Things to do in McGregor

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McGregor is part of the Robertson Wine Route and situated on Route 62.  This quaint and tiny 19th Century village, with its whitewashed cottages, half-wild gardens and old stone irrigation channels, is home to potters,artists,cobbers, crafters /  healers and many other colourful characters . Take a tour on a working olive estate. Ride bicycles in our quiet village on sandy roads,


Here the bustle of the city is far, far away. Wander along beautiful trails in our nature reserves, watch birds from our hides, ride a bicycle or a 4 x 4. Fish for bass on the dam, visit 30 different wine estates or take a pleasure cruise on the Breede River.
One of the jewels of South Africa, the village of McGregor has been described as "the best preserved and most complete example of mid-nineteenth century townscape in the Cape Province".

Its mild climate makes it one of the most delightful places to spend time during the southern hemisphere's "cold" months. Mainly dry, and generally balmy, McGregor's winters are charming.

 

McGregor borders on the little Karoo, and the climate can best be described as "comfortable". Summer days are pleasantly warm although the month of February can be seriously hot. The South Easterly gales, which blow in Cape Town in summer, are practically non-existent here, but a comparatively light wind blows for a few hours in the afternoons, which helps to keep the village cool. The winters are short and as the annual rainfall is only about 200mm, they are comparatively dry.

There is no air pollution, and at night those who are romantic can enjoy a sight seldom seen by city-dwellers - a star-filled sky.

McGregor is recognised as one of the sacred sites of Southern Africa. Converging ley lines result in a high level of natural energy.
This is confirmed by the numerous Bushmen paintings and other artefacts found in the valley. It is thought that the San people followed these invisible lines which led them to water, especially the hot water springs at Montagu, Caledon and Barrydale, which have medicinal properties.

On certain days of the week the gentle burbling sound of water flowing down stone channels at the side of the roads herald the arrival of "lei water" for the irrigation of the many beautiful fruit and vegetable gardens in the village.    

This water is jealously guarded and "stealing" your neighbour's water can lead to serious repercussions. 

The term "lei water" is Afrikaans for "leading water" something one does when you "lead the water from the channel into your garden - and then lead it to the various trees " etc.        

                                                

McGregor has a great deal for the nature-lover. This is partly a result of its geography. The village is situated in a bowl surrounded by rolling hills and lofty mountains, and covers about 1 500 hectares.

The average height above sea level is 245m.
The tributaries of the Breede River, which run from the Riviersondereind Mountains and bypass the village, are fairly dry in Summer but flow freely in Winter.
Village walks - fascinating historical walks around the village and in the adjoining Krans Nature reserve - Rooikat trail - 16km ring trail which starts and ends at Vrolijkheid Nature reserve, 5km from McGregor and offer stunning views of the town of Robertson.

Boesmanskloof Trail is an unforgettable 4-½ hour walk to Greyton with pools and waterfalls on the way, through an area renowned for its wild flowers.

Kleinberg - is a only a one hour trail and offers beautiful views of McGregor.

The Heron walk and Bird Hides in McGregor - a leisurely walk through nature reserve to bird hides at large dams where you can watch animals at the watering holes and water birds.

Museums and Historical buildings. This area is famous for its museums and preserved historical buildings. 

The best way to get to McGregor  is by road.

Starting from Cape Town, take the N1 north as far as Worcester. Turn right at the second traffic light , following the signs to Robertson (take the R60). When you reach Robertson, turn right again, following the sign to McGregor. After 15 minutes or so you'll be in the village you may never wish to leave.

Our Tourism Office have full details of the many different walks / hikes in the area, as well as a host of other information useful to our visitors.

Call them on 023 625 1954 or write to them here

 

For printable version in PDF click here

 

Things to do in the Route 62 Valley - click here


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