Nature Tours

East coast trail Gros Piton climb

Sample St Lucia's Eastern delights

With mile after mile of rugged, untouched coastline, St Lucia's eastern side treats visitors to an altogether different island experience. 
While you should be able to catch a glimpse of the delights of Dennery or the unspoilt beauty of Fregate Island on your way north from Hewanorra Airport, there is no better way to explore the natural wonders of St Lucia's Atlantic coast than on foot along the newly established Eastern Nature Trail.
The Eastern Nature Trail was recently developed by the St Lucia National Trust within the proposed Praslin Protected Landscape-some 871 hectares of outstanding natural beauty between Dennery Village to the north and the Praslin community to the south.

The new 3.5 mile trail is intended as an addition to the Fregate Islands Nature Reserve trail network. It skirts the east coast offering panoramic views across the Atlantic and some spectacular scenery.
Starting the trail at its northern most point at Mandele you will be immediately stunned by the beauty around us. The winding trail runs parallel to the sea, but high above it, for the greater part of its length so views of waves crashing and foaming on the dark rocks below made for some excellent photo opportunities.
The long waving grasses and sparse vegetation of the trail start eventually made way for dense cacti, thicker xerophytic forest and some welcome shade from the hot sun. 
Our first stop came after the first mile at Anse Galet. Here we were treated to bananas, fresh green coconut water and other refreshments being sold by an enterprising local vendor. But be warned, he may not always be there so be sure to carry plenty of your own water to drink along the way.

After this the trail dips down to a stony beach before winding back up the cliff to Trou Zombie-believed by the Amerindians to be a dwelling place for evil spirits. 
With one mile left to go, the scenery becomes even more dramatic with a number of interesting geographical features such as wave cut arcs and caves, as well as the chance to spot some of the 38 bird species which have been identified along the trail, including the Frigate Bird, the Red Billed Tropic Bird and the Brown Moody among others.
In addition to the abundant bird life, the trail also boasts some 116 species of plants and seven significant Amerindian sites. You may also spot St Lucia's harmless boa constrictor, or even the world's smallest non-poisonous snake, leptotyphalps bilineata.
The trail ends at the Fregate Islands Nature Reserve Interpretations Center and from here you can choose to extend your tour of the East by taking a canoe trip to Praslin Island for a cooling dip or a snorkel, and by having lunch at a local restaurant.

The St Lucia National Trust has put together a package which includes lunch, the services of a tour guide, refreshments on the trail and the boat ride to Praslin Island. A percentage of the fee is donated to the Praslin and Mamiku community to help improve residents' quality of life.The trail itself is well kept but can be slippery after heavy rainfall. Sturdy trainers or lightweight hiking boots are recommended and be sure to carry plenty of water. There are exit points at the end of each mile for those looking for a shorter nature jaunt.
For more information, telephone the National Trust Eastern Area Office on 455 3099, the Trust's head office on 453 1495/5005, or ask at your hotel service desk once you arrive. 

The Gros Piton: A peak experience for Christmas

A view of the Petit Piton on the way to the Summit.

A visit to St Lucia is a special experience whether you decide to spend it sitting on the beach sipping coconut water or pool side with a pina colada, you will still have remarkable memories to relate to the folks back home.But if you want an experience unlike any other, why not scale the 2,500 ft Gros Piton in Soufriere? 
The Gros Piton Trail starts in the remote village of Fond Gens Libre not far from Soufriere and at the base of this important St Lucian landmark. 
From there, it winds its way through dense vegetation and past fallen boulders-signs of less stable times years ago. There are also numerous caves along the way which were used as camps by the Brigands in the 1700s and 1800s. To learn more about the significance of the caves both to the Brigands and to the Amerindians who came before them, a number of Fond Gens Libre's younger residents have been trained as guides with a wealth of information about their village and the Gros Piton.The trail itself is relatively straight forward and easy to follow. The residents of Fond Gens Libre have worked hard to improve the trail condition and make it more accessible to visitors. In fact, the work on the trail is part of a wider project, spearheaded by the Environmental and Coastal Resources project with the support of the government and the St Lucia National Trust. Eventually, the area will be transformed into a center for eco-tourism with amenities to cope with an influx of Piton climbers.
At present, the amentities are limited, but the friendly people you meet along the way and the rustic charm of the village more than compensate for any lack of luxury.
Although the trail is easy to follow, it is steep. You will not be expected to do any real "climbing" but this is a hard hike and recommended for fitter travellers or those not afraid to sweat it out for fantastic views.
It takes about two hours to reach the top of the Piton, but it is worth taking your time to notice how the surrounding foliage changes as you near the misty summit, and of course to take a few snaps of the neighboring Petit Piton through the trees.Once on top, there is an area usually bathed in sunshine offering stunning views over Choiseul and to the very south of St Lucia to Hewanorra. This is also the perfect place to crack open that bottle of local Piton beer for the must have holiday photograph of a Piton on the Piton.

The Gros Piton: Could this be the pinnacle of your visit to St.Lucia.

After a much needed rest, it is time for the more difficult hike down. Don't be surprised if your legs begin to feel like jelly as you wind your way back to Fond Gens Libre, a cold drink and friendly faces at the local bar.The Gros Piton Trail is one of the most magical hikes in St Lucia and is sure to leave a lasting impression on all those who give it a go.
It is important to carry a small snack, plenty of water and to wear sturdy footwear-light weight hiking boots are best.Hikes can be arranged through the Forestry Department by telephoning 450 2231. Or you can simply go to Fond Gens Libre (south of Soufriere and neighboring the Union Vale Estate) and inquire about a guide-you will have an army of willing volunteers.