Hiking & Natural Trails

Barbados is the Caribbean’s most densely populated island, so understandably it lacks the remote forest hikes of the more rugged and less populated, mountainous islands. Exploring is confined primarily to the Bridgetown area, various historical structures scattered throughout the countryside, and the less populated Atlantic coast. This is almost tenderfoot-grade walking, some of the Caribbean’s easiest. If you don’t mind crowds, you can join the Barbados National Trust’s weekly hikes, which cover the natural, historical, and cultural aspects of the island. For more adventurous ones, it is best to explore Atlantic coast (east and north) of the island. Great short hike can be completed at the northwester tip of the island at Archers Bay. From the trailhead, it’s only a few minutes down to an amazing overlook above crashing waves and crystal clear blue waters. Another good route to take is up Mount Hillaby, taking you up to the summit, through Gregg Farm, and down to the old Spring Plantation en route to Turner Hall Forest. Not to be missed are some great hikes around Bathsheba on the way to Ragged Point and then beyond to Culpepper’s Island. More popular route would be to hike three miles along the old railway track from Martin’s Bay to Bathsheba. Arib Nature and Heritage Trail that consists of two guided walks, one leading through town and the other through town and into some nearby gullies. This trail received Island magazine’s 1999 Ecotourism Award, selected from among 42 entries from 20 Caribbean islands.