ecological hotspot where three plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge.
Aasvoëlkrans Trail 2 hours, also shorter walk halfway up 30 minutes. Starts opposite Aasvoëlkrans B&B in Van Riebeeck Street.
Bloupunt Trail 15,6 km circular hike and can be completed in 6 - 9 hours. Starts at the Ou Meul. From the 1266 m summit is a breathtaking view of 5 towns.
Cogmanskloof Trail 12,1 km circular hike and can be completed in 5 - 6 hours. It is less than half the height of Bloupunt, but has also beautiful views. Starts at the Ou Meul. No dogs. Please take water on above trails.
Lover's Walk Next to the Keisie River. Starts in Barry Street, pass the Ou Meul for a scenic walk through Baths Kloof to the Springs. It is a 2,2 km in walk one direction.
Tel: + 27 23 614 2471
E-mail: info@montagu-ashton.info 
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info

Mountain biking Country Life Adventures offers a bicycle hire service. Enquiries can be made at the Kloof Padstal.
Tel.: +27 23 614 2209
E-mail: avril@countryadventures.za.net
Ouberg Route Go through the town and link up to the R62 in the Barrydale direction. Turn left onto the Talana Road. After a kilometer, turn left again on a dirt road to Ouberg. This road continues with an easy gradient passing through farmland and later mountainous areas. At about the 19km mark, turn left. This is a tougher section along a dirt track and once over the top, it is home along farm roads, connecting you to the R318 and back to Montagu.
Baden Route Leave Montagu via the R318 past the golf course and take the right hand fork along a dirt road. Continue until you can turn left through farm land and beautiful scenery, turn left again at the next turning which takes you back to the R318 and home to the left. This can be done clock wise which will give you a fast ride home.
Talana Route Go through the town and link up to the R62 in the Barrydale direction. Turn left onto the Talana Road. Follow this road, taking no lefts or rights. There are no big hills on the route except for the section before the R62. Once at the R62 you turn right for a fast tar ride home on the wide shoulder. This is an easy ride with fantastic farm land and mountain views. If you want a little more dirt road, take a right at the shop and connect back onto the Talana road, then home.
Tracks Get yourself onto Church Street and head south past the hospital where you will get onto some dirt, carry on up to the top, keep left until you see a track going left. Once on this track it is then up to you to explore the area.

Rock climbing Montagu has become one of the ten climbing "hot spots" worldwide and every year sees an increase in overseas visitors to the beautiful Montagu Mountains. The mountains have a unique rock face that excites even the most jaded climber and the weather conditions are mostly perfect year round. For tuition and advice about the best climbing spots, please contact Stuart Brown.
Tel: +27 23 614 2532
E-mail: sdbrown@mweb.co.za

Quad biking
Tel: +27 23 614 2209
E-mail: info@monteco-nature-reserve.com 
Website: www.monteco-nature-reserve.com

Tractor An activity which proves to be quite popular, is the Montagu Tractor Trips. The tractor/trailer takes you to the summit of the Langeberg Mountain range. A typical farmhouse potjiekos lunch awaits at the end of this 3 hour excursion. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10h00 and 14h00.
Tel: + 27 23 614 2471
E-Mail: info@montagu-ashton.info
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info


4. More activities...

Avalon Springs The hot springs and picnic areas are open from 08h00 - 23h00, seven days a week. Facilities include the Avacabana Bar, picnic areas, braais, the 60 m waterslide and various swimming pools. There will be no shortage of fun for kids and adults alike right throughout the day.
Tel: +27 23 614 1150
E-mail: reservations@avalonsprings.co.za 
Website: www.avalonsprings.co.za

Donkey Car Rides Discover and explore the beauty and history of Montagu whilst having fun at the same time. Enjoy a ride on a quaint donkey cart and experience the unforgettable sights and sounds of the village.
Tel.: +27 23 614 2209
E-mail: avril@countryadventures.za.net

