Most Booked$80 USD ppAbout 3 hours
All tours
Hiking Trail
Oriole Walkway Nature Trail
Montserrat's most beloved trail — a climb through the Centre Hills rainforest in search of the Montserrat Oriole, our national bird, found nowhere else on earth.
4.9 on TripAdvisorKing's Honour Award (MBE) · 40+ years guiding
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Duration
About 2.5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate · Steep · Age 10+
Group size
1 to 30 people
Route
Fogarty ↔ Cassava Ghaut, Woodlands
The Experience
In search of a bird found nowhere else on earth
The Oriole Walkway is Montserrat's most loved trail, and for good reason. It climbs gently, then steeply, through the living rainforest of the Centre Hills to the top of Lawyer's Mountain, where my island opens up beneath you, north and south, in one breathtaking view.
This is the home of the Montserrat Oriole, our national bird, a flash of black and burnt orange that lives nowhere else on earth. He nearly disappeared when the volcano took half our forest, and he is slowly coming back. On a good morning I'll call to them, and they answer. Along the way I'll show you trees hundreds of years old, walk you across the catchment where the island gathers its fresh water, and introduce you to the giant woodslave and the rest of the forest's quiet residents.
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
Meet the national bird
The Montserrat Oriole lives nowhere else on earth. On a good morning Scriber calls and they call back.
The view from the top
From near Lawyer's Mountain, look out over the Silver Hills, the oldest part of the whole island.
Trees older than the country
Banyan, hog plum, and mammee apple, some of them hundreds of years old.
The giant woodslave
Meet the big native gecko Montserratians grew up with, harmless and unforgettable.
How an island drinks
Cross the Fogarty catchment and see how Montserrat collects its fresh water.
The rainforest that came back
Ferns, flowers, and birdsong in the Centre Hills that regrew after the volcano.
Itinerary
What you'll see, in order
Stop 1
Coffee Shop (Hilltop Coffee House at Fogarty) — meeting point
Gather at Hilltop Coffee House in Fogarty (or at Cedar Park Loop, Cassava Ghaut in Woodlands). The trail can be walked in either direction.
Stop 2
Into the Centre Hills
Enter the rainforest on a gentle climb, with Scriber pointing out plants and bush medicine as you go.
Stop 3
Lookout Village
Climb up to Lookout Village, the steep stretch of the trail, with views opening up as you go.
Stop 4
The viewing area
Stop to take in the Silver Hills and the views over the north of the island.
Stop 5
Oriole territory
Quiet listening time. Scriber calls the orioles and watches for movement in the canopy.
Stop 6
The ancient trees
Walk among banyan, hog plum, and mammee apple trees, some hundreds of years old.
Stop 7
The catchment crossing
Cross the Fogarty catchment and learn how the island collects its drinking water.
Stop 8
Coffee Shop (Hilltop Coffee House) — the loop returns here
Wind down at Hilltop Coffee House, with its collection of Montserrat memorabilia.
The fine print
What's in the price
Included
- Private guided hike with James 'Scriber' Daley, MBE
- Bird spotting and identification along the trail
- All viewpoints, ancient trees, and the catchment crossing
- History, legends, and bush knowledge as you walk
On you
- Transport — add at booking for up to 4 guests. Larger parties, contact us for a quote.
- Refreshments at Hilltop Coffee House
- Gratuities (appreciated)
Before you go
Come prepared
Wear
Closed hiking shoes with good grip, plus long trousers and long sleeves to keep off chiggers and brush.
Bring
Plenty of water, insect repellent, a hat, and a camera. We encourage guests to bring their own hiking sticks.
Children
Suitable for ages 10 and up who can manage a steep, uneven trail.
Weather
It's a rainforest, so paths can be wet and slippery. We go rain or shine, so dress for both.
Book your spot
Ready when you are
A moderate forest walk in search of the Montserrat Oriole, the national bird, found nowhere else on earth. Mornings give you the best chance of hearing and seeing 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
2.5 hrs · Free cancel 24 hrs