The oak lined lanes of this hamlet offer a wide range of eating establishments, as well as galleries and antique stores. Greyton is only 145km from Cape Town, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
Getting there: drive East on the N2. Just before Caledon, turn North (left) onto the R406 which will take you North past Genadendal and then on to Greyton (Genadenal is 27km from the N2 turn-off, and Greyton a further 5km).
Greyton itself is small enough to cover on foot, and it’s well worth taking a walk or cycling around the streets of the village. There are plenty of picturesque houses with beautiful gardens, many of them full of rose bushes.
Greyton has a “leiwater” system — literally “led water” — which supplies many of the properties in the original town with fresh water via a system of sluices. There is even a bailiff in charge of opening and closing the sluices to ensure everyone gets their share.
Greyton is one of the small towns that is extremely well geared up for and welcoming of visitors. They have a super little Tourism Office on the Main Road which will provide you with all the information you could need for your visit, including maps for hiking and MTB trails, and permits.
Hiking
The two-day Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail (Greyton — McGregor Trail) is a must-do.
There are a number of walks around Greyton, 3 of them starting in the Greyton Nature Reserve.
MTB
There are several MTB trails in the area, and there is a local cycle shop, Rockhopper Adventures. Greyton hosts a number of superbly organised MTB events annually which make for an exciting weekend away.
Where to stay
I always stay at Zebra Moon when I am in Greyton. It’s a backpacker-style hostel at the top of the town which offers cheap, convenient, basic accommodation and self-catering facilities.
On my first visit to Greyton, I visited some friends staying at The Treehouse which is a divine love nest nestled high up amongst oak trees. On my most recent visit for the 2013 Greyton Classic we stayed there and absolutely loved it!
Where to eat
Greyton has plenty of good quality eating establishments. Please be aware that on busy weekends (for example the Greyton Classic weekend) the local restaurants get booked up, so unless you are planning on self-catering, make reservations at the same time that book your accommodation!
Searle’s Trading Post is a fabulous venue offering a wide variety of food, from informal family favourites like pizza and braai to impressive breakfast and lunch buffets. There is a bar, indoor dining area complete with massive fireplace and a stage for live performances, as well as a large outdoor area. Be sure to book!
The Post House Country Hotel on the Main Road is great for a sit-down dinner, and apart from a superb restaurant, it has the added attraction of the cosy little bar next door which was made famous in the Bells TV advert.
What to do
- The Saturday Morning Market
- Visit Von Geusau Chocolates
- Rent a bicycle or simply stroll around the village and enjoy the pretty gardens
- Browse the eclectic variety of stores
- Participate in the annual Greyton Classic MTB & Trail Challenge
