Greyton – A Western Cape Treasure
The picturesque village of Greyton, located at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains around an hours drive from Cape Town in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, offers city-dwellers the perfect place to step out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and into an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Greyton was established about 150 years ago and the original little cottages, many built by semi-skilled laborers, still line the roads of the village, enhancing its old world charm.
With its tree-lined avenues, colorful gardens, donkey carts and country atmosphere, Greyton has inspired many an artist, while visitors to the village can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including bird watching, fishing, canoeing, hiking, river-rafting, mountain biking and 4×4 trails. An excellent way to see the sights around Greyton is on horseback and there are a number of horse-riding trails to explore depending on level of experience. Wide open grasslands may suit beginners, while those with more experience can enjoy the winding, rugged pathways over hills offering breath-taking views.
A stroll through the streets of the village will reveal why a simple country lifestyle is so appealing. Stop off at the many little coffee shops and restaurants for some delicious homemade treats, or visit the galleries to view the incredible talent of local artists. If you happen to be in Greyton on a Saturday morning, don’t miss the local farmer’s market.
The Greyton Rose Fair, an annual event that has been held each October for the past seventeen years, attracts nature-lovers from far and wide to enjoy three days of fun and entertainment and, of course, the roses. Proceeds from the event go to charitable community projects funded by the Greyton Seniors Club. While the Greyton Rose Fair is a good enough reason to travel to this lovely village, as an added bonus the entire Overberg region takes on a special beauty at this time of the year, which cannot be described in words, but rather needs to be seen to truly be appreciated.
South Africa has been described as ‘a world in one country’ and those who have had the opportunity to explore it will readily agree with that description. Greyton is a unique part of that world and its beauty serves as a reminder that sometimes the most worthwhile treasures can’t be bought.
