Most Booked$80 USD ppAbout 3 hours
All tours
Hiking Trail
Duberry-Cassava Nature Trail
An easy guided walk through the Centre Hills — tarantulas, an old arrowroot mill, and the legendary Runaway Ghaut spring.
4.9 on TripAdvisorKing's Honour Award (MBE) · 40+ years guiding
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Duration
About 2 hours · 0.5 mi each way
Difficulty
Easy · Gentle walk · All ages
Group size
1 to 30 people
Route
Woodlands → Runaway Ghaut
The Experience
One of my favourite easy walks on Montserrat
The trail takes its name from the Duberry family, who once cultivated cassava on this land. I'll take you on a gentle two-hour stroll from the Cedar Park Loop in Woodlands, through the green heart of the island, finishing at the famous Runaway Ghaut.
Along the way we listen for birds, brush past giant monstera leaves, and pass small plots of bananas and papaya at the forest's edge. I'll introduce you to a tarantula, show you an old arrowroot mill, and tell you the legend waiting at the spring — drink it, and you're sure to come back to me.
5 on TripAdvisor
“Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience Montserrat's wildlife. Scriber's knowledge of the island is second to none. Orioles, hummingbirds, tarantulas — whatever floats your boat, Scriber can find it for you!”— Emma C.
What makes it special
Moments you'll remember
Inside the Centre Hills reserve
The trail runs through Montserrat's protected forest core — a designated Key Biodiversity Area and the green heart of the island.
Home of the Montserrat Oriole
The Centre Hills are the primary stronghold of the Montserrat Oriole — the critically endangered national bird, found nowhere else on Earth.
A harmless island tarantula
Montserrat's tarantula is large, calm, and not dangerous to humans — making the tarantula-fishing demo a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Arrowroot — Montserrat's old export
From the 19th into the early 20th century, arrowroot starch was one of the island's main exports. The mill ruins on this trail are where it was processed.
The Runaway Ghaut legend
The spring takes its name from runaways who once hid in these hills. Tradition says one sip of its water and you'll find your way back to Montserrat.
Cool, shaded, and gentle
The forest canopy keeps the walk cool even on hot days. Easy pace, no hard climbs — perfect for families and casual walkers.
Itinerary
What you'll see, in order
Stop 1
Cedar Park Loop trailhead, Woodlands
Meet at the trailhead for a quick orientation. Scriber walks you through what to listen for and look out for once we step into the forest.
Stop 2
Cassava Ghaut crossing
The first stretch through the ghaut. We stop often to identify ferns, hardwood trees, and the birds calling above us.
Stop 3
Tarantula fishing
A real Montserrat moment — we coax the island's harmless tarantula out of its burrow for a safe, close-up look. Kids love it.
Stop 4
Colonial-era arrowroot mill
We pause at the ruins of a 19th-century plantation mill and talk about how arrowroot was grown, processed, and shipped from Montserrat.
Stop 5
Forest descent toward Runaway Ghaut
An easy downhill stretch. Watch for orioles, tremblers, and other Centre Hills birds as the canopy opens up.
Stop 6
Runaway Ghaut spring
We finish at the stone fountain. Drink the fresh spring water, hear the full legend — and start planning your return to the island.
The fine print
What's in the price
Included
- Personal narration & storytelling by Scriber (MBE)
- Tarantula fishing demonstration
- Bottled water on the trail
- Small-group, kid-friendly pace
On you
- Transport — add at booking for up to 4 guests. Larger parties, contact us for a quote.
- Gratuities (appreciated)
Before you go
Come prepared
Wear
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes — the trail is easy but uneven in places.
Bring
Camera, sun hat, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. We encourage guests to bring their own hiking sticks.
Weather
Runs rain or shine. The forest stays cool and shaded even on hot days.
Good to know
Family-friendly — children love the tarantula fishing.
Book your spot
Ready when you are
One of our favourite easy walks — gentle, story-filled, and good for most fitness levels. Transport can be purchased when you book (up to 4 persons) — contact us for larger groups or any questions.
Secure your spot online — free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Booking 5 or more? Message us for group pricing.
FAQ
Answers at a glance
Continue the journey
More ways to discover the island
2 hrs · Free cancel 24 hrs