Barrydale
The Gem of Route 62
Barrydale can be found tucked off the popular Route 62 in the Klein Karoo and surrounded by mountains. It is a haven for folk searching for a quieter life while still being accessible to Cape Town (approx 2.5 hours).
Deviate off the main road near Swellendam and take the beautiful Tradouw Pass to Barrydale. Tar road and no 4×4 needed – well worth the detour.
Most of the shops and restaurants are along the top road – route 62 itself, while some of the quieter places are down in the village. It’s worth venturing into and exploring the sand roads while soaking in the atmosphere and admiring some great architecture.
Hedonist Hippy Recommends
To eat:
Diesel & Crème – vintage diner for fabulous burgers, milkshakes and ambience
Jam Tarts – daytime eatery serving good food made with local produce – and great cakes!
Mez Karoo Kitchen – absolutely charming, small restaurant offering Mediterranean/Middle Eastern fare using seasonal produce. Menu changes weekly.
Open Thurs – Sat eves & Sun lunch.
Ronnie’s Sex Shop – pub and café a few kms outside the town itself. Well worth a visit and a favourite place for bikers and tourists alike. Ambient pub with good burgers and toasties from the Road Kill Café! Sit on the stoep with a cold one and watch the tourists being photographed under the name!
To stay:
Karoo Art Hotel – one of the nicest country hotels around with fantastic artworks in every room – as the name implies! Also has a bar and restaurant that is open to non-residents.
Time to chill
A great place to stay for a few days with good hiking, warm water baths (25kms away), or just practising the art of doing nothing. Always a favourite pastime for us – with a glass of wine of course.
Take time to walk, breathe the fresh air and explore the many interesting shops and eateries. In our book it’s probably the funkiest town on route 62 and one we go back to often.
For further info look at the Barrydale website
Where to find it
