The town of Barrydale is nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains between the fertile Tradouw Valley and the semi-arid Little Karoo. With the spectacular views, mountain passes, scenic walks, bird watching and healthy country climate; you will fall in love with this romantic area!
On the 3rd of March, Wilma and I, (The Lalakoi girls) packed our bags and headed to this famous town in the Route 62 of South Africa.And now back in the office again it’s time to report back to you, our loyal readers.
On our way to the Warmwaterberg Spa, situated between Ladismith and Barrydale, we went through the scenic Huisriver Pass just outside of Calitzdorp. Although they are busy working on this pass, there is no reason not to travel this way. The stops aren’t that long and it just givesyou the chance to relax and take in the scenic beauty that the area offers. Like the saying goes, “stop and smell the roses.”
At the Warmwaterberg Spa we were greeted with true country hospitality. The Warmwaterberg Spa is a hot mineral spring situated between Barrydale and Ladismith on the Route 62 from Oudtshoorn to Cape Town. The Spa offers you country hospitality at a slow pace, tranquillity, wide open spaces and steaming hot water to restore body, mind and soul.
Warmwaterberg Spa offers you a variety of accommodation options ranging from Timber Chalets, mobile homes, a Bath House with 2 roman baths and camping facilities. A restaurant, kiosk, hot & cold outdoor pools, hiking trails and conference facilities all contributes to a memorable stay!
Heading towards Barrydale the next morning, we stopped at a cosy little coffee shop called, The Blue Cow Coffee Shop. This coffee shop is ideally situated just as you enter Barrydale, and with the Blue Cow on the sign boards, showing you the way, there’s no reason not to turn off for a breakfast, light meal of something sweet. The Blue Cow is situated on what is known as the Barrydale Waterfront.
On your way to Montagu you will find Karoo Saloon, a biker’s theme stopover Pub n Grub also offering accommodation for up to 20 people. Here you can enjoy a meal, cool off in the pool or sit and enjoy the company of friends on the deck overlooking the beautiful area.
Only a few minutes drive from Karoo Saloon is Tradouw Quads, a well known activity in the Barrydale area. Here you can enjoy an Eco Friendly Quad Bike Tour in the Barrydale district. These tours are for sightseers and nature lovers and are suitable of beginners and the experienced riders.
Remember that Route 62 is the ideal road to travel on when heading to the KKNK in Oudtshoorn that is held on 21 to 29 March 2008. With all these great places to stop when heading through Barrydale, there is no reason to drive pass this gem of Route62.
Visit www.gardenrouteaccom.co.za for more information on Barrydale and surroundings
