History of Ashton

• Province: Western Cape
• Coordinates: 33°50′5″S 20°3′17″E
• Area: 570/km2
• Municipality:  Langeberg

Ashton lies at the foot of the Langeberg mountains and is the hub of the Langeberg municipality.
Previously called Roodewal, this was a trading post on the railway line from Worcester to the coast that was completed in 1887. Later Roodewal became a station. Soon after, the area was namedafter Mr. Job Ashton, director, and railway engineer of The New Cape Central Railways Ltd. He also doubled as the hotel manager. The name was chosen because of his difficulty with the pronunciation of Roodewaal. It was guaranteed he would be able to say Ashton.

For some years the village consisted of a station, a warehouse, a few houses with a school, a hotel, a post office, and a butchery. However, in 1939-1940 it grew exponentially with the opening of the Langeberg co-op where farms were divided into smaller plots. When a second canning factory was opened, the industry took off.

The town gained municipal status in 1956. It is home to one of the largest canneries in the southern hemisphere, producing fruits, vegetables, and jams.  Today there are wineries and nurseries too.

The postcode for Ashton is 6715

Things to see and do in Ashton

• -At the top of Kogmanskloof (Cogmans kloof) outside the town stands an English Fort dating from the Second Boer War 1899 to 1902. Lieutenant Colonel Sidney, Commandant of the Royal Field Artillery selected a site on which stonemason William Robertson built the fort. It was garrisoned by a company of the Gordon Highlanders, commanded by Lieutenant Forbes who had survived the Magersfontein battle.
•  Steam Locomotive.  A 2010 steam locomotive class 14 CR, which was commissioned in 1919 by the Mossel Bay-Worcester rail section, stands proudly next to the Municipal offices in Main Road
• .
• Bakoondhoogte pass
• Cogmanskloof pass
• Skilpadhoogte

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all listings in Ashton

Useful Numbers

• Police: 023 615 8120
• Municipality; 023 615 8000
• Traffic department: 023 6158075 / 023 615 8901
• Fire: 0860 881111
• Water: 0860 881111
• Electricity:0860 881111
• Ambulance: 10177
• Post office; 023 15 1021
• Library:0236168025
• Zolani sports centre: 023 615 8000
• Town hall:023 615 8000
• Bamard hall: 023 615 8000
• Rolihlahla Hall:023 615 8000
• Cogmanskloof sports fields: 023 615 8000
• Closest hospital; Montagu hospital 023 14 8100 clinic 023 15 8000
• Pharmacy; Montague 023 614 1370
• SPCA: Winelands 023 615 2241
• Schools:  High school  023 615 1740
•                      Primary school 023 615 1370
• Museum;
• Tourism ; (0)23 614 2471

www.montagu-ashton.info

FAQs about Ashton

1. Where is Ashton?
Ashton is a small town in the Western Cape, about 160 km east of Cape Town, located along the R60 between Robertson and Montagu.

2. What is Ashton known for?
Ashton is known for its fruit orchards, vineyards, and wine estates, as well as its role as part of the fertile Breede River Valley.

3. How do I get to Ashton?
From Cape Town, take the N1 to Worcester, then the R60 toward Robertson. Ashton is approximately 2–2.5-hour’ drive from Cape Town.

4. Are there things to do in Ashton?
Yes. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, farm tours, fruit picking, cycling, and scenic drives through the valley.

5. Are there restaurants or cafés in Ashton?
Yes. The town has local restaurants, farm stalls, and wine estate eateries offering fresh produce and local cuisine.

6. Can I stay overnight in Ashton?
Yes. Accommodation options include guesthouses, wine estate lodges, and self-catering cottages.

7. Is Ashton family-friendly?
Yes. The peaceful rural environment and outdoor activities make it suitable for families and children.

8. Are there outdoor activities?
Yes. Popular activities include vineyard tours, cycling routes, hiking trails, and river walks in the surrounding Breede River Valley.

9. What is the best time to visit Ashton?
Spring (September–November) is ideal for fruit blossoms, while summer (December–March) is best for enjoying vineyards and farm activities.

10. Are there shops and markets?
Yes. There are farm stalls, local markets, and small shops selling fresh produce, wines, and crafts.

11. Is Ashton accessible year-round?
Yes. The town is easily accessible via paved roads all year, though summer can bring occasional heat, and winter may bring light rain.