A Meander through McGregor - Route 62, South Africa 

  • by Amazing Africa
  • 19 Mar, 2018

Blog-Through the Route 62, Part 9 - MCGREGOR

The Road from Robertson to McGregor,  Route 62, Longest Wine Route in the World, South Africa
The Road from Robertson to McGregor
Originally known as the "Lady Grey" in the 1800's (after the wife of a governor of the Cape),  the small village of Mc Gregor changed it's name in the early 1900's, in dedication to a well respected pastor who served in Robertson for 40 years and retired in their community. 

McGregor has a world of charm of its own, albeit small. Not a lot of fuss is made about it on the Route 62, but it really has natural authenticity that stands out. Beautiful old thatched buildings, that feel they have not been fussed over too much, whilst still being very neat and presentable.

Historians can visit their small museum which is also their tourist office, and it is found within a National monument building, showcasing the yesteryears of McGregor
The McGregor Museum, Route 62, South Africa
The McGregor Museum
Art lovers can follower the McGregor Art Route, which has 10 different creative venues to explore, including oil paintings, garden art, jewellery, pottery and sculptures. The McGregor Tourism office can supply a map with the route and important information about their various opening times. 
McGregor Art Route, McGregor, South Africa, Route 62
Pottery tour, part of the McGregor Art Route. Photo by Carla Aucamp
Active travellers seem to have an endless amount of hiking and mountain biking trails to choose from, along the Route 62, and McGregor doesn't disappoint!

The Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve has  trails for beginners and advanced hikers, whilst the Boesmanskloof hiking trail is for the slightly more advanced/fitter hiker and is a 2 day hike starting from McGregor, alternatively there is a one day hike that starts in Greyton and ends in McGregor.

Please note that the summer days are extremely hot, so a early morning set off is essential during these months 
Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, McGregor, Route 62, South Africa
Image from the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
McGregor has a few less wineries than our previous "Blog-through Route 62" stops thus far,  which makes it easier to visit them all!  Choose from Lords Wines, McGregor Wines, Bemind Wyne, and Koningsrivier Winery.  Lords Wines is about a 10km drive from the centre of McGregor, but really worth a visit.  The owner is a massive cricket fan, and named the winery after the Lords Cricket ground in England. Treat yourself to a wine tasting paired with a tasty cheese, bread, olives and meat board! 
Lords Winery, McGregor, South Africa, Route 62, the longest Wine route in the world
Lords Winery, 10km drive from the McGregor Village
For something a little different, visit the Temeno's retreat, which is well known for their "Secret Gardens",  an extremely peaceful and tranquil setting, (designed around the concept of the book, the Secret Garden, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett.) There is a spa if you would like to spoil yourself with a treatment, or you can just enjoy a lovely meal (breakfast, lunch and dinners are served) amongst the tranquility.

A perfect way to finish your McGregor experience, before you start you way onwards to the town of "Bonnievale", the 10th stop along the Route 62, the longest wine route in the world. 
Secret Gardens of Temeno's Retreat, McGregor, Route 62, South Africa
The Secret Gardens found in the Temeno's Retreat.