Antigua & Barbuda has a lot of great hiking trails. Some are well marked and easy to follow including most of the trails that lead up to the various forts scattered across the island.
TAKE A HIKE
M ount Obama is a great one if you have the time and want to climb to the highest point in Antigua. There are a variety of routes up, so find the best starting point based on where you are. Just north of Morris Bay is one start point, past the black pineapple fields and follow the road, it is paved to the top so it is easy going but is around 3km long. Alternatively you can set off from Christian Valley near Ebineezer, this trail is shorter but wilder, so do not wear flip flops! The Forts: Fort James from Fort James Beach just north of St John’s, Fort Berkeley from Nelson’s Dockyard and Fort Barrington from Deep Bay, these are all easy 5–15 minute walks with some steeper parts but all achievable in beach wear. All three of these forts have the remnants of their gunpowder magazines, hence the 18inch walls on some of the buildings to the landward side. If you are looking for something slightly more challenging, hiking to Fort George overlooking Falmouth Harbour could be for you. You can depart from Cobbs Cross just north of Falmouth Harbour. For a more scenic hike, head to Shirley Heights from Galleon beach taking in the Pillars of Hercules and the Mermaid Gardens Rock Pools along the way. Shirley Heights has spectacular panoramic views over the South Coast hence its military significance in protecting English Harbour. For those who are less energetic, but still fancy enjoying the view, Shirley Heights is also accessible by car. Rendezvous Bay Beach is a relatively long hike from Falmouth Harbour area and the trail starts just up from the Spring Hill Riding Club, from there the road becomes a track. It is easy to follow, but it can be rough underfoot so wear appropriate shoes and pack for swimming at the beautiful beach, do make sure you bring a drink also as there is nothing to quench your thirst along the way.
If you don’t want to go it alone and would prefer a guided walking tour then why not get in touch with Happy Heights or Trek Tours and let one of their entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides take you around some of Antigua’s different hiking trails. Antigua is more than just a beach and they want to take you around the island by foot and excite all of your senses. They invite you to embrace the beautiful views, listen to the sounds of nature all around you and take a moment to observe the birds and other animals you encountered, pick fruits, enjoy cactus cherries and more. www.antiguahiking.com n HAPPY HEIGHTS Happy Heights believes that the paradise island of n TREK TOURS Trek Tours wants you to experience Antigua’s incredible scenery in an active manner! You don’t need to be an athlete, you just need to be ready, willing and able to move away from the tourist attractions and venture off the beaten path as they help you to discover the true beauty of the island. They offer trails that challenge you a
Many of the smaller paths in the countryside are not footpaths but rather goat paths and may not lead to anywhere other than some different grazing areas.
bot, but reward you a lot more. www.trektoursantigua.com
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