Most Booked$80 USD ppAbout 3 hours
All tours
Hiking Trail
Hell's Gate
An early-morning coastal trek across the ancient Silver Hills to Montserrat's dramatic Hell's Gate, alive with seabirds.
4.9 on TripAdvisorKing's Honour Award (MBE) · 40+ years guiding
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Duration
About 4.5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate to strenuous · Exposed coast · Age 12+
Group size
1 to 30 people
Route
Silver Hills → Atlantic coast → Hell's Gate
The Experience
An early start on the wild Atlantic coast
Hell's Gate is one of Montserrat's wildest, most dramatic spots — out on the rugged Atlantic coast where the land meets the sea. We set off at first light, around 5:15 in the morning, partly for the sunrise and partly because this exposed coast gets hot fast. The hike runs about four and a half hours in and out of Silver Hills, the oldest part of the whole island.
This is a hike for the birds. The cliffs and sea here are alive with seabirds — red-billed tropicbirds, terns, pelicans, and the magnificent frigatebird among them. Along the way you also pass the spot that was first proposed for the island's new airport during the volcanic crisis, with the story of those years told by someone who lived through them.
5 on TripAdvisor
“Truly welcoming, knowledgeable, helpful, and fun. We did a 3-hour hike and learned a great deal about the plants, animals, and birds — no hurry at all. Our second tour was the remains of Plymouth; since Scriber lived through the eruptions, he gave a rare peek into both the damage and the feelings people had.”— bcdonthego2016
What makes it special
Moments you'll remember
The wild Atlantic coast
Reach Hell's Gate, a dramatic rock formation where the land drops away to the sea.
Sunrise over the Silver Hills
An early start across the oldest part of the island, in the cool of the morning.
A seabird spectacle
Red-billed tropicbirds, terns, pelicans, and magnificent frigatebirds along the cliffs and sea.
A piece of volcano history
See the spot first proposed for the island's new airport during the volcanic crisis.
Itinerary
What you'll see, in order
Stop 1
Early start and meet
Meet Scriber before dawn for the 5:15 AM start. Transport can be arranged for an additional fee — just request a return pickup in your booking notes or message us on WhatsApp. Or you can drive yourself.
Stop 2
Into the Silver Hills
Set off in and out of Silver Hills, the oldest part of the island, as the sun comes up.
Stop 3
The seabird coast
Follow the Atlantic coast, watching for tropicbirds, frigatebirds, terns, and pelicans.
Stop 4
The proposed airport site
Pass the spot first considered for the island's new airport during the volcanic crisis, and hear the story.
Stop 5
Hell's Gate
Reach the dramatic rock formation on the wild coast — the trail's namesake.
Stop 6
The walk back
Return before the day gets too hot.
The fine print
What's in the price
Included
- Private guided hike with James 'Scriber' Daley, MBE
- The full guided coastal hike to Hell's Gate and back
- Seabird spotting and volcano-era history throughout
On you
- Transport — can be arranged on request (or follow in your own vehicle)
- Food and drinks (bring your own — see Come Prepared)
- Gratuities (appreciated)
Before you go
Come prepared
Wear
Closed shoes with grip, light, breathable clothing, and a hat. The coast is exposed with very little shade.
Bring
Plenty of water (frozen water that thaws as you go is ideal), light snacks or snack bars, juice, sunscreen, and a camera or binoculars for the birds. We encourage guests to bring their own hiking sticks.
Fitness
Moderate to strenuous. About four and a half hours on an exposed coast that gets hot, so a good level of fitness helps. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Weather
We start at 5:15 AM on purpose — for the cool, the sunrise, and to beat the heat. It is hot and exposed later, so sun protection and water are essential.
Book your spot
Ready for an early start?
A strenuous hike on the wild Atlantic coast. We set off early to beat the heat, so be ready for an early one. 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
4.5 hrs · 5:15 AM start