The Other Walks
While many visitors think of the Boiling Lake walk as the Mother
of all Hikes (and you can read what people really think of that
hike here), Dominica's two highest peaks (Morne Diablotin and
Morne Trois Pitons) offer hikes as challenging if not more so.
The following descriptions are of walks that while less demanding
are just as rewarding...
Morne Anglais
One of Dominica's tallest mountains at 3,683 feet, it dominates
the south of the island and as such offers spectacular views.
Start from the water catchment at Giraudel (ask for Roy Shillingford
if you need a guide - and one is recommended) and allow at least
45 minutes each way. You know you're on the top when you reach
the amateur radio repeater (owned and operated by the Dominica
Amateur Radio Club).
Morne aux Diables
Starting at Tan Tan, north of Portsmouth, this walk goes up and
into a fine example of a volcanic crater. You can continue on
to Delaford and Vieille Case on the east coast. Good track, great
views, there's a sulfur spring and (reputedly) a pit full of snakes
at the top. Chill out at Toucari beach afterwards.
Jaco Flats
Maroons (escaped slaves) had a base here and built some impressive
steps down a cliff. The walk is notable for these, and the walk
down (that means in) the upper Layou river. The walk (2 hours)
starts and ends at the Paradise Bar (you can get a guide there)
in Belles (which is on the Trans-insular road from Roseau to Marigot).
Bring your swimming costume - there are some excellent places
to swim.
Roseau Valley - Wotten Waven - Trafalgar
An excellent circular walk from Roseau itself is to go up the
Valley towards Trafalgar. Taking a right just after the sign for
Louisville (is this the biggest sign on the island?), head to
the village of Wotten Waven. Beautiful walk along a fern-lined
road takes you to the village famous for its 'bubbling pots'.
A new road will be completed in 2000, enabling you to walk or
drive across the valley to Trafaglar, fromwhere you can return
to Roseau.
The Other Beaches
Do you really think I'm going to tell you where you can find the
most beautiful, unspoilt white-sand beach in the island? Actually,
I'd say it's Woodford Hill, but most people think of Hampstead
or Pointe Baptiste... Whichever, the best beaches are all around
Calibishie.
The Other Night-spots
Our Events page details Dominica's 'larger' nightspots, but I'd
be lax if I didn't mention Spider's in Loubiere (about 2 miles
south of Roseau). From the outside little more than a hole in
the wall, enter this bar and be transported back in time: a beer
is still only EC$3, those wonderful pies only $1.25, and the art
of conversation and lively debate is still alive. Excellent music
too!
Open from about 9:30pm every night except Thursday. Though the
recipe for Spider pies is a closely guarded secret, you can sample
this world famous delicacy (fish or meat) every night except Sunday
- but get there early!
All that said, I can now make a terrible pun - that I put Spiders
on The Web...
Update: Spider is at long last wired - e-mail him at spider@marpin.dm!
