Barbados Hiking

Barbados Hiking Trails – Descriptions, Hiking Guides & Tour Operators

A great way to explore the natural beauty of Barbados is by hiking the island’s tropical forests, coastal trails and rolling hills and ridges of the Scottish Highlands district. Panoramic views from the rugged north and east coasts cannot be beaten – Enjoy dramatic cliffs and the constant beating of the waves as well as Bathseba’s unique rock formations. Barbados offers fairly easy hiking, although there are some hilly and long trails that are more challenging. There are also trails through gullies, cane fields and grasslands, even some that allow you to historic districts and villages.

While the Barbados National Trust’s ‘Nature & Heritage Trail’ is located on the east coast near Speightstown, most of Barbados’ best hiking trails are found on the east coast. The Barbados National Trust in partnership with the Barbados Hiking Association organizes a wide variety of free hikes around the island. There are also a few hiking guides on the island who can help you find the right trail for you. Local Guides / Tour Operators are listed below…

Maui Jim (SHOP NOW)

The best “rustic” Barbados hiking trails include:

Bath to Bathsheba Railway Line Trail

Easy
Just over 3.5 miles (6km) one-way, requiring 2-3 hours
An abandoned railway line along the east coast with some tree/vine tunnels and views of the rugged coastline and Atlantic ocean

Bath to Bathsheba Coastal Trail

Easy
About 4 miles (7km) one-way, requiring 2-3 hours
Natural footpath along the rocky coastline with great views of the rough Atlantic ocean.

Nature & Heritage Trail

Easy
Approximately 3 hours round trip
Views of the west coast from the Whim Gully, Speightstown and Heywoods Beach with natural, cultural, and historical sites along the way

Bath Waterfall Loop Trail

Easy – Intermediate
6 mile (10km) loop trail
Hike to Welch Town and Barbados tallest waterfalls, then St. John Parish Church for panoramic east coast views, then down to Martin’s Bay and its rock formations before returning to Bath

Bath to Pothouse Trail

Easy – Intermediate
4 miles (7km) loop trail, requiring 3 hours
Hilly trail with spectacular views of the east coast

Turner’s Hall Wood to Barclays Trail

Easy – Intermediate
About 4 miles (7km) one-way
Downhill hike starts in a biodiversity-rich forest in the Scotland district and travels to the east coast

Barclay’s Park to Chalky Mount Trail

Easy – Intermediate
Approximately 3 hours round trip
Beach hiking, Barbados Clay deposits and breathtaking views of (and from) Chalky Mount

Bathsheba – Congor Rocks – Hackleton’s Cliff Loop Trail

Easy – Intermediate
9 mile (13km) loop trail taking about 4 hours
Trek along the rugged coastline then inland through a forest of sandbox, mahogany, almond and palm trees. Navigate a crevice and be rewarded with the views.

Mount Hillaby

Easy – Intermediate
The highest point on the island at 1,115 feet (340 m) above sea-level. Hike up the road for great views of eastern and northern Barbados.

The best Barbados hiking trails in “managed” areas include:

Coco Hill Forest:

Easy “Green Therapy” hiking trails
Walk on your own or guided tours that take a couple of hours
A 53-acre rainforest/farm with scenic look-outs of the east coast

PEG Farm and Nature Reserve

Easy
An hour or two…
Located at Hackleton’s cliff, the farm offers an Eco Tour that highlights agricultural and natural sites

Grenade Hall Signal Station (Barbados Wildlife Reserve)

Over a mile (2km) of easy trails wind through this forested area

Walker’s Reserve

A repurposed sand quarry with a number of trails (when completed)

Other Barbados Hiking Trails:

Cove Bay / Little Bay to Pico Teneriffe trail offer rocky cliffs and grassy footpaths that will take just over an hour
There are coastal trails all along the north-east coastline cliffs heading south from the Animal Flower Cave, as well as north of Harrison’s Point Lighthouse on the north-west coast
The Silver Sands Trail is located at the southern tip of Barbados and crosses beaches, cliffs and roads
There are coastal trails at Barbados’ south-east tip around Ragged Point Lighthouse

Backpacking and camping

There are no multi-day backpacking trails on Barbados, although camping is available in the heart of the island at Camping Barbados

Be safe and sure with a local hiking guide or tour operator to show you the way. To hike Barbados, these local Tour Operators will take good care of you (Click on a Tour Operator name below for more details):

Hike Barbados (Barbados National Trust/Barbados National Hiking Association):

Morning Hikes (6am start):
- Stop ‘n’ Stare (easy) typically covering 6 miles (10km)
- Medium typically covering 8 miles (13km)
- Brisk Medium typically covering 10 miles (16km)
- Grin ‘n’ Bear (challenging) typically covering 12 miles (19km)
Afternoon Hike (3:30pm start / medium paced – 3 hour)
Moonlight Hike (medium paced – 3 hour)

Eco Adventures – Tours By Bajans