Barrydale has the contrast of the beautifully severe Klein Karoo vistas right next to a lush and green fertile valley. And nestled in between, a cluster of cottages, once built for "nagmaal" and now much sought after by discerning people wanting to recapture the peace and tranquility of country life.

No wonder this place was a little paradise in the good old days before highways streaked across the country. Only 2.5 hours from Cape Town on the R62 route from Montagu to Oudsthoorn via Ladismith and Calitzdorp or half an hour from the N2 at Swellendam, visitors can enjoy this town and unwind over a cool glass of Barrydale wine.

The scenic Tradouw Pass, one of the best kept secrets of this area, starts at the town. A trip of no more than 30 kilometres, the pass and its spectacular winter waterfalls takes visitors onto the stark plateau that is the start of the Klein Karoo.

Exotic cultivated gardens with spectacular displays of roses in the village next to vineyards, make the area excitingly surprising for anyone interested in horticulture.

Produce of the area is the same as in the good old days - fruits especially apricots which are dried locally and grapes which are pressed at the local winery. The traditional harvesting of the fruit during November-February months is well worth seeing.

For the lovers of nature Barrydale offers unsurpassed vistas of mountains. Hills and valleys are covered in flowers during spring and summer. Pleasant walks along footpaths in the semi-arid Klein Karoo to more adventurous climbs in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountain will take the hiker to places of beauty and tranquility.