Emerald Isle of the Caribbean offers high energy hiking adventure
Montserrat, West Indies – April 3, 2008 – Travelers looking for a high energy eco-adventure should look no further than the pristine hills of Montserrat. Maintained by the Montserrat National Trust (MNT) in collaboration with the Government’s Forestry Division and the Montserrat Tourist Board, the destination plays host to six trails that allow visitors to explore the dramatic diversification of the island’s landscape, exotic wildlife, rich habitat and lush vegetation.
Centre Hills Trail
Renowned for its biological diversity and rich habitat, it is also considered a tropical bird watcher’s paradise. With a chance to spot the shy Oriole, Montserrat’s national bird, the moist forestation is home to most of the 33 species of resident land birds and migrant songbirds such as the rare Forest Thrush, and shy Bridled-Quail Dove, as well as unusual amphibians and reptiles including tree frogs, anoles and ground lizards. Other endemic species like the mountain chicken which is actually a type of frog, or the rare galliwasp, which is half-snake, half-lizard can be spotted.
Trail to “The Cot”
This trail allows hikers to explore some of Montserrat’s heritage while at the same time view breathtaking scenery and lush vegetation. With stops at the site of an “oki” banana plantation, villages surrounding the exclusion zone and the dirt track that ascends to the ruins of “The Cot”, the one-time summer cottage of the influential Sturge Family, the track continues to a height of 1,000 ft. above sea level and walkers are rewarded with an outstanding view of the coast.
Blackwood Allen Trail
Strategically placed panoramic views of the coastline and northern villages are just a few of the attractions that draw hikers to this trail. Offering not only some challenging steep climbs through deep valleys, the route crosses over the Blackwood Allen stream where a variety of fresh water fish species can be found. The vegetation along the route includes an abundance of Montserrat’s national flower, the heliconia, amongst other attractive plants. One may also get a glimpse of the Oriole, the island’s national bird.
Runaway Ghaut
This mini trail provides a remarkable setting for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a family picnic. Montserrat’s Ghauts (pronounced guts) are deep ravines that carry rainwater down from the mountains to the sea. Legend has it that visitors that drink from the cool spring water of the fountain at Runaway Ghaut will be drawn to return to the island again and again.
Silver Hills Trail
Situated at the northern tip of the island, this trail is one of Montserrat’s oldest volcanic centers. The hike takes a circular route, winding its way through dry forest, across open fields and over the hills, providing stunning views of the land, sea and coastline. Its home to many land and shore birds including the Red-Billed Tropicbird, the Mangrove Cuckoo and the Pearly eyed Thrasher.
Trail from Little Bay to Rendezvous Bay
Rendezvous Bay holds the unique distinction of being Montserrat’s sole white sand beach and offers excellent swimming, snorkeling and diving in the most pristine underwater areas of the island. This route follows a steep mountain trail over a bluff, with the option to make the return trip by boat with any of the boat ride operators on the island. Considered one of the more difficult trails to negotiate, it is advisable to consult a Forest Ranger before setting off on the journey.
Montserrat, a lush green and mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles, lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands. Known fondly as the “Emerald Isle” of the Caribbean, this pear-shaped island is a traveler’s paradise for nature lovers, divers, and adventurers. The former capital city, Plymouth, lies buried in volcanic ash, a transformation that likens this British overseas territory to a modern day Pompeii, while in contrast, the rest of the island flourishes, boasting green mountains, world-class nature trails, deserted dark sand beaches, untouched reefs and a quiet, friendly charm reminiscent of the way the Caribbean used to be. For more information on Montserrat and its breathtaking scenery and unspoiled, unpolluted coral and volcanic vistas, visit www.visitmontserrat.com.
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