16 February Fort Berkley to Pidgeon Beach walk

Now we're based in Falmouth Harbour it is easy to access the circular walk along the ridge of Pidgeon island. We left the dinghy at the dock and walked through English Harbour and out to the path to Fort Berkley which overlooks Freeman Bay, but before we reached Fort Berkley there is a turn right and uphill to the Lonely Pine, the name we gave the single prominent tree at the top of the hill.

The path is maintained by the TOTS club of Antigua, something to do with drinking rum and social occasions, and clearly marked. When the English were defending the island back in the 18^th century they, or slaves, built three forts along the ridge which command clear views out to Montserrat and over both Falmouth and English Harbours.

The first fort is at Lonely Pine, the second half way along the ridge and the last one stands guard over the entrance to Falmouth. Not the forts are ruins inhabited by some of the many wild goats which graze the scrub. The fort above the entrance to Falmouth is affords splendid views of the boats below before descending the winding path to Pidgeon Beach and the road which took us past the Antigua yacht club and from there to the dinghy dock.

Walking without stopping would take an hour, with our many stops to admire the views it was nearly two hours. Why hurry when you can stop to smell the sea breeze and capture a few images?