Nature Adventures
The mountainous landscape of Montserrat hides many treasures, from lush rain-forests to fruit-laden trees of mango, papaya, coconut and banana. At only 39.5 square miles, and with a significant portion of the island uninhabitable in the Exclusion Zone, the tropical beauty of Montserrat is often best experienced on foot. The island features a number of walking trails suited to new and experienced walkers alike. Some of the trails are quite strenuous, so if you are not an experienced hiker and are going for the first time, we advise you to go with a guide. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring along a flask of cold water. Hiking Trails
The majority of the island's trails run through the Centre Hills region and include:
Oriole Walkway
This trail traverses the Centre Hills region, which is renowned for its biological diversity, rich habitat and vegetation. The moist rainforest is home to many species of wildlife and most of the thirty-three species of resident land birds and migrant songbirds inhabit the area. This trail is a tropical birdwatchers' paradise, with the chance to spot Montserrat's rare national bird, the Oriole, as well as the rare Forest Thrush, the shy Bridled Quail-Dove, the Mangrove Cuckoo, the Trembler and the Purple-Throated Carib. The area is also home to some unusual amphibians and reptiles, including tree frogs, anoles, ground lizards, dwarf geckos and iguanas. Other regionally endemic species that may be found are the mountain chicken, which is actually a type of frog, and the rare galliwasp, which is half-snake, half-lizard.
Trail to 'The Cot'
This trail allows hikers to explore some of Montserrat' heritage as it passes though the site of an 'oki' banana plantation nestled amongst the ruins of a family cottage several hundred feet above sea level. The hike through the lush vegetation offers breathtaking views of the surrounding villages including some of the Exclusion Zone. The trail ascends along a dirt track to the ruins of 'The Cot', the one time summer cottage of the influential Sturge family, which is situated in the Centre Hills. The track continues to a height of 1,000 feet above sea level where walkers are rewarded with outstanding views of the coast.
Blackwood Allen Trail
This trail through the Centre Hills incorporates some challenging steep climbs and deep valleys. The route traverses the Blackwood Allen stream where a variety of fresh water fish species can be found. A strategically placed viewing platform allows for panoramic views of the northern villages and the coastline below. The vegetation along the route includes an abundance of heliconia, Montserrat's national flower, amongst other attractive plants. There is also the chance to spot the island's national bird - the Montserrat Oriole. The trail runs from the Grand View Bed and Breakfast in Baker Hill to Mongo Hill.
Runaway Ghaut
Montserrat's ghauts (pronounced guts) are deep ravines that carry rainwater down from the mountains to the sea. Legend has it that people drinking the cool spring water flowing to the drinking fountain at Runaway Ghaut will be drawn to return to Montserrat again and again. This mini-trail offers the perfect route for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a family picnic in a remarkable setting.
Trails in other areas of the island include:
Silver Hills Trail
Silver Hills, situated at the northern tip of Montserrat, is one of the island's oldest volcanic centres. The defunct volcano presents a very diverse appearance, having been heavily dissected, faulted and eroded. The hike takes a circular route from Drummond, winding its way through dry forest, across open fields and over the Silver Hills, providing stunning views of land, sea and coastline. Many land and shore birds are found in this area, including the Red-Billed Tropicbird, the Mangrove Cuckoo and the Pearly-Eyed Thrasher. Pelican Point on the eastern coast is the only breeding colony of Magnificent Frigate birds on the island. The view from the Silver Hills provides an insight into how recent volcanic deposits in the south could appear with the passage of millions of years.
Trail from Little Bay to Rendezvous Bay
Rendezvous Bay holds unique status as Montserrat's only white sand beach, offering excellent swimming, snorkeling and diving in the most pristine underwater area on the island. This trail includes the contrast of a white and black sand beach, where hikers can cool down with a dip in the sea after a demanding route. The walk follows a steep mountain trail over a bluff, with the option to make the return journey by boat with any of the boat ride operators on the island. Since this trail is often difficult to negotiate, it is advisable to consult a Forest Ranger before setting off.
