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What to Do in Barrydale and Surrounds

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What to Do in Barrydale and Surrounds What to do in Barrydale and surrounds While many view Barrydale as a stop-over on the way to destinations on the Garden Route, this quaint town is filled to the brim with its own charm and attractions. Nestled in the Tradouw Valley and surrounded by Karoo, this town is the ideal escape for both outdoor adventurers and those who prefer to indulge in culture, wine and cuisine. Founded in 1880, the town has a rich heritage to explore. For those who would like to get to know more about the history of Barrydale, we sell a wonderful little book by Leslie Howard “A small town with a remarkable history – Barrydale Unplugged” at reception. Outdoor adventures For guests who love the great outdoors, or perhaps just want a bit of fresh air, there are a plenty of activities to do in and around Barrydale. Being surrounded by the Langeberg mountains means that there are a range of both walking and 4X4 trails. Take a walk Bring your hiking shoes or tekkies and take some time out to explore the Bertus Cooke trail. With three parts, you can choose the route that suits you best, most of which range between two to three hours to complete. With canyons, waterfalls, buck, baboons and a rewarding view of the Klein Karoo once you reach the top, this hike can be an incredibly satisfying experience. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, try the Moerasriver trail, which is a four hour walk that begins in the centre of town. Ask for the hiking trail map at reception or print it from our website. Contact the Barrydale Hiking Club on 028 572 1667 to find out whether they have any hikes available for you to join or any other hiking trails they recommend. Cycle through Barrydale The hotel has four sturdy bicycles, imported all the way from Amsterdam, available for free to hotel guests to cycle through town. Drive around If you’d rather have your feet on the pedals, Klipbok Adventures (028 572 1626) offers a challenging 4x4 route that starts at the foot of the Langeberge, ending with a braai and a breath-taking view of the Tradouw Valley. If you don’t have your own 4x4, don’t worry, Klipbok Adventures will assist in facilitating this adrenaline-pumping activity for you. Of course, if you do have one, you can take your own vehicle. For more information on these tours, contact Neil or Manda Haasbroek 072 297 2088 or 082 339 1089. Soak it in If swimming in a crystal clear mountain rock pool amongst majestic mountains sounds appealing to you, there are plenty to be found in the nearby scenic Tradouw Pass. Ask reception to arrange for the kitchen to pack you a picnic basket and bubbly and head up to the pass for some soaking time. …………………………………………… www.barrydalekaroohotel.co.za | [email protected] | +27 (0) 572 1226 Feel the heat in the warm water springs at the nearby Warmwaterberg Spa situated on the R62 between Barrydale and Ladismith. These springs have been rated as the top hot water spring destination in the province. Insiders hint: Fresh hot mineral water is pumped into the pools on Tuesdays! Warmwaterberg Spa: Tel: 028 572 1609 Entry: R30 entry Wine lovers Situated just 11 kilometres outside Barrydale is a hidden gem and one of the top wineries in the Klein Karoo, the Joubert-Tradauw Private Cellar. Here wine lovers can taste a range of the best wines that Route 62 has to offer. Spend some time sampling traditional Karoo tapas at the R62 Deli, also located on the farm. Wine tastings are offered weekdays 8-5pm and on Saturdays until 2pm. For bookings at the Deli contact Beate on 082 304 9000 or ask at reception. Art lovers For those who love art, please wonder through the hotel and enjoy our art on display, many of which are by local artists and are for sale. You can also find a range of galleries situated in and around Barrydale, including at the Joubert-Tradouw cellar. For local hand-crafted goods, be sure to visit the weavers at Barrydale Hand Weavers (028 572 1488) who use traditional wooden looms to craft their products. For local jewellery made from natural resources, check out hand-made products by Heather Arter at Inkaroo Jewellery (028 572 1344). Other must-see galleries include the Magpie Art Collective (028 572 1997), Karoo be Volk (071 893 9057) and Hardy’s Memories (028 572 1246). The iconic Ronnie’s Sex Shop Visitors to Route 62 have come to recognise the now-iconic Ronnie’s Sex Shop. Playing on the fact that sex sells, this unconventional Karoo bar shamelessly lures customers in with its somewhat false advertising. Here you can buy mementoes from your trip including caps and t-shirts, have a dip in the “cuddle-puddle” or just enjoy an ice- cold beer and a good pub lunch. Bring the kids Most of the activities offered in and around Barrydale are family-friendly, and will make for a memorable holiday with your children. Take them horse-back riding at Penford Farm (call Tony on 082 323 6001), and when you are done, be sure to grab a refreshing ice cream from Coco’s in the main through road. The hotel also stocks a number of games and colour-in sets which can be obtained via reception. Suggested day trips Free game drive in the exclusive Sanbona Private Nature Reserve: Drive up to Ronnie’s, turn left to Warmwaterberg and keep straight on, on the gravel road. This will give you free access on a servitude road running right through Sanbona Private Nature Reserve. We suggest you drive up to the next gate and turn around and come back .Do not deviate from the public servitude road . Alternatively carry on straight through the second gate for an extended round trip via Montagu and then back to Barrydale. Keep this big secret to yourself! Take a day trip to Calitzdorp on the lovely R62 and spend some time in the Port capital of South Africa. Visit the several Port estates (De Krans; Boplaas; Axe Hill) and enjoy lunch at one of the several restaurants in town. Take a day trip on the R62 and turn off for Seweweekspoort; Amalienstein Missionary Station with its lovely church; the scenic route back to Ladismith via Hoeko, lovely valley and the birthplace of C J Langenhoven, famous Afrikaans author and poet. Drive to Swellendam and eat at La Sosta, winner of the best Italian restaurant in the 2014 Eat Out Restaurant Awards. …………………………………………… www.barrydalekaroohotel.co.za | [email protected] | +27 (0) 572 1226 .
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