Being a trail runner and a mountain biker there is only one spot to go, which for us is like heaven: Greyton in the Cape Overberg! Or at least so says Ines Stoll.
Greyton is known as a magnificent piece of peace, tucked away from the N2 but still close enough to Cape Town. Boasting its oak tree lined streets and surrounded by the majestic Riviersonderend Mountains.
It’s the perfect spot to just relax or put on your shoes and run up into the Nature Reserve along the Gobos River, where you’ll find an easily accessible waterfall or head further up along the Loerkop Trail for marvellous 360-degree views over the whole Riviersonderend mountain range.
Plus if you keep your eyes open you’ll see grey rhebok, birds too numerous to list and all sorts of indigenous fynbos butterflies, so keep your camera or cell phone ready to snap a photo or ten.
Another run I highly recommend is the Knietjieshoogte Walk. I’d also suggest you take a moment to admire the views from the bench at the highest point of the climb. The view point affords not only wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, but also glimpses of Boschmanskloof in the west and a hint of Genadendal in the distance. It’s a run for the fynbos lovers with proteas, ericas and in spring several spring flowers. Don’t let the fact that it’s autumn now put you off, there is always something spectacular in bloom in the fynbos, sometime you just have to look a little harder to see the rugged beauty.
On the bike there are near endless possibilities. The Greyton MTB Tour is a wonderful advertisement for the area’s trails and many a Cape Epic rider has been back to revisit the trails they enjoyed for two days in 2014. The trails range from family friendly to more strenuous.
You won’t be able to resist the beauty of the surroundings no matter the weather and time of the year. Although November is special because the spring display of flowers and the weather is mild and clear, anytime in the summer is perfect for an early activity and a late braai. As we’re heading into winter you should know that Greyton vaunts spectacular winter days, when the temperatures are mild, the sun is out and there’s not a breath of wind. Of course the scenery is enhanced by a dusting of snow on the mountain peaks from time to time in the winter too. If you’re an outdoorsman or woman, then it’s the perfect time of the year to beat off the chill with some brisk exercise before retreating indoors to a cosy log fire and a hard earned glass of red wine and a few, locally made, Von Geusau chocolates.
My favourite breakfast spot after a strenuous ride is Via’s Deli, as they offer good healthy wholesome breakfasts with the best cup of hot chocolate, a meal in itself. It is also a WiFi Spot (for the Instagrammers).
For lunch it’s Searle’s Trading Post with its fancy décor/gifts/antiques/bric-a-brac/deli and something unusual from the past. At Searle’s you’ll find good food in a varied atmosphere, with the choice of a spot by the fireplace inside for cold afternoons or outside for warm for sunny days. I’ve got to recommend the mouth-watering beef fillet, medium rare of course, and they do a great pizza for the kids!
The Hungry Monk for dinner might not be the healthiest, but then you’ve earned the right to some decadence on the trails already, so treat yourself to their selection of tapas in a comfy artistic atmosphere. Or pop by the Post House Pub for a Bells… it’s so tiny and quaint, and you’ll be sure to make new friends. It was also the venue for the famous Bells Whiskey advert.
Greyton’s worst kept secret is its addictive atmosphere. You just won’t want to leave. But when you do you’ll feel like your weekend in the village was a week. And you just might find yourself coming back on a house hunting mission…
We love Greyton because there is something for everyone, at any time of the year. There is fun for all, no matter if you’re young, old, active or not so energetic. Greyton caters for culinary bon vivants, fauna and flora lovers, and for the outdoor enthusiasts alike. We just love it for its pristine environment, surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, the amazing community spirit and the peace and tranquillity, sitting on the stoep, enjoying the surroundings and feeling so privileged having the opportunity to escape the city over a weekend.
Bio:
Ines Stoll and Mark Dittke run a leading Environmental and Health and Safety law firm in Cape Town, so it’s no surprise that they need the precious relaxation time offered by a cottage in Greyton. On a weekend trip to Greyton 12 years ago they made the impulse buy of a lifetime, purchasing an old cottage, which they’ve renovated into the Purple Dog Self-Catering House (www.thepurpledog.co.za).