Dried Fruit Montagu Dried Fruit started out as a small fruit drying operation here in the heart of the dried fruit "pantry" of South Africa and has grown to become one of the largest exporters in the Klein Karoo. Every day during the summer months an enormous variety of fruit are prepared and dried to satisfy the requirements of all lovers of dried fruit. There are also other locally produced products from Montagu and surrounding areas, such as homemade jams, chutney', rusks, biltong, droëwors, olives and olive oil.
Tel: +27 23 614 1134
E-mail: lviljoen@breede.co.za 
Website: www.driedfruitandwine.co.za

Josua Tree is a small business that is passionate about the local community, providing training and employment. They make beautiful furniture and accessories from recycled woods, especially the oak wine barrels. The workshop is situated behind De Oude Kombuis restourant on Long Street and is accessible to the public so that people can see the furniture being made, buy directly or place orders.
Tel: + 27 82 762 5259
E-mail: wichalls@yahoo.co.uk

Montagu Village Market
Tel: + 27 23 614 2471
E-mail: info@montagu-ashton.info
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info

Novello Alpaca Farm Farm based studio with unique, top-quality products from luxurious Alpaca fibre for fashion and interior design industries. A minimal entry fee includes a tour of Alpacas, seeing fibre processing and light refreshments.
Tel: +27 23 614 2674

Square Tomato 51 Long Street. Life is Colour! Hand dyed textiles and clothing, using various techniques in Tie dye, Shibori, Tritik and Batik. Additional range of hand-crafted gifts made by various artists from Montagu. Open from 8h30 – 17h30 on weekdays and on Saturdays from 14h30 – 17h30.
Tel: +27 23 614 2548

The Jam Factory From humble beginnings, the business grew to now supplying clients nationwide either under their private labels or the Kerkstraat 22 Konfyte label. The range includes jams, marmalades, preserves, chutneys and relishes. All products are handmade according to traditional recipes with extra fruit and extra care.
Tel: +27 23 614 2719
E-mail: info@thejamfactory.co.za 
Website: www.thejamfactory.co.za

Turning Leaves Bed Linen 6 Hospital Street. 100% Cotton bed and table linen with exquisite embroidery. Handmade quilts and cushions. Black and white photographic gallery. Open from 9h00 – 18h00 from Monday to Saturday.
Tel: +27 23 614 1123


5. Local tourism information

To find out more about Montagu and its surround, places to stay, where to eat or to get the contact details of the activities mentioned, please contact the Montagu-Ashton Tourism Bureau.

Montagu-Ashton Tourism Bureau
Telephone + 27 23 614 2471
E-mail: info@montagu-ashton.info 
Website: www.montagu-ashton.info or www.montagu.org.za

Reasons to visit Barrydale

Despite its ever growing popularity, Barrydale retains its rural, old world charm with long stretching gravel roads and open spaces. It supports a diverse, yet harmonious community of young and old, Afrikaans and English, fruit farmers and artists, long time residents and newcomers. This Karoo village is the perfect destination for visitors who wish to unwind and relax.


1. Crafts

Barrydale Hand Weavers Experience the sensual texture of hand-woven pure cotton rugs and richly soft furnishings.
E-mail: carol@mud.co.za
Tel: +27 28 572 1488
Hannes Majola Crafts Craft baskets                                          Tel: +27 28 572 1572
Mag Pie Eclectic handworks made from waste material.                   Tel: +27 28 572 1997
Paper Mache                                                                              Tel: +27 28 572 1572
Phoreal Fabric Studio                                                               Tel: +27 28 572 1740

2. Nature

Barrydale is situated in transitional veldt on the northern opening of the Tradouws Pass leading through the Langeberg Mountain range. The mountain range on the south of the town has fynbos vegetation, while the area north of the town is the beginning of the winter rainfall succulent Karoo.

The fynbos of this area contains such species as the white sugarbush protea, Protea repens, the King protea, Protea cynaroides, the Queen protea, Protea magnifica and endemics such as Leucodendron tradouwensis, Erica tradouwensis and Erica barrydalensis.

