Barrydale

Barrydale is situated between two extremes. On the one side is the beautiful and fertile Tradouw Valley and on the other side you are faced with the stark and semi-arid Klein Karoo. These striking contrasts are experienced in a distance of 10km.

Two scenic drives will bring you to Barrydale. The N2 through Caledon and bypassing Swellendam, turning off onto the R324 after Buffelsjags via the Tradouws Pass. Barrydale is nestled at the foot of the Majestic Langeberge, in the Tradouw Valley, where the northern exit of the Tradus Pass meets the R62 from Worcester, Robertson and Montagu.The spectacular Tradouw Pass was constructed by convict labour, under the supervision of Thomas Bain. It was completed in 1873. Tradouw is derived from the Khoisan word meaning path of the maidens The path linked the Klein Karoo to the seaward side of the Langeberg mountains.The modern pass is unsurpassed for its beauty in this region. Ruins of blockhouses dating back to the Anglo/Boer war can still be found in the pass. Historical architecture abounds in the village, with houses dating back to the early 1800's. Nagmaalhuise small house built especially for those farmers traveling from far and wide to join in Holy Communion, have been restored and even converted in B&B's.

For the lovers of nature Barrydale offers unsurpassed vistas of mountains. Hills and valleys are covered in flowers during spring and summer. Pleasant walks along footpaths in the semi-arid Klein Karoo to more adventurous climbs in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountain will take the hiker to places of beauty and tranquility.
 
With an annual rainfall of 300mm it seems as if the sun is always shinig and temperatures of 35ºC or even higher is very common in the middle of summer. During the afternoons, cool coastal breezes temper the heat and make the evenings pleasant.

The fruit harvesting season starts mid December and carries on until March, bringing with it an abundance of sun-ripened peaches, apricots, plums, apples and grapes, that is exported under the Cape Fruit label.

Tourism Bureau
1 Van Riebeeck Street, Barrydale, 6750
Tel +27 (0)28 - 5721572
Fax +27 (0)28 - 5721572

Major Attractions

Barrydale Wine Cellar: Wine sales and tasting
Tel 028 - 5721012
Outdoors & Sport

Day hikes and swim in the kloof
Tel 028 - 5721572
Tradouw Adventures : Organised outdoor activities, incl. special youth programme
Tel 028 - 5721215
Big Sky Trails: Organised horse Trails, Arabian Horses
Tel 028 - 5721825
Klipbok Adventures: 4x4 rips, hiking, clay dove shooting
Tel 028 - 5721626
Labyrinth: Outdoor meditational walk.
Tel 028 - 5721643
History and Culture

Theatre/entertainment/nightlife

Ronnie's Sex Shop: Pub
Tel 028 - 5721153
Eco/Wildlife

Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve: Day walks, overnight trails, cycle route
Tel 028 - 7222412