Montagu is an easy drive from Cape Town, making it the perfect weekend away.

Getting there: The easiest and quickest way is probably to take the N1 out of Cape Town, turning off to Robertson when you get to Worcester. Follow Route 62 past Ashton, and through the dramatic Cogman’s Kloof to Montagu. Alternatively, continue on the N1 until De Doorns, and take the R318 South, which leads directly into Montagu. Finally, if the N1 is snarled up as it often is, take the N2 and head up to Swellendam, turning North-West on the R60 and heading toward Ashton and onto Route 62.
GPS Coordinates: -33.7898, 20.1176

Rock climbing

Montagu is the rock climbing mecca of the Western Cape. Wherever you walk in the surrounding mountains, you will see white chalk marks smattered up the surrounding rock faces. The routes range from lovely beginner single-pitch routes at Legoland and Steeples, to more adventurous multi-pitch routes like Cogman’s Buttress. Search for more under the tag “sports climbing”.

Please note that climbing in Bosch Kloof (Bosch Crag, Ramset Crag, Forest Crag, Hilti Crag, Twin Fins Crag, Skull Crag & Matrix Crag) requires a permit: http://montaguclimbing.com/boschkloof/permits/. You will also pay a small fee to climb in Badkloof.

If you are a newbie these are the people to contact: http://www.montaguclimbing.com/

Hiking

The Bloupunt and Cogman’s Kloof Trails start and end at Die Ou Meul at Badkloof. A late afternoon walk through Badkloof itself is also a relaxing outing.

Where to stay:

Accommodation is plentiful in Montagu, ranging from the Avalon Springs Hotel to numerous bed-and-breakfasts, as well as a number of campsites. I always camp at De Bos.

Where to eat:

1. De Oude Kombuis is simply stunning for a leisurely lunch
2. Die Kloof Padstal

What to do:

1. Visit the Spa and soak in the glorious warm water whilst enjoying the warm sun
2. Take a donkey cart ride. 15 minutes, R25 for adults
3. Drop-in and stock up at Montagu Dried Fruit & Nuts
4. There are loads of good wine estates in the region

There is a great Spar with a Tops Liquor Store next door on Long Street (the name of Route 62 as it passes through Montagu) as you arrive. They are open till 8 PM (6 PM on Sunday). Tel: 023 614 3080