Overview
Discover Bermuda’s unspoilt paradise on foot.
This self-guided walking holiday explores the quintessential island paradise
of Bermuda, a sub-tropical gem, seemingly adrift in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Warmed by the temperate Gulf Stream, Bermuda is a stunning archipelago of 181
islands and islets, the 8 largest of which form the fishhook-shaped mainland.
The oldest British colony, this tiny treasure trove is packed with history
and natural beauty. Famed for its stunning turquoise waters in a whole
rainbow of blues, incredible pink sands and coral reefs home to hundreds of
colourful fish, Bermuda is a beach-lover’s heaven. Beyond the postcard-worthy
bays, the islands offer a lush interior alive with a multitude of birds and
flowers, making it perfect to explore on foot. As Mark Twain commented, ‘You
go to heaven if you want. I’d rather stay here in Bermuda’.
Highlights
* Discover secret turquoise bays, sea grottoes and pastel villages
* See colourful flowers, birds and fish – look out for humpback whales!
* Relax in a luxurious hotel with swimming pool, tennis court and panoramic
ocean views
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Bermuda
Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner overlooking the ocean.
*You stay at the Coco Reef Resort for 7 nights on a Room Only basis. *
*Breakfast and evening meals are available at a supplement – please request
prices at time of booking.*
Day 2
Somerset to the Dockyard
Today’s route begins at Somerset Bridge, the world’s smallest drawbridge, to
follow the Railway Trail lined with unusual screw palm and cedar trees,
reaching 19th century Fort Scaur, with stunning views to Hamilton. Onwards to
sleepy Somerset Village for lunch by pretty Mangrove Bay, you then follow a
coastal track to the Royal Naval Dockyard at Bermuda’s most westerly end.
Maybe visit vibrant Hamilton before meeting Tim Rogers at the hotel who will
talk you through the suggested programme for the rest of your walking week.
Two options: 7km/4.5mi/2hr or 8km/5mi/3hr
Day 3
Exploring the East End
You start the day in charming St George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There’s time to explore the tangle of colourful streets and
picturesqueharbour before a dazzling path lined with prickly pear and
casuarina leads to Gates Bay where Sir George Somers first came ashore in
1609. You continue along a herb-scented coastal track to Ferry Reach, with
its 17th century forts and Corsican tower.
Day 4
St David’s and Cooper’s Island
At tranquil St David’s, fragrant hibiscus scents the salty ocean air as you
visit Red Hole bay. Then it’s on to St David’s Battery, with cliff views
stretching infinitely across the ocean, before heading over to Cooper’s
Island, Bermuda’s newest nature reserve, a truly isolated and unspoilt area.
Two options: 4km/2.5mi/2hr or 5km/3mi/2.5hr
Day 5
Sights of the South Shore
From Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, balcony views span the entire west end across the
azure waters of Great Sound, dotted with white sailboats. From here you
descend to the sugary pink sands of the South Shore Trail, a string of nine
gorgeous bays linked by a scented path of flowering morning glory and
oleander. There’s time for a dip at Chaplin Bay before a shaded path leads
past cassava fields to the hotel, in time for a dip in the hotel’s pool.
Day 6
Coast and Caves
Colourful prickly poppies dot the sparkling coastal route towards Flatts
Village, where friendly locals cast their nets into the azure expanse of
Harrington Sound, an inland lake littered with sea grottoes. It’s then
onwards with views over the northern shore to reach Blue Hole Park, a tiny
treasure trove of caves filled with aquamarine waters. Maybe savour a Dark
‘n’ Stormy cocktail after visiting the fascinating Crystal Caves, then take
the bus back to the hotel.
Day 7
Botanical Gardens and Spittal Pond
Alive with the noisy chatter of yellow kiskadee, a gentle allspice-scented
trail brings you to Paget Marsh, a wetland oasis, home to herons and
warblers. Then it’s on to the Botanical Gardens – John Lennon’s Double
Fantasy album is named after the purple flower he spotted here – before
heading to Spittal Pond; maybe spot herons, egrets and flamingos before
following the coastal path, vibrant with sea lavender, looking out for
humpback whales basking in the warm Atlantic waters.
Two options: 5km/3mi/1.5hr or 4km/2.5mi/2.5hr
Day 8
Leave Bermuda
The British Airways flight leaves in the early evening, so you have most of
the day at leisure. The hotel has a gorgeous swimming pool or Elbow Beach is
a short walk away. The hotel will provide a courtesy room (by the pool area
if necessary).
|
