Most Booked$80 USD ppAbout 3 hours
All tours
Extreme Hiking Trail
Katy Hill Nature Trail
Our climb to the highest point in the Centre Hills, through rare cloud forest to fantastic island-wide views.
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 (plus transport time)
Difficulty
Strenuous · Extreme · Age 16+
Group size
1 to 30 people
Route
Upper Blakes or Jack Boy Hill → Katy Hill summit
The Trail
To the top of the Centre Hills
Katy Hill is the highest point in the Centre Hills, and reaching it is one of the most rewarding climbs on Montserrat. It is an extreme hike, up to six hours through dense green forest that gives way near the summit to the rare elfin cloud forest, mossy and misty, where the views open up across the whole island.
You can start two ways. From Upper Blakes, through the farm lands, where you see how Montserratians work the land, or from Jack Boy Hill, the viewing point that looks out over the east, the buried W.H. Bramble Airport and the villages lost to the Soufrière Hills volcano. Either way, it is a long, steep, glorious day in the hills.
5 on TripAdvisor
“He's famous for calling down the birds. Scriber explained what we could see and found things we couldn't. We ended on a local lady's balcony inside the forest, watching hummingbirds dart around. Magical.”— Fairlocks
What makes it special
Moments you'll remember
The roof of the Centre Hills
Stand on Katy Hill, the highest point in the whole range.
The cloud forest
Climb into the rare, misty elfin woodland near the summit, found only on the highest ridges.
Island-wide panoramas
From the top, look out across the whole island and out to the sea.
A choice of beginnings
Start through the Upper Blakes farm lands, or from Jack Boy Hill with its view over the volcano and the buried airport.
Itinerary
What you'll see, in order
Stop 1
Meet and set off
Meet Scriber at your chosen start, Upper Blakes or Jack Boy Hill. 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
The first stop
Set off through the Upper Blakes farm lands, or take in the Jack Boy Hill viewpoint over the volcano and the buried Bramble Airport, before entering the forest.
Stop 3
Up through the forest
The long, steep ascent through dense green forest, alive with birds and old trees.
Stop 4
The cloud forest
Reach the rare elfin woodland near the summit, mossy, misty, and cool.
Stop 5
The Katy Hill summit
Stand at the highest point in the Centre Hills and take in the fantastic panoramic views.
Stop 6
The descent
The long walk back down through the forest, at a steady pace.
The fine print
What's in the price
Included
- Private guided hike with James 'Scriber' Daley, MBE
- The full guided climb to the Katy Hill summit and back
- Your chosen viewpoint stop (the Jack Boy Hill volcano view, or the Upper Blakes farm lands)
- Bird and plant identification, history, and bush knowledge throughout
On you
- Transport — add at booking for up to 4 guests. Larger parties, contact us for a quote.
- A packed lunch and snacks — this is a long hike, bring your own
- Drinking water — you must carry your own (a must on an extreme hike)
- 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
Plenty of water (two to three litres — 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
A strenuous, extreme-rated hike for fit, experienced hikers, ages 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, so dress for rain and cooler air near the top.
Book your spot
Ready for the climb?
An extreme, full-day climb to the highest point in the Centre Hills. Serious hikers only — message us first if you're not sure it's for you. 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