Most Booked$80 USD ppAbout 3 hours
All tours
Guided Hike
Hike to the Petroglyphs
Walk to the oldest art on Montserrat, carved by the island's first people and hidden deep in Soldier Ghaut.
4.9 on TripAdvisorKing's Honour Award (MBE) · 40+ years guiding
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Duration
About 3 hours
Difficulty
Moderate · Uneven ground · Age 12+
Group size
1 to 30 people
Route
Soldier Ghaut → petroglyph panel
The Experience
Walk back to Montserrat's first people
Hidden deep in Soldier Ghaut, on a sheer rock wall, is the oldest art on Montserrat. A panel of carvings left by the island's first people, the Amerindians, somewhere between a thousand and fifteen hundred years ago. They were only found in 2016, which makes them the island's newest old discovery, and the only petroglyphs ever recorded on Montserrat.
Over about three hours, I take you down through lush green forest and along the ghaut to stand in front of them. Along the way we talk about the plants, the birds, and the people who walked these hills long before us. It is part nature walk, part journey back in time.
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
Montserrat's oldest art
Stand before carvings made by the island's first people more than a thousand years ago.
The island's only petroglyphs
Found in 2016 by two local hikers after a landslide — the first and only ones ever recorded on Montserrat.
Into Soldier Ghaut
Follow a deep, green watercourse to a sheer rock wall most visitors never see.
The living forest
Lush vegetation, birds, and the flora and fauna of the hills the whole way in.
Itinerary
What you'll see, in order
Stop 1
Meet and set off
Meet Scriber at the start, at one of two daily start times — 8:00 AM or 1:30 PM. 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 green hills
Walk down through lush forest toward the ghaut, with Scriber naming the plants and birds as you go.
Stop 3
Along Soldier Ghaut
Follow the creek-bed watercourse deeper in. This is why the start times are set — the creek conditions matter.
Stop 4
The petroglyphs
Stand before the panel of ancient carvings on the rock wall and hear the story of who made them, and when.
Stop 5
The walk back
Return through the forest the way you came, at an easy pace.
The fine print
What's in the price
Included
- Private guided hike with James 'Scriber' Daley, MBE
- The guided walk to and from the petroglyphs
- The history of the carvings and the island's first people
- Plant and bird identification along the trail
On you
- Transport — add at booking for up to 4 guests. Larger parties, contact us for a quote.
- Refreshments
- Gratuities (appreciated)
Before you go
Come prepared
Wear
Closed shoes with good grip that you don't mind getting wet or muddy, plus long trousers and sleeves. The ghaut can be slippery.
Bring
Water, insect repellent, a hat, and a camera. We encourage guests to bring their own hiking sticks.
Fitness
Moderate. There is uneven ground and some walking in the ghaut, so you want sure footing. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
Weather
We start at 8:00 AM or 1:30 PM to suit the creek. After heavy rain the ghaut can run high, so timing matters and we go when it is safe.
Book your spot
Ready when you are
A moderate three-hour hike into Soldier Ghaut to stand before Montserrat's only ancient petroglyphs. 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
3 hrs · Free cancel 24 hrs