Far from the maddening crowd,
some 1½ hours from Cape Town in the
sleepy Overberg, you'll find Greyton, a peaceful
and picturesque village surrounded by the majestic Riviersonderend
mountains. Mighty oak trees, original thatched cottages, leafy lanes and breathtaking mountain views form the backdrop to this country gem that will take you completely by surprise.

The village Greyton, named after Sir George Grey, Governor of the Cape, dates back to 1854. Many of the original buildings including The Dutch Reformed Church built in 1918 is an attractive building that stands behind The Post House, which was restored to retain their rustic character. The two national monuments in Greyton are The Post House itself and the building now occupied by Plooms Pottery. Interestingly, electricity was supplied to this quaint village only in the late 1970s. The Greyt-on-Main building is of particular architectural interest as it is the only one of its kind in Greyton - the façade being quite unique. Greyton Lodge is a historical building too, built in 1882 as a trading store.

Greyton is the perfect venue for a country wedding or out-of-town conference. Visitors will delight in the many picturesque walks around the village and into the surrounding nature reserve. The 2 220ha Greyton Nature Reserve is worth exploring with its rugged mountain slopes that rise at its loftiest to 1 565m above sea level with bubbling streams, prolific birdlife and magnificent fynbos and wildflowers, especially during springtime when the wildflowers are in bloom. An interesting path to follow is the one leading to the waterfall in the nearby Noupoort Gorge.

A fabulous one-day hike is the Boesmanskloof Trail, 32 kilometres (20miles) through the Riviersonderend Mountains from Greyton to the exquisite hamlet of McGregor (formerly known as Lady Grey). At a leisurely pace, the walk may be completed in five or six hours. Drinking water is plentiful and there are many pools for bathing. During the winter months nine waterfalls, which drop into the river from a great height are clearly visible from the footpath. A large variety of Proteas, Ericas and Disas grow along the trail. There are no huts along the trail and camping-out is prohibited. Private accommodation at Greyton or McGregor is available. Permits are required. Horse riding, swimming in the Riviersonderend river, bicycling around the village or a game of tennis or bowls also offers further diversion in this tranquil country atmosphere.

Greyton's Saturday morning market where locals bring their home-made produce to sell to visitors has become quite an attraction. You can buy fresh organic fruit and vegetables, home-made delicacies and drink coffee while you meet some very interesting people. The village is a haven for art lovers with regular exhibitions by local and other artists. Quirky, country and sophisticated shops offer a wide spectrum of wonderful goods some of which are hand made in Greyton. These include clothing and home wear, some by BEE initiatives, rustic and contemporary furniture, jewellery and gifts. Also locally produced are the exquisitely von Gesau hand made chocolates and Dolcezze Cheese Straws.