The village of McGregor, nestled in the foothills of the Riviersonderend Mountains, has been described as a ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Breede River Valley. Although less than a two-hour drive from Cape Town and 20 minutes from the town of Robertson, it is as if time has slowed down in this village. Here, thatched-roofed, whitewashed houses line long, winding roads, and those with green fingers will delight in the many beautiful gardens.
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The reason for this is simple: McGregor has no through roads, but it does have a landmark known as ‘The Road to Nowhere’. While this tarred road runs from Robertson to (and through) McGregor, it ends abruptly beyond the village border. There were supposedly plans to turn the road into a pass leading to Greyton in the mid-1800s, but that never happened due to financial and labour difficulties.
Fertile land
While farmers tended the Overberg’s fertile soils in the 1700s, McGregor was founded later in 1861 and was known as Lady Grey before being renamed in honour of Rev Andrew McGregor of the Dutch Reformed Church in 1905. Today, the fruitful land in and around McGregor continues to provide. Its numerous wineries in the area include Lord’s Wines (lordswinery.com), McGregor Winery (mcgregorwinery.co.za) and Tanagra Winery & Distillery (tanagra.co.za), which are all on the Robertson Wine Route.
McGregor view, from Lord’s Wines. | Getaway Gallery
Connect with nature
Although McGregor’s temperatures can be sweltering in summer and freezing in winter, it offers the perfect opportunity to get in touch with nature.
There are numerous hiking trails to explore. The Kleinberg Trail in the surrounding hills is not difficult and takes roughly two hours to complete. If you want something more challenging, the 13 km Rooikat Hiking Trail and 14 km Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail traverse more mountainous terrain. You must buy a permit from CapeNature (capenature.co.za) to access the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail because it passes through the Dassieshoek Nature Reserve. It follows a trail through the Riviersonderend Mountains that ends in Greyton. You can complete it in two days, staying overnight at Oak Falls.
If hitting the trails on two wheels is more your speed, you won’t be disappointed, as McGregor offers various mountain-biking routes. Enjoy a flat trail with the entire family at the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, where you may spot wildlife on its 8 km of gravel trails. Don’t fret if you want a more exhilarating trail because plenty of longer, more challenging single-track routes are available. The McGregor Tourism Bureau, on the corner of Church and Voortrekker Streets, can help you find a route.
McGregor has a number of fantastic hiking trails on offer. | Getaway Gallery
Feeling arty
Having conquered the trails, visit the local art scene. Get your creative juices flowing with a pottery class at Kin or head over to The Potter’s House, a pottery studio and gallery where you can admire (and purchase) beautiful, hand-built and painted pieces by local artists, and enjoy homemade treats in their tea garden.
Fill your belly
All the fresh air you’re bound to get in McGregor will work up an appetite, so stop for a bite to eat at one of the town’s many culinary offerings. Try At The Courtyard Bistro & Theatre (atthecourtyard.co), where you can enjoy dinner and a show. They offer an impressive bistro menu and a wine list with offerings from local wine estates.
If you want to take things slow and easy, head to Viljoensdrift ([email protected]), where you can pack a picnic basket at their deli before cruising down the Breede River with deli treats and Viljoensdrift wine. Book ahead to secure your spot aboard Uncle Ben 2, their flat- bottomed river boat. Trips are 50 minutes long and cost R100 for adults and R30 for children aged three to 12.
Dinner sorted, At The Courtyard. | Getaway Gallery
Rest your head
After hours of exploring what McGregor has to offer, rest your head at Rhythm Full On (076 411 9477 ((Mira)), [email protected]), a lovingly curated home offering much more than every creature comfort you require on a getaway, like a sauna, which is perfect to help ease your body after a day on the trails. The house sleeps four people, and a lush garden oasis surrounds it.
A tranquil spot to rest your head. | Getaway Gallery
Not to be missed
A trip to McGregor is not complete without visiting the village’s Saturday Morning Market (Behind the NG Kerk church hall, Church Street). Weather dependent, the market is open from 9 am to 11 am every Saturday, selling farm-fresh vegetables, homemade marmalades and baked goods, pre- loved items and even treats for your four-legged friends. Speaking of which, visit the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary (donkeysanctuary.co.za), where ‘destitute and rescued donkeys’ have a permanent place of safety. Besides rehabilitating these animals, the sanctuary offers education and training to the local community. You can support their efforts by visiting their coffee shop inside the Visitor’s Centre, overlooking the paddocks and dam. You may also make a donation via their website or adopt a donkey for as little as R50 per month.
Getaway Gallery
Article written by Megan Paulse for Getaway August 2024 print issue. For more small town spotlights, find us on shelves!
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