Walk On The Wildside

 

Walkabout
Lucian treasures that can be explored on foot and incorporated into your holiday health regime

 

We all know that walking is one of the best forms of exercise and has countless benefits. Benefits such as healthy heart, strong bones, increased lung capacity, and improved general overall fitness are just a few on a long list. Being on holiday, neglecting this part of daily life is extremely tempting and who can blame you! Here are some suggestions for alternative activities that are fun and interesting that can be integrated into both your holiday schedule and exercise routine. Let a walk on the wild side also be a walk on the healthy side!

There are fun ways to incorporate this healthy activity whilst here in St Lucia. “Retail Therapy” is, it has got to be said, one of my favorite options. Shopping in St Lucia can be most rewarding especially when, as a visitor to the island, you are entitled to duty free shopping on some items. Pointe Seraphine and La Place Carenage are the two major duty free shopping centers in the capital city of Castries. A variety of jewelry stores, clothing stores, perfumeries and much more can be found. Castries, and all it has to offer is best done on foot. Head into the heart of the city to the Derek Walcott Square where you can visit some historic buildings. The Derek Walcott Square was originally named Columbus Square after the explorer, but has been renamed to honor one of our Nobel Laureates (for literature), Derek Walcott. Around the square you will find the Cathedral and the central library, which were only some the original colonial buildings spared by the 1947 fire of Castries. Continue your on-foot tour and pay a visit to the vendors arcade and Castries market where you can find local souvenirs and learn about the local produce.

Want to get to know some of St Lucia’s history? Take a stroll around Pigeon Island National Park, one of the venue sites of the St Lucia Jazz Festival and also an interesting part of the island’s history with military ruins, tales of battles gone by and a mini-museum. Climb up to Fort Rodney to really get the heart rate going and be privy to a spectacular view of St Lucia’s west coast, the central mountain range and the Caribbean Sea. On clear days the island of Martinique looms on the horizon, one of the reasons why this location was selected as a naval station. To kick things up a notch, you can always attempt a climb up one of the famous twin peaks, the Pitons, now a World Heritage Site. Gros Piton has a guided walk to take you to the summit. It begins with a more gradual ascent, ending in pretty much a straight up climb.

Expect to take up to two or three hours to climb up the mountain but also expect the most amazing view when you get there. The combined cardiovascular and muscle training also provides a look at nature and breathtaking scenes. You must climb with a guide. Contact the Heritage Tourism Program for details (458-1454). Less strenuous rainforest trails are just as delightful. (Forestry 450-2375) And of course, who can forget about a beautiful walk along the beach. Setoff on your walk either early morning or late afternoon when the sun is most gentle. After your walk why not cool down with a dip in the lovely sea. Perfect! These are just a few of many suggestions that will create and add memories to your visit to St Lucia and best of all keep you fit whilst doing so. It also allows you a few more calories for enjoying the great island cuisine.