NATIONAL WAITUKUBULI TRAIL

The preservation of the WNT is perpetuated by the access fees that each hiker must pay. Passes are available from visitor centers (open 7/7) or from the Forestry Division.

This is the longest hiking route in the Caribbean (184 kilometers divided into 14 segments of varying lengths), covering the island from Soufrière in the south to Cabrits in the north, with varying levels of difficulty. Each section can be explored independently, and some may be closed depending on the weather. Some segments are fairly easy to access, with gentle slopes and bridges for river crossings. Others, of average level, are suitable for amateurs, with more or less tricky sections (steep slopes, large gradients). Finally, the difficult or very difficult trails are for experienced hikers in very good physical condition, as the slopes are steep and long. Trails are marked in blue and yellow. The presence of a guide is recommended.

Segment 1: Scott's Head to Soufrière Estate.

6.6 km, walking time: 4h30. Level: very difficult.

Area of interest: Sulphur springs.

Located in a crater. This stage requires walking along a gorge and rope-climbing.

Segment 2: Soufrière Estate to Bellevue Chopin. 11 km, walking time: 6 hrs. Difficulty level: medium.

Points of interest: Sulphur springs, Krabier plateau, ruins of a coffee dwelling.

This segment is quite demanding and long, with changes in altitude. To reach Bellevue Chopin (485 m), take the path to the left via Morpo through the rainforest at the foot of Morne Plat-Pays, to observe the flora and fauna.

Segment 3: Bellevue Chopin to Wotten Waven. 13 km, walking time: 6 hrs. Level: medium.

Points of interest: beautiful panorama of Roseau, River Clair.

The starting point for this leg is the Bellevue Chopin pass. Head due north. At the end of the last path are hot sulfur pools.

Segment 4: Wotten Waven to Pont-Cassé (in Trois Pitons National Park). 12.8 km, walking time: 6 hrs. Difficulty level: medium.

Points of interest: Natural hot springs.

For 1 hour, follow the road to the small village of Trafalgar. The hike ends in the forest, with a final climb and then a long descent to Pont-Cassé.

Segment 5: Pont-Cassé to Castle Bruce. 17.4 km, walking time: 6 hrs. Level: easy.

Points of interest: Emerald pool, Fond Melé, Jaco Cave, Creole gardens.

The starting point is just below the Pont-Cassé crossroads, on the way to Castle Bruce. At the end of the forest, as the valley widens, you approach the Atlantic.

Segment 6: Castle Bruce to Hatton Garden. 15 km, walking time: 7h. Level: medium.

Points of interest: Kalinago territory, Kalinago Barana Aute, Dog-head Staircase.

This largely coastal segment passes through the Kalinago reserve.

Segment 7: Hatton Garden to First Camp. 12.6 km, walking time: 6 hrs. Difficulty level: medium.

Points of interest: parrot and bird habitat, farming territory.

The difficulty lies in the succession of ascents, descents and river crossings. The trail starts after crossing the Crapaud Hall River, on the left.

Segment 8: First Camp to Petite Macoucherie. 10 km, walking: 7 to 9 hours. Difficulty level: very difficult.

Points of interest: forest reserve, Mosquito Mountain.

This hike is really long, with about 4 hours of ascent, and then the descent from Mosquito Mountain is severe. Rain makes it even more difficult.

Segment 9: Petite Macoucherie to Colihaut Heights. 12.8 km, walking time: 7h30. Level: very difficult.

Points of interest: banana plantations, primary forest.

A very long stage requiring good physical condition.

Segment 10: Colihaut Heights to Syndicate. 6.2 km, walking time: 4 hrs. Level: easy.

Points of interest: Morne Diablotin.

This is the easiest and shortest stage.

Segment 11: Syndicate to Borne. 13 km, walking time: 7h. Difficulty level.

Points of interest: Parrot reserve, rivers, primary forests, farmland.

This is a long stage with a difficult climb back to Borne at the end.

Segment 12: Borne to Pennville. 13.5 km, walking time: 7 hrs. Level: medium to difficult.

Points of interest: deep rural areas, filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean 2.

The starting point is near the Bornes church on the left-hand side of the road. Here, too, this fairly long stage offers beautiful scenery on the climb from Borne to Morne-Destinée. The hike ends on the coast to Pennville.

Segment 13: Pennville to Capuchin. 7 km, walking time: 4 hrs. Level: medium.

Attractions: panoramic views of the Guadeloupe islands, Tafia Falls, flora and fauna.

The starting point is a small bar in Delaford. Follow the left bank of the Delaford River to reach the first promontory. After a few short river crossings to cool off, you'll reach Capuchin and Cape Merville, on the island's north-western tip.

Segment 14: Capuchin to Cabrits. 10.8 km, walking time: 4h30. Difficulty level: medium.

Points of interest: Bell Hall Beach, Toucarie.

Much of the walk takes place along the seashore, on large cobbles, before entering Cabrits National Park (Fort Shirley).