Current as of: October 10, 2024 - 17:43
Current as of: October 10, 2024 - 17:43
1 out of 7 - Easy
This self-guided walking holiday explores the quintessential island paradise of Bermuda, a sub-tropical gem, seemingly adrift in the North Atlantic Ocean. Warmed by the temperate Gulf Stream, Bermuda is a stunning archipelago of 181 islands and islets, the 8 largest of which form the fishhook-shaped mainland. The oldest British colony, this tiny treasure trove is packed with history and natural beauty. Famed for its stunning turquoise waters in a whole rainbow of blues, incredible pink sands and coral reefs home to hundreds of colourful fish, Bermuda is a beach-lover’s heaven. Beyond the postcard-worthy bays, the islands offer a lush interior alive with a multitude of birds and flowers, making it perfect to explore on foot. As Mark Twain commented, ‘You go to heaven if you want. I’d rather stay here in Bermuda’.
A traffic-free trail spans Bermuda’s diminutive 21-mile length; we’ve split it into 6 diverse sections to offer gentle walks exploring every corner. From hidden sea grottoes to panoramic forts, lush flower-speckled fields to the sun-kissed sands of the South Shore Trail, the kaleidoscope of colour is unforgettable and the diversity of flora and fauna unbeatable. To help you get around, a 7-day travel pass is included, allowing unlimited access to the modern and efficient bus and ferry networks. Our local partner, Tim Rogers, will brief you about how everything works; he has a wealth of knowledge about Bermuda’s flora, fauna and history.
Highlights
A traffic-free trail spans Bermuda’s diminutive 21-mile length; we’ve split it into 6 diverse sections to offer gentle walks exploring every corner. From hidden sea grottoes to panoramic forts, lush flower-speckled fields to the sun-kissed sands of the South Shore Trail, the kaleidoscope of colour is unforgettable and the diversity of flora and fauna unbeatable. To help you get around, a 7-day travel pass is included, allowing unlimited access to the modern and efficient bus and ferry networks. Our local partner, Tim Rogers, will brief you about how everything works; he has a wealth of knowledge about Bermuda’s flora, fauna and history.
The walking is predominantly flat with no real ascents or descents. Terrain varies between asphalt, gravel, and earthen surfaces as well as some sandy trails. Walking boots are recommended.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. We have suggested that 12yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Route notes and maps are provided pre-departure.
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 1
Max group size: 6
Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner overlooking the ocean.
You stay at the Coco Reef Resort for 7 nights on a Room Only basis.
Breakfast and evening meals are available at a supplement – please request prices at time of booking.
Today’s route begins at Somerset Bridge, the world’s smallest drawbridge, to follow the Railway Trail lined with unusual screw palm and cedar trees, reaching 19th century Fort Scaur, with stunning views to Hamilton. Onwards to sleepy Somerset Village for lunch by pretty Mangrove Bay, you then follow a coastal track to the Royal Naval Dockyard at Bermuda’s most westerly end. Maybe visit vibrant Hamilton before meeting Tim Rogers at the hotel who will talk you through the suggested programme for the rest of your walking week.
Two options: 7km/4.5mi/2hr or 8km/5mi/3hr
You start the day in charming St George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s time to explore the tangle of colourful streets and picturesque harbour before a dazzling path lined with prickly pear and casuarina leads to Gates Bay where Sir George Somers first came ashore in 1609. You continue along a herb-scented coastal track to Ferry Reach, with its 17th century forts and Corsican tower.
At tranquil St David’s, fragrant hibiscus scents the salty ocean air as you visit Red Hole bay. Then it’s on to St David’s Battery, with cliff views stretching infinitely across the ocean, before heading over to Cooper’s Island, Bermuda’s newest nature reserve, a truly isolated and unspoilt area.
Two options: 4km/2.5mi/2hr or 5km/3mi/2.5hr
From Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, balcony views span the entire west end across the azure waters of Great Sound, dotted with white sailboats. From here you descend to the sugary pink sands of the South Shore Trail, a string of nine gorgeous bays linked by a scented path of flowering morning glory and oleander. There’s time for a dip at Chaplin Bay before a shaded path leads past cassava fields to the hotel, in time for a dip in the hotel’s pool.
