Popular pastimes among locals and travelers alike, hikes and long walks provide a fine workout and a fascinating perspective on island flora, fauna and historic attractions.
Venturing to the isolated northern tip of Barbados is a good way to get off the beaten track. The parishes of St. Lucy, St. Peter and St. Andrew offer a rainforest, astounding views from the crests of cliffs and hidden beaches such as Cove Bay. On the northeastern side of the island, the ferocious waves of the Atlantic, called “white horses” by Bajans, offer the island’s most serious challenge to daring surfers.
Enjoy the small fishing villages of the northern coastline and Speightstown’s old-time port, with narrow streets lined with small shops and open-air patios. The Denmark and Orange Forts and Arlington House and St Peter’s Church make for an interesting stop on a walking tour.
Further along the coast is the Animal Flower Cave and one of the most famous shots of Barbados. The Cave was once full of sea anemones and lies beneath a sugar plantation; the coral stone landscape is now home to a bar serving traditional “cutter” sandwiches.
River Bay lies in the northeast and is flanked by ridges offering fabulous views of this scenic picnic spot. Two steep paths also on the eastern coast are the only access to Maycock’s Bay beach. One of those paths leads to the secluded ruins of Maycock’s Fort, said to contain buried booty. The other path leads to the Barbados Defense Force base (off limits for civilians) and Harrison's Point Lighthouse.
There are many attractions inland as well, including the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill, the only working windmill left on the island. Footpaths through the Barbados Wildlife Reserve offer a chance to see a few of the island's green monkeys and the late 19th-century merchant palace of Farley Hill National Park is also nearby.
Annual Events
Several running and walking events are held each year, including the annual Run Barbados Series Marathon, Hallf-Marathon and 10K. Family events include the Ship Inn Fun Run and the Nation Fun Walk. Visit www.runbarbados.org for more information.
