Hiking

Boesmanskloof Trail. In addition to day hikes and short walks, you can take the 32-km (20-mile) Boesmanskloof Trail through the Riviersonderend Mountains between Greyton and the exquisite hamlet of McGregor. In the good old days, youngsters used to walk from Greyton to McGregor for an energetic game of tennis before walking home again the same evening. Hikers often book the following night's accommodation at a local B&B and have a good meal and a good night's sleep before heading home. In McGregor the trailhead is about 14 km (8½ miles) away from the town, but most guesthouses will have someone pick you up and drop you off. Note that cell-phone coverage is sporadic on the trail. You do need a permit to do the hike; buy one from the Greyton Tourism Bureau. Take water and adequate protective clothing, as the weather can change quickly. A great place to stay if you're walking from Greyton to McGregor is the Eagle's Nest guesthouse (www.boesmanskloofmcgregor.com), perched right at the top of the mountain; the views are spectacular and the beds comfortable. Simpler accommodation, in hiking huts on a private farm (R130 per person with bedding), can be booked through Barry Oosthuizen (023/625–1794 or 072/240–0498), who will also buy groceries and leave them at the hut before you arrive. He can also arrange for your permit for the full hiking route, for R80.