Bird Watching
The lush, forested Centre Hills is renowned for its biological diversity and is home to the thirty-four (34) species of resident land birds and migrant songbirds that inhabit the island. Birdwatchers will delight in a chance to spot Montserrat's rare national bird, the endemic Montserrat Oriole. If your guide is one of the experienced forest ranger, he may imitate its call and signal to you when it is in sight. You may also be able to see the Forest Thrush, the shy Bridled-Quail Dove, the Mangrove Cuckoo, the Trembler and the Purple-Throated Carib.
At the www.montserratnationaltrust.ms you can get a handy plastic card showing all the birds of Montserrat. The Royal Society designed the card for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and they are also spearheading the project to study and protect the Oriole. . Guides are available through the Montserrat National Trust and hikes are organized by request and the costs are as follows:
US$25 for one person
US$20 per individual for 2-3 persons
US$15 per individual for 4-5 persons
* Note that these rates are for a tour up to 2 hours - after that the rate is US$10 per hour per person
For further information or advice on hiking and bird watching contact:
The Montserrat National Trust (MNT)
Salem Main Road)
Tel: (664) 491 3086
Email: mnatrust@candw.ms
Website: www.montserratnationaltrust.ms
Turtle Watching
In Montserrat, wherever you are, you're never far from nature. Turtle watching is an intriguing activity for nature lovers. The island has several black sandy beaches which serve as nesting sites for three of the world's seven species of sea turtle: the Green Turtle, the Hawksbill and the Loggerhead. The turtle nesting season runs from August to September so make plans to be here at that time. Get in touch with the Montserrat National Trust and ask about their turtle watching treks. To witness a sea turtle emerging from the dark waves and heaving herself onto the sand to lay her eggs is nothing short of inspirational.
For information on turtle watching contact the Government's Agriculture Department at (664) 491 2075
Eco-Adventure Sailing Trips from Antigua with OnDeck
The Antiguan-based company Ondeck has started providing weekly sailing trips to Montserrat on a 65-footer Farr Ocean Racing Yacht. The yacht departs Falmouth Harbour in Antigua at 8am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with the trip to Little Bay in Montserrat taking up to four hours. The return journey to Antigua departs at 1pm on those same days, taking up to five hours. The return trip costs US$189.00 (approx. 108.70 pounds sterling) and is fully flexible to allow passengers to stay longer in Montserrat or overnight.
For Reservations & Further Information:
Ondeck
Tel: (268) 562 6696
E-Mail: Antigua@ondeckoceanracing.com
Website: www.ondeckoceanracing.com/antigua/montserrat-adventure.htm
Biking
Why not rent a bike and explore Montserrat on two wheels? Take the main road that runs from one end of the island to the other and you'll find that it's a fun way of exploring the villages and enjoying the lovely scenery that makes Montserrat the undisclosed treasure it is.
For bike rentals and equipment contact:
Gingerbread Hill
P.O. Box 246, St. Peter's
Tel: (664) 491 5812
E-mail: lead@candw.ms
Website: www.volcano-island.com
Imagine Peace Bicycle Shop
Brades
Tel: (664) 491-8809
Email: ghbikes@hotmail.com
Centre Hills Project
The Centre Hills provide the last viable habitat for many species of globally threatened and endemic wildlife, including the Montserrat oriole, mountain chicken, galliwasp lizard, and several species of plants. The hills are also the source of all of Montserrat's water supply. The Centre Hills Project aims to complement years of scientific study with a better understanding of the social and economic factors affecting the sustainable use and management of Montserrat's forest resources. Key activities of the project include conducting a socioeconomic assessment, providing outreach and education, carrying out ecological fieldwork, developing a management plan for the Centre Hills through public consultation, upgrading the legal capacity to manage protected areas, and building local capacity to sustainably manage the Centre Hills. Funded by the UK government's Darwin Initiative for the Survival of Species, the project is led by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Other partners include the Montserrat Tourist Board; Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, and Environment; Montserrat National Trust; Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust; and Royal Botanic Gardens-Kew.
Darwin Centre Hills Project
c/o Montserrat National Trust
P.O. Box 393
Olveston
MONTSERRAT
West Indies
(664) 491-3088
E-Mail: darwin@candw.ms
Website: www.malhe.gov.ms/centrehills
