May - June 2019 | http://www.liat.com ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 53
ANTIGUA
The climb to Boggy Peak (officially renamed
Mt Obama in 2009) is another sticky forest
hike, but though it’s relatively low – a ‘mere’
402m – it’s a rewarding walk, past atmospheric
ruined sugar mills to a summit with great views
west down to Dark Wood Bay. Other less-
strenuous hikes include the woodland ramble
from Wallings Dam down to beautiful, empty
Rendezvous Bay and around Old Road Bluff to
Carlisle Bay – watch out for manchineel trees.
The walk from Falmouth Harbour to Nelson’s
Dockyard and on to the Pillars of Hercules and
up to Shirley Heights also offers spectacular
views over English Harbour.
MONTSERRAT
The Soufrière Hills volcano has been erupting
for over 20 years, so the southern part of the
island is currently a no-go zone. But there
are plenty of trails to roam in the north
of the island. Climb Jack Boy Hill for views
south to the volcano, continuing on to Katy
Hill and the Big River Trail to experience the
elfin rainforest. Or take on the short, easy
Oriole Walkway Trail up Lawyer’s Mountain
for fabulous views across the island, and the
chance to spot the vivid yellow breast of the
Montserrat oriole.
MORE GREAT CARIBBEAN HIKES
With volcanic peaks, coastal trailsandlushforests,thereare
countless walks to try on the LIATnetwork.Herearejusta few...
GUADELOUPE
The highest peak in the eastern Caribbean, La
Grande Soufrière (1467m) is, as you’d imagine,
a hike that’s both strenuous and smelly – you
can’t ignore the sulphur scent emitted by the
volcano. There is an upside, though: having
conquered the peak on a two- to three-hour
climb, you can soothe your weary limbs in
the natural hot springs at the Bains Jaunes.
Another great option is the trek to the Chutes
du Carbet, a picturesque trio of waterfalls.ST KITTS
Though Liamuiga is the headline hike, trails
leading across the island from the west coast
also explore the interior. The hike to Dos
d’Ane Pond is a strenuous half-day starting
from near Romney Manor and ending at the
namesake pond, emptying in a small but
picturesque waterfall. A shorter walk along
the narrow ghaut (ravine) called Bloody River
is an atmospheric trek to the spot where the
island’s indigenous Kalinago inhabitants were
slaughtered by the British and French in 1626.DOMINICA
At 115km, the Waitukubuli National Trail
(waitukubulitrail.com) is the longest trek in
the Caribbean, traversing almost the entirelength of the island, from Scotts Head in the
far south to Cabrits National Park in the north-
west. You don’t need to hike the whole trail in
one go, though – broken into 14 segments, it’s
possible to tackle shorter stretches. Of course,
the ‘Nature Island’ is blessed with a host of
other hikes, most famous of which is the trek
to the Boiling Lake, a flooded fumarole that
bubbles like a witch’s cauldron.ST LUCIA
The fang of Gros Piton is the target for many
visitors; the short but steep haul, which can be
made between 7am and 2pm, must be booked
through the Soufrière Foundation. A more
immersive alternative is the 10km cross-island
trail between Vieux Fort and Soufrière, a must
for birdwatchers or just those who love nature- you’ve a chance of spotting St Lucia parrots,
boa constrictors and a host of other species.
ST VINCENT
Yes, another Soufrière... the Caribbean is
full of whiffy volcanic peaks! St Vincent’s
sulphurous summit is a testing 1234m climb,
offering tremendous views. Elsewhere,
the Vermont Nature Trails wind through
verdant forest where you’re likely to spot
the St Vincent parrot as well as crested
hummingbirds and other beautiful birds.GUYANA
This wild country offers challenging treks
for experienced hikers, most famously the
five-day route to thundering Kaieteur Falls –
watch for cock-of-the-rock, golden frog and
harpy eagle in the forest, and swifts flitting
out from their nests beneath the cataracts.
The Panorama Nature Trail in the Rupununi
savannah offers more wonderful birdwatching.SHUTTERSTOCK