The Caribbean island of Antigua is a good place to go in case you’re trying to unwind with a tropical fruit-laced cocktail, swim in calm blue Caribbean sea and overlook life’s issues.
And whereas I did a variety of that whereas there — additionally try the total travelogue about my travels to Antigua — I additionally craved some lively journey.
I’ll admit Antigua made “doing nothing” simpler for me than common, however in between the spa therapies, backyard strolls and seaside chillin’ I wanted to get my legs shifting, ideally uphill.
Which is how I got here to do some of the scenic hikes I’ve ever skilled, the 5.4-mile “Pillars of Hercules” loop.
For my part, it’s probably the greatest hikes within the Caribbean — and even probably the greatest day hikes on this planet — due to its beautiful surroundings.
The difficult trek was stuffed with beautiful aerial views, a mixture of Atlantic and Caribbean Sea paths, and even historical past; whereas traversing dry jungle and tall cacti-laced grasses we additionally handed British gravestones relationship again to the 18th century, historic cistern ruins, and a guard home that’s now a vacationer attraction (with bar) relationship again to 1791.
However let’s not get forward of ourselves.
Learn on for full particulars — with photographs — on the expertise so you are able to do it, too. On this Antigua journey information, I’ll additionally provide full data on guides, pricing, what to pack and extra.
Getting To The Antigua Hike Trailhead
You’ll head to Galleon Seashore.
You’ll see an indication that claims “Galleon Seashore Membership Non-public Property”; move this signal and proceed on the primary street.
A bit farther there are an array of trailheads with small parking areas to select from.
The “Jones Path” (white path markers) trailhead the place you start your journey to the Pillars of Hercules is marked with an indication. You possibly can park proper in entrance of it.
The start of the hike
Advisable Antigua Mountain climbing Information
My superior information was a neighborhood named Rodney Baltimore, who owns the corporate Adventurous Hikes.
You possibly can electronic mail him at [email protected] if you wish to do that hike or one other. As an illustration, you can even do an Antigua rainforest hike or an Antigua mountain path if you want.
My Mountain climbing In Antigua Expertise
The trek begins with Rodney and I being enveloped in aromatic tamarind timber earlier than starting our ascent up.
I’m undoubtedly pleased to have sturdy footwear on as we maneuver over boulders and tough terrain, generally needing to make use of each fingers to securely transfer ahead.
There are some massive boulders to navigate
It’s additionally shady at first half of the hike as we’re enveloped in dry jungle, which helps with warmth and sunburn.
Notice:
Antigua is likely one of the driest Caribbean islands, so that you received’t have to fret a lot about humidity.
In about 20-Half-hour we come to a fork within the path.
You possibly can actually take any of the paths you move as they’ll all lead as much as your halfway vacation spot of Shirley Heights; nonetheless, Rodney takes us towards Whitestone (to the proper).
On the subsequent level the place there are indicators pointing in several instructions we go for “Graves & Cistern.” Not surprisingly, we proceed up and rapidly come to an unlimited headstone relationship again to the 1700s — proper within the woods.
Lots of the headstones we see are so weathered it’s not possible to make out their inscriptions.
It’s a tragic and unusual view into the previous.
Strolling by the woods
After which we emerge into the solar
Cistern ruins alongside the path
Lastly, we attain our first main viewpoint:
Shirley Heights, a restored navy lookout and gun battery providing vistas of the English and Falmouth Harbours from 490 toes!
It’s beautiful, and I be taught from Rodney that locals drive up right here on Sundays for a weekly barbecue social gathering.
From 4pm you may expertise metal drum bands, scrumptious smoked meats and different dwell leisure (with a view!).
Views from Shirley Heights
From there we exit the white marked “Jones Path” and swap to “Carpenter’s Path” for wonderful views of the Atlantic and otherworldly rocky outcroppings.
Your complete time we’re strolling alongside cliffside earlier than descending towards the ocean, zigzagging by yellow cacti-dotted grass.
This hike is a good place to do some contemplation and soul looking
Mountain climbing alongside the Atlantic
Simply breathtaking
Getting larger
Beautiful flora alongside the path
Shot of me strolling alongside the coast
Lastly, after bellying over some boulders and wading by ankle-deep water, we attain the secluded spot the place most individuals won’t ever discover the Pillars of Hercules.
These limestone rock pillars are naturally carved into the cliffside with Atlantic waves crashing into them for an brisk scene.
As you may see under, one pillar lately broke off, although fortunately no person was harm.
Due to this, although, you’re not presupposed to stroll previous them.
In the event you deliver your snorkel gear, you’ll be additionally capable of see beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish like stingrays, trumpet fish, and blue tangs.
It takes a bit of labor to get to the Pillars of Hercules
Pillars of Hercules with the sunshine bouncing off the highest
Pillars of Hercules
From the pillars we flip again, that means extra ocean wading and boulder bellying.
I actually can’t say I thoughts although, as from Shirley Heights on there’s barely a second the place my jaw isn’t hanging open in delighted shock on the magnificence surrounding me.
Lastly, we attain what have to be certainly one of Antigua’s most stunning seashores, a small plot of shell-lined coast assembly the tranquil clear English Harbour.
We stroll alongside the seaside in silence, taking in a Bob Ross-esque vista bordered by a vivid blue sky and daring white clouds.
Some folks come to Antigua and by no means go away their inns; and whereas serene properties make that straightforward, I extremely advocate you complement your stick with some native adventures that take you throughout this beautiful island.
There’s additionally one thing about working laborious to your reward that makes it a lot sweeter.
This hike helped me actually really feel like I deserved my afternoon Mojito, too!
Crystal clear
What To Carry When Mountain climbing In Antigua
- To get to the Pillars of Hercules you’ll probably get your sneakers and socks soaked if it’s excessive tide (I did!). Both take care of it or deliver water footwear for this half. You received’t need to stroll this barefoot as you would possibly get reduce.
- The path will get sizzling and also you’ll have alternatives to swim! Carry a washing go well with, snorkel gear and an underwater digital camera/GoPro.
- Fellow glasses-wearers: put on your contacts! Despite the fact that I hiked in Antigua’s “winter” (it’s nonetheless sizzling) my glasses have been slipping off my face from sweat and sunscreen all the time.
- There are a variety of prickly crops on the path, so take into consideration carrying light-weight pants and lengthy sleeves.
- A backpack is crucial. Fortunately, there are some nice inexpensive mountain climbing backpacks for beneath $100!
- Know what to put on once you go mountain climbing, like moisture-wicking clothes!
Information or No Information?
Personally I cherished this path specifically and would have been utterly misplaced with out Rodney.
It’s marked, however there have been many instances when the paths have been complicated or we have been in huge open areas and it appeared Rodney was selecting the journey as we went alongside.
Not solely that, however there are numerous steep elements and areas the place you’ll have to climb over big boulders or navigate tough terrain. For one of the best — and most secure — expertise I like to recommend a information.
Moreover, in case you’re like me and love solo journey within the Caribbean, it’s a protected transfer to rent a information. I appreciated having one when touring solo in Antigua.
Taking within the view from Shirley Heights