Towns · Robertson and Route 62

McGregor

Twenty kilometres south of Robertson, at the foot of the Riviersonderend mountains, lies a village that was called Lady Grey until 1905. From here a footpath crosses the mountains to Greyton.

Irrigation furrows run along the streets of McGregor, fed from the village dam. Every property has its time slot. Then the water runs into the garden. Behind them stand whitewashed, thatched houses, as the local tourism office describes them. The village lies at the foot of the Riviersonderend mountains, 20 kilometres south of Robertson, and had 3,125 residents at the 2011 census. English Wikipedia mentions a Waldorf school and people who came here to live differently.

residents, 2011 census
3,125
founded as Lady Grey
1861
Boesmanskloof Trail to Greyton
14 km
to Robertson
20 km

It was founded in 1861 as Lady Grey. Because there was another Lady Grey near Aliwal North, it was renamed in 1905 after the Reverend Andrew McGregor, who served as minister in the Robertson district for forty years. For walkers McGregor is a trailhead: the Boesmanskloof Trail runs 14 kilometres from here to Greyton in the Overberg, six to seven hours according to CapeNature. Sources disagree on whether the road continues beyond McGregor for cars; German Wikipedia names a link to Riviersonderend, other sites call the village a dead end. Plan to come in via Robertson. On the way you pass Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve with its 175 bird species.

Time needed
one night, two with the walk to Greyton
From Cape Town
176 km, 140 minutes

Our tipIf you want to walk the Boesmanskloof Trail, check permits and daily limits directly with CapeNature beforehand.

Places to stay in McGregor

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Old Village Lodge9.0/10

LodgeRobertson and Route 62★★★

Old Village Lodge

69 Voortrekker Street

  • Pool
  • Breakfast
  • Parking
  • Air conditioning

from €89per night on 18 November 2026

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Orchard Cottage8.6/10

CottagesRobertson and Route 62

Orchard Cottage

7 Voortrekker Str

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Parking
  • Fireplace

from €61per night on 14 April 2027

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The Grand Marigold7.3/10

Self-cateringRobertson and Route 62★★★

The Grand Marigold

6 Darling Street

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Parking
  • Wi-Fi

from €78per night on 14 April 2027

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Maggies Gift

Place to stayRobertson and Route 62

Maggies Gift

83b Voortrekker Street

  • Parking

from €82per night on 18 November 2026

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McGregor: frequently asked questions

Why was McGregor once called Lady Grey?

McGregor was founded in 1861 as Lady Grey. Because it was confused with Lady Grey near Aliwal North, the village was renamed in 1905 after the Reverend Andrew McGregor, minister in the Robertson district for forty years.

Can you walk from McGregor to Greyton?

Yes, the Boesmanskloof Trail links McGregor with Greyton in the Overberg, 14 kilometres in six to seven hours according to CapeNature. Check permits and daily limits with CapeNature before you go.

How far is McGregor from Robertson and Cape Town?

McGregor is 20 kilometres south of Robertson, a little over half an hour's drive. From central Cape Town it is 176 kilometres via Robertson, just under two and a half hours without traffic.