Tag Archives: National Trail

Another day hiking with my pal Archie. We took on Waitukubuli National Trail segment 4 today.

Happy to report the trail was in fairly good shape (though somewhat swampy from all the recent rains) and all the signage seemed to be in place. There are a couple of sections where tree roots were used instead of steps but the soil has since eroded making them a little trickier than they really ought to be – but that’s about it. There are a few trees down too but generally speaking it’s all good and easy to follow.

Plenty of parrots around today, despite the rain.

Just back from hiking Waitukubuli National Trail segment 3 from Bellevue Chopin to Wotten Waven.

Happy to report this segment is still in pretty good condition, it’s easy to follow and most of the signage is still in place. The one area where you may have a little difficulty is the descent into the River Clair Valley from Giraudel which is steep, slippery and eroding. It really ought to have steps or a rope to assist hikers safely to the bottom. But it doesn’t, so take your time, use the trees to help you down when you can, or even sit on your backside and slide. Get down in one piece so you can enjoy the lovely river pools.

It’s a great hike, the views are good and you’ll bump into villagers and farmers along the way. They are getting more used to meeting and greeting hikers now so it’s a pleasant experience all round.

I hiked Waitukubuli National Trail segment 2 from Soufriere to Bellevue Chopin today. At Morpo Junction I took the route uphill to the heights of Morpo rather than the alternative route via Pichelin and New Florida.

The trail was in pretty good shape except for the section from the top of Morpo to Bellevue Chopin. This stretch was completely covered in bush (rather like the picnic tables at the viewpoint) and the trail was really tough to follow. In fact I went the wrong way a couple of times. I’ve emailed the authorities but if you’re heading on that segment soon, you may want to think about taking the Pichelin/New Florida option.

Plenty of the signs had also been broken on this segment. I’ve raised that too.

I like segment 2. It’s tiring – I don’t think there’s a single flat stretch – but it’s nice to wander alongside farmlands and talk to people you meet along the way. There are lots of lovely pastoral scenes, wild glens and, from the Morpo area, good views down to Grand Bay and the Atlantic. It was a bit cloudy and rainy today, so the views weren’t as good as usual, and Martinique was nowhere to be seen, but this is a pleasant hike with a bar and cold beers at the end …