Botanical Scenic Walks Various guided walks can be enjoyed in and around Barrydale. All walks are designed for leisure and are meant for scenic enjoyment. Walks include the Renosterveldt walk (30 minutes) and the Fynbos walk (1 hour). Hildegard Crous, qualified horticulturist, will be your guide.
Tel.: +27 83 264 7300
E-mail: capemicroprop@kingsley.co.za

3. Wildlife Activities

Cape Crow Cape Centre for Rehabilitation Of Wildlife This wildlife rehabilitation centre was started when a tiny orphaned baby baboon, was brought to The Manger. A multitude of other orphaned, injured, traumatized or abandoned wild animals and birds have since arrived. Many have been released and some, like the baboons who are part of the Joshua Baboon Rehabilitation Project, will be released in the future.
Tel: +27 28 572 1643
E-mail: frazerp@iafrica.com

Eenboom Game Farm Besides the unbelievable beauty, sunsets and clean air, we offer endless walks in nature, game drives, bird watching, fishing, cycling and exotic wild veldt flowers. Tel.: +27 28 572 1862
E-mail: info@eenboom.co.za 
Website: www.eenboom.co.za

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Absorb the grandeur of the Klein Karoo. The Big 5 is ever present and activities include game drives, nature walks, bird watching, star gazing and rock art.
Tel.: +27 41 407 1000
E-mail: reservations@mantiscollection.com 
Website: www.sanbona.com 

4. Adventure Activities

4X4 Routes The Klein Karoo is criss-crossed with secondary roads (dirt or gravel) which provide a large variety of interesting and scenic drives as well as the highest concentration of 4x4 routes in the country. Several options exist with differently graded routes suitable for all types of off-road vehicles and drivers with different levels of experience.
Klipbok Adventures
Tel.: +27 28 572 1626
Langeberg Mountains. Guided tours or bring your own vehicle.
Langeberg 4x4 Day Trip
Tel.: +27 83 264 7300
Langeberg Mountains

Fishing Bo-Vlakte Trout Farm offers fly fishing and accommodation. Five dams available. Catch and release policy.
Tel: +27 28 572 1905

Hiking Some people just love the wide open spaces of the Klein Karoo, others appreciate the fact that they are hiking a world heritage site, still others appreciate the beauty of walking through an ecological hotspot where three plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge.
Barrydale Hiking Club
Tel: +27 28 572 1572

Horse Trail Safaris
Tel: +27 82 534 1761
Eco Trail                              Experience the beauty of the Klein Karoo. One hour.
Two Hour/Full Day                Scenic ride over rolling hills to a quite lunch spot
Two Day Trail                       For family, friends and corporate getaways.
Horse Drawn Carriage           Join us on our horse drawn carriage

Quad biking Guided tours include mountain drives, karoo veldt drives, senior citizens tours, farm tours, extreme mountain trail and team building exercises. Quads available or bring your own.
Tel: +27 82 055 4096
E-mail: wavdmerwe@kingsley.co.za 
Website: www.tquads.co.za

5. More activities...

Labyrinth A replica of the eleven-circuit labyrinth embedded in the floor of Charters Cathedral in France has been build on the farm, The Manger, in Lemoenshoek, 10km east of Barrydale. The farm offers a stunning view of the Langeberg Mountains and the labyrinth is surrounded by a beautiful garden, home to an interesting variety of plants. Bookings necessarily.
Tel: +27 28 572 1643
E-mail: frazerp@iafrica.com

Warmwaterberg Spa Hot mineral spring water pools. Variety of accommodation. Restaurant. Hiking trails, horse trial and guided field trips available.
Tel: +27 28 572 1609
E-mail: book@warmwaterbergspa.co.za 
Website: www.warmwaterbergspa.co.za

6. Local tourism information

To find out more about Barrydale and its surround, places to stay, where to eat or to get the contact details of the activities mentioned, please contact the Barrydale Tourism Bureau.

Barrydale Tourism Bureau
Telephone: +27 28 572 1572
E-mail: barrydale@lando.co.za 
Website: www.barrydale.co.za

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