Not the obvious choice for hiking, yet despite possessing few properly cleared trails, Barbados nevertheless offers enjoyable opportunities to explore its tropical countryside.

Barbados Hiking Association

The easiest way is to join one of Barbados Hiking Association weekly outings (by donation), which offer circular hikes (approx 3hr) of varying lengths and speeds. The cooler morning hikes involve heaving yourself out of bed at crack of dawn on a Sunday for a 6am start. You can join one of four groups that walk at various speeds. The easiest group to join is ‘Stop and ‘Stare’ – where the guide fills you in on the island’s history and culture. The other groups range from a brisk pace to a serious ‘Grin ‘n’ Bear’ route march. A single medium-paced group meets at the same place at 3.30pm. On full moons, you can enjoy a night hike. For an endurance challenge consider the annual Great Train Hike.