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Barrydale and the areas around offer a good selection of hiking trails. Here are 2 suggested hikes and a reserve with many choices.

  1. The Bertus Cooke Trail

This is a moderate 4km walk, showing the natural beauty of the Klein Karoo with lovely mountain and valley views. It is great for families and casual hikers. You will see diverse indigenous flora from fynbos to renosterbos and overlook Barrydale.

Clear single track path. Takes 1.5 to 3 hours return. 216m climb. Start at Mud Restaurant.

 

  1. The Waterfall Hike.

   

Take a scenic 6.4 km journey through a valley behind the town. The views are stunning you’ll see indigenous flora and at the end find a lovely pool and waterfall. This is a 4 hour return hike excluding your swimming time. To enjoy birdlife and cooler conditions, start early.

The trail is relatively easy at first, with a gentle climb through the valley. As you get closer to the waterfall, however, the terrain becomes more challenging, culminating in a steep descent towards the stunning pool at the base of the waterfall. A 197km climb.

Hike detail:

Start at the parking area for the Barrydale Hiking Trail, at the extension of Claassen Street. (-33,92005, 20,74112)

  • Cross the stile and follow the single-track trail. The path hugs a fence on your left-hand side for the first few hundred meters, before crossing another stile. The trail then ascends gently through a broad valley, offering views of the surrounding landscape and plenty of opportunities to spot indigenous Protea, Restios and Ericas.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Barrydale. The path is clear with rock cairns marking the way. The trail gradually climbs for the first 4 km, before reaching a split in the path. Go left to the Waterfall.
  • The trail brings you to a cliff after 800 meters. Walk along the cliff to your right, where the path begins to descend. About halfway down, look for a faint trail branching to the left that leads around a rocky step. This scramble will take you to a beautiful pool at the base of the waterfall. Enjoy a swim in crystal clear water.

Return the same way.

 

  1. Marloth Nature Reserve.

Just outside Barrydale, this reserve is great for hiking, flora and wildlife.The reserve offers a variety of trails from half to full day hikes that range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, each offering stunning views of the Klein Karoo landscape. As you hike through fynbos, renosterbos, and karoo veld, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife, including baboons, springbok, and recorded are 114 species of birds. The reserve is also home to several species of succulent plants, making it a great spot for plant enthusiasts.

 

Show all timings
  • Monday09:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday09:00 - 17:00
  • Friday09:00 - 17:00
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