Colourful prickly poppies dot the sparkling coastal route towards Flatts Village, where friendly locals cast their nets into the azure expanse of Harrington Sound, an inland lake littered with sea grottoes. It’s then onwards with views over the northern shore to reach Blue Hole Park, a tiny treasure trove of caves filled with aquamarine waters. Maybe savour a Dark ‘n’ Stormy cocktail after visiting the fascinating Crystal Caves, then take the bus back to the hotel.
Alive with the noisy chatter of yellow kiskadee, a gentle allspice-scented trail brings you to Paget Marsh, a wetland oasis, home to herons and warblers. Then it’s on to the Botanical Gardens – John Lennon’s Double Fantasy album is named after the purple flower he spotted here – before heading to Spittal Pond; maybe spot herons, egrets and flamingos before following the coastal path, vibrant with sea lavender, looking out for humpback whales basking in the warm Atlantic waters.
Two options: 5km/3mi/1.5hr or 4km/2.5mi/2.5hr
The British Airways flight leaves in the early evening, so you have most of the day at leisure.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
You stay at either the Coco Reef Resort or the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. The Coco Reef is on the edge of the best private beach on the island and just 15 minutes from the capital, Hamilton. The Grotto Bay Beach Resort sits within a lush tropical estate, with 3 private beaches and a wealth of excellent facilities.
Room upgrades: Available on request, please ask for details.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Single supplement from £ 691
This holiday is on a Room Only basis however buffet breakfasts and evening meals can be paid for in advance as a supplement.
Bermudian cuisine is based around seafood, not surprising given its location. A real speciality is the fish chowder; a divinely thick soup made with rockfish or snapper and flavoured with a splash of sherry pepper sauce or local rum. Other traditional dishes include ‘Peas and Plenty’ (black-eyed peas with onions, pork and rice), paw-paw casserole and Hoppin’ John (peas and rice).
Fish is often served as a main course and rockfish or wahoo have to be tried! They are both ‘meaty’ white fish with a delicate flavour. Cod fishcakes are popular too as well as ‘johnnycakes’ (cornmeal griddle 1cakes).
Rum is the local spirit of choice and has been blended on the island by Gosling Brothers since the 1860s. Two local specialities made from dark rum are the ‘dark ‘n’ stormy’ (rum mixed two-to-one with ginger beer) and the ‘rum swizzle’ (rum with pineapple and orange juices and grenadine). As a general rule, dark ‘n’ stormy is considered the ‘national’ tipple favoured by locals and the rum swizzle generally preferred by visitors! Why not try both and make up your own mind?!
The local representative is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service.
Bermuda has a fabulous year-round climate. The warmest month to visit is August (average temp. 28 C) and February being the coolest (average temp. 18 C). On average the wettest month is October.
The flight inclusive prices for this holiday include our standard transfers. Transfers included from Bermuda airport at 18:30, and back to Bermuda airport at 17:45. For land only packages and those booked on non-standard flights transfers are available at a supplement.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Hamilton, Bermuda
Location end: Hamilton, Bermuda
Good walking boots
Small daypack for camera, guidebook, etc.
Water bottle to use when walking and sightseeing (2 litres)
Sun cream
Hat
Sunglasses
Waterproofs
Warm clothes
Mosquito repellent
Swimming costume
Walking poles
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Bermuda. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis B and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
The risk of malaria is not normally present but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice. Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya, both spread by biting mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available; therefore, we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Bermuda's time zone: Atlantic/Bermuda (UTC -03:00)
Bermuda's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz
Bermuda's currency: Bermudian dollar (BMD)
ATMs are widely available in the larger towns, but we recommend taking some USD or Bermudian dollars cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.
You will need extra money for all meals unless the Breakfasts and Dinners are paid for in advance. Eating out, for lunch, in Bermuda can range between BMD $18-25 without drinks. Alternatively, picnic supplies are widely available from grocery stores, markets and cafes.
National Trust Card
If you have a membership card, make sure you take this with you to Bermuda, as you will receive discount/free entry to many museums and attractions. Details will be given to you locally during your briefing.
A service charge (typically 10%-17%) is added to most restaurant bills, it’s customary to leave something extra if the service has been good, however, it isn’t necessary. Be wary of whether a service charge (normally the basic 15%) has been included in the bill before leaving more! Check your bill and don’t be shy about asking if you’re not sure what’s included.
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.