Скачать или смотреть High North Peak Hike in Carriacou, Caribbean

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Starting Point for the High North Peak Hike

There was no indication as to where the actual trail commenced, just a small opening in the undergrowth off to our right. In fact, the main reason why Dario and his team were joining us was to plan upgrades to the trail to make it a more user-friendly.

The High North Trail

The initial section of the High North Peak hike is moderately steep and takes you along a trail that is not very well defined. For the most part you could easily think that there was no dedicated trail at all.

The track meanders through the fairly dense dry deciduous forest consisting of a variety of trees, plants and shrubs. Owing to the thickness of the vegetation, there are limited views to be had and therefore no external reference points to assist with your general sense of direction.

Within a short distance, there is a path that heads off to the left, marked by a red cable tie on an overhanging branch. We only knew that this was the indicator for this turn thanks to members of our hiking group.

You will head up this path for a couple of minutes and as you do the canopy that has been shielding you opens and the Caribbean sky greets you once more. You now find thick wild grass underfoot as you make your way to the first of three vantage points from where to soak up the views on offer.

Vantage Point 1

Here you get to enjoy sweeping views right down the west coast of Carriacou from the main town of Hillsborough along to Paradise Beach. You will clearly see the island’s second-highest peak of Chapeau Carre as well as the three small islands that sit a short distance off the west coast: Jack-A-Dan, Sandy Island and Mabouya.

Once you have enjoyed the wonderful views on offer, return to the main trail and turn left. This next stretch of the hike is fairly flat. Off to your right, you will now spot the remnants of a 2 metre (6 foot) high stone wall which during colonial times was used as a cattle pen. It apparently dates back to around 1750.

Shortly after, a number of Century plants will be visible off to your right along with one of the few permanent signs that indicate that you are on the right track for High North Peak.

The trail now steepens as you make your way towards the plateau of the national park. This section of the hike once again leads you through thick, wild forest. It is only once you reach the top and vantage point 2 that you once again get to feast your eyes on the wonderful views.

Vantage Point 2

From this location, you now get to look south along the green forest-clad interior of Carriacou. Better still, are the views you now have out to the east. The beautiful, vibrant turquoise waters of the tidal lagoon sit just off the coast, beyond which are the smaller, islands of Petite Martinique and Petit Saint Vincent (right to left).

Just a stone’s throw to the south is the third and final location to admire these enticing Caribbean vistas.

Vantage Point 3

Once again, you get to enjoy the spectacular southerly views right down the length of Carriacou. But you can now take in these views whilst seated on a couple of large rocks that are literally perched right off the southern tip of the summit plateau.

From this point the High North Peak hike loops in a clockwise direction hugging the outer edge of the summit plateau.

There was really no discernible track for this stage of the hike. It was simply a case of picking our way between trees and through undergrowth. Thankfully, Hansel came equipped with a cutlass so he lead the way clearing the path as he went.

Dario kept emphasising that we all need to be more aware of our environment and always be on the lookout for the array of wonderful things that surround us. Almost immediately, Sarah gazed up into the canopy high above and spotted an Iguana happily basking in the sunshine.

Shortly afterwards, Dario pointed out the tiny nest of a Hummingbird. What a beautifully intricate work of art that these little creatures are able to create.

Being a part of this rich and very diverse environment, so far removed from our day to day reality, helped make our experience even more memorable.

Giraffe Tree

As we headed north along the western summit ridge, Dario pointed out a tree that resembled a giraffe. I am not kidding you, it really does look like a giraffe! It is just amazing what nature is capable of, even if it is totally by accident.

Eventually, the loop trail rejoined the path on which we ascended High North Peak. Here we turned left and followed the track back to the trailhead.