The unique eco-systems and magnificent biodiversity of the region has seen a number of experts of the natural world take up residence in Barrydale. These include the late acclaimed bird watcher and writer Terry Oakly to the botanist Flora Cameron who found her home at the meeting point between Cape Fynbos, succulent Karoo and Renosterveld biomes.
According to Flora, there’s an incredible richness and diversity to the area and some very special endemic species, making it a playground for nature lovers and trailblazers alike. Flora is a member of Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers and offers outdoor enthusiasts guided hikes in the area. These hikes include the Barrydale Trail which leads through exquisite Fynbos before reaching a cascading waterfall overlooking the valley and Barrydale’s water-supply dams.
An early morning hike allows visitors the best chance to experience the thriving bird-life in Barrydale. A hike to the waterfall and back takes about 5 hours and those looking for more of a challenge can continue over the Langeberg Mountains to the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. This trek is for experienced hikers who’ll need to get a permit from Cape Nature and arrange pickup or leave a car at the trails end.
Barrydale is blessed with what seems like eternal sunshine, making it an attractive base from which to explore the intricacies of the surrounding mountains. The small town also holds the Moerasrivier and Bertus Cooke walking trails which start and end at different landmarks in the village.
If the weather calls for it, there are also some spectacular natural pools hiding between the folds on the Tradouw Pass. Enquire with the Barrydale Hiking Club for more information.
From botanical walks and the chance to transverse some of the most scenic rock kingdoms that exist where the Overberg meets the Klein Karoo, there is no better place to position yourself then in the little oasis that is Barrydale.
