McGregor, Western Cape

Come & Enjoy the Quiet

McGregor is just a short drive, approximately 150 km, east of Cape Town and lies at the foot of the Riviersonderend Mountains. McGregor and a few of the other small towns out this way – Greyton, Bonnievale, Robertson and Montagu, to name a few - have become rather popular weekend getaways for Capetonians who seek out the true quiet, country atmosphere.

It has been said that McGregor is the place that time forgot, with its whitewashed, thatched cottages, quiet streets and prevailing sleepy atmosphere it definitely feels that way! However, do not be fooled by this quiet country village, there are plenty of things to do in an around this beautiful area that will make a weekend stay unforgettable!

McGregor lies in a valley surrounding by rolling hills providing visitors with many hiking, walking and biking trails and the area's mild climate makes this an ideal place to get close to nature in both winter and summer. Nature is not the only route to follow here, there are numerous wine estates and the town lies along the country’s youngest wine route the Breedekloof Route. McGregor also offers an Art Route - the town seems to be somewhat of a magnet for artists, healers and a number of other colourful characters – which takes visitors on a dedicated art tour past ten galleries from pottery and paintings to jewelry and chandelier making!

Visitors can enjoy chats over delicious meals at coffee shops and restaurants and the town has its own weekend morning market with many homemade goodies on offer. There is ample accommodation in the form of Guesthouses, self-catering cottages and B&B’s.

Things to do and see

• Temenos Gardens
• Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
• Krans Nature Reserve
• Knietjieshoogte Hiking Trail
• Boesmnaskloof Hiking Trail
• Rhebokskraal Farm
• Breedekloof Wine Route
• McGregor Winery
• Lord’s Winery
• Tanagra Private Cellar
• Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary
• McGregor Dam
• Wahnfried Movie & Music Venue
• McGregor Market
• The Art Route

Climate

McGregor receives approximately 407 mm of rain annually with the majority of its’ rainfall occurring during the winter months.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 13˚C and 29˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 4˚C and 21˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into Cape Town International Airport, 176 km away via the R60 and N1. Car hire facilities are available at the Airport.

History

Established in 1861 and originally called Lady Grey, McGregor was renamed in 1905 in honour of Rev. Andrew McGregor, a Dutch Reformed Church minister of the Roberston District for forty years. In the days of horse buggies and carts, McGregor was famed for its bamboo whip handles.

The village irrigation system dates back many years. A water channel fed from the town dam runs down the edge of the streets. Each landowner has a slot allocated during the week where they get a few minutes to an hour of the channel flowing into their property; the time allocated dependant on the size of the property.