Day Trip 4
Montagu – Barrydale – Suurbraak – Swellendam – Ashton
Centrally situated between Cape Town and Oudtshoorn, Montagu on the Cape Route 62 nestles in the western corner of the Klein Karoo. Things to do: relaxing in hot springs; local wines; olive products and dried fruit; outdoor activities; quad and mountain biking; rock climbing; abseiling; 4X4 trails; brandy museum; indigenous herb museum; wild flower garden; art galleries. Cellars in and around town are Montagu, Rietrivier Winery and Drie Berge. It is here that the country’s favourite dessert wine, Muscadel, originated from. Today, these cellars offer award-winning wines at affordable prices.
From here, travel along the R62 towards Barrydale. Next stop along the route are Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar, offering premium wines, an alfresco deli and Klein Karoo tapas under the vines. Barrydale is worth a visit with lots of restaurants and small shops to browse. Things to do: hot springs; game reserve; outdoor actvities; labyrinth; just relax. The spectacular Tradouw’s Pass leads to the historical mission town of Suurbraak. Then onwards to the N2, turning 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. 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: Swellendam to Ashton (49 km). Ashton to Montagu (10 km). Montagu to Joubert Tradauw (52 km) – Joubert Tradauw to Barrydale (11 km) – Barrydale to Suurbraak (22 km) – Suurbraak to Swellendam (20 km). Round trip is 164 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.
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 visit the Montagu-Ashton Tourism Bureau websites 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.
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 visit the Barrydale Tourism Bureau website www.barrydale.co.za