Most Booked$80 USD ppAbout 3 hours
All tours
Extreme Hiking Trail
Hope Ridge Nature Trail
Our toughest, most rewarding climb. From the volcano's edge to the cloud forest at the top of the island.
4.9 on TripAdvisorKing's Honour Award (MBE) · 40+ years guiding
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Duration
Up to 6 hours on the trail
Difficulty
Strenuous · Extreme · Age 16+
Group size
1 to 30 people
Route
MVO → Hope Ridge → Jubilee Heights → Cassava Ghaut
The Experience
From the volcano's edge to the cloud forest at the top of the island
Hope Ridge is the big one. Over up to six hours on the trail, I'll take you from near the Montserrat Volcano Observatory up across Hope Ridge and Jubilee Heights, then down to Cassava Ghaut in Woodlands, through four different worlds of forest as we go. We start in dry lower woodland, climb up through cool, green mesic and primary forest alive with birdsong, and reach the rare elfin cloud forest that clings to my island's highest ridges — mossy, misty, and found in very few places on earth.
This is the most demanding hike I offer, and a rewarding one. The reward is the whole island laid out beneath you, the green interior on one side and the sea on the other, and the quiet of a forest most visitors never reach. It is steep, it can be muddy, and it asks something of you. If you are fit and you love a real hike, this is the one you will remember. I can also link it with the Oriole Walkway at Fogarty for a different start or finish — confirm the version with me when you book.
5 on TripAdvisor
“Very knowledgeable about the natural history of the island, especially birds and plants. What separates Scriber is his attention to detail and safety — some of our party were older and he went above and beyond. Great personality, a lot of fun.”— Mewilliams2
What makes it special
Moments you'll remember
Four forests in one hike
Walk from dry lower woodland up through mesic and primary forest into rare elfin cloud forest, watching the whole island change around you.
The cloud forest at the top
Mossy, misty elfin woodland that grows only on the island's highest ridges — a world found in few other places on earth.
Face the volcano
Set off near the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, with views toward the Soufrière Hills that reshaped the island.
The views from Jubilee Heights
From the high ground, look out over the green interior, the coast, and the sea on both sides.
Birds found nowhere else
Climb through the protected Centre Hills, home to the Montserrat Oriole and other birds unique to the island.
A real achievement
The most demanding hike I offer, with the bragging rights to match.
Itinerary
What you'll see, in order
Stop 1
Pickup and drive
Meet at the cruise pier or your point of entry. Scriber collects you and drives to the start near the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, sharing the sights on the way.
Stop 2
The volcano viewpoint
Take in the Soufrière Hills and the story of the eruption before the climb begins.
Stop 3
Climb through changing forest
Start in warm, open dry woodland at the foot of the climb, then move up into taller, wetter forest alive with birdsong and old-growth trees. The world gets greener and cooler with every step.
Stop 4
Hope Ridge
The hardest stretch — the steep climb up onto Hope Ridge and the high ground of the Centre Hills.
Stop 5
The elfin cloud forest
The mossy, misty dwarf woodland at the very top, cool and still.
Stop 6
Jubilee Heights
The big payoff — panoramas across the island and out to the sea on both sides.
Stop 7
Down to Cassava Ghaut
Descend through the forest to finish at Cassava Ghaut in Woodlands, right by the Hilltop Coffee Shop, where Scriber drives you home.
The fine print
What's in the price
Included
- Private guided hike with James 'Scriber' Daley, MBE
- All viewpoints, four forest zones, and the high ridges
- Bird, plant, history, and bush knowledge throughout
On you
- Transport — add at booking for up to 4 guests. Larger parties, contact us for a quote.
- Packed lunch and snacks — this is a long hike, bring your own
- Drinking water — bring your own (at least 2 litres, required)
- Gratuities (appreciated)
Before you go
Come prepared
Wear
Proper hiking boots with strong grip (it gets muddy and steep), plus long trousers and long sleeves.
Bring
At least 2 litres of water (required — carrying your own is a must), a packed lunch and snacks, insect repellent, a light rain layer, and a camera. We encourage guests to bring their own hiking sticks.
Fitness
Strenuous, extreme-rated hike for fit, experienced hikers (16+). Not suitable for young children or anyone with mobility, heart, or breathing concerns.
Weather
The high forest is wet, muddy, and often misty, and trails are slippery. We go in suitable conditions — dress for rain and cooler air up top.
Book your spot
Ready when you are
A strenuous, long-day hike from the volcano's edge up to the cloud forest at the top of the island. Only book this one if you're confident with a tough hike — message us first if you're not sure. 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
Up to 6 hrs · Extreme