Most Booked$80 USD ppAbout 3 hours
All tours
Hiking Trail
Underwood Nature Trail
A moderate forest walk alive with butterflies, with crayfish streams, blooming heliconias, an old sugar mill, and a panoramic view.
4.9 on TripAdvisorKing's Honour Award (MBE) · 40+ years guiding
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Duration
About 2 hours
Difficulty
Moderate · One stream crossing · Age 8+
Group size
1 to 30 people
Route
Shared start with Blackwood Allen, into the Centre Hills
The Experience
A walk through butterflies and old plantation days
The Underwood Trail is a lovely, moderate two-hour walk that shares its start with the Blackwood Allen, winding through a lush stretch of the Centre Hills. You cross a single forest stream, where you can spot crayfish in the water, and if you are lucky you will see or hear our national bird, the Montserrat Oriole.
But the real magic here is the butterflies. The trail comes alive with them — the great sulphur, the checkered, the migrating monarch, and swallowtails among many others, dancing among the heliconias in full bloom. Along the way you pass the ruins of a 17th-century sugar mill, a reminder of the island's plantation days, and the trail opens up to a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
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
A cloud of butterflies
The great sulphur, the checkered, the migrating monarch, swallowtails, and many more.
Crayfish in the stream
Cross the forest stream and look for crayfish in the clear water.
The Montserrat Oriole
A chance to see or hear our rare national bird along the way.
Heliconias in bloom
The national flower in its fine regalia all along the trail.
A 17th-century sugar mill
The ruins of an old mill, a reminder of the island's plantation days.
A panoramic view
The surrounding countryside laid out around you.
Itinerary
What you'll see, in order
Stop 1
Meet and set off
Meet Scriber at the trailhead — the same start as the Blackwood Allen Trail. 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 Centre Hills
Set off through a lush stretch of forest, with Scriber pointing out the plants and birds.
Stop 3
The stream crossing
Cross the single forest stream and look for crayfish in the water.
Stop 4
Butterflies and blooms
Walk among the butterflies and the blooming heliconias, with a chance of the Montserrat Oriole.
Stop 5
The old sugar mill
Stop at the 17th-century sugar mill ruins and hear the story of the island's plantation days.
Stop 6
The panoramic view
Take in the view over the surrounding countryside before heading back.
The fine print
What's in the price
Included
- Private guided hike with James 'Scriber' Daley, MBE
- The full guided walk on the Underwood Trail
- Butterfly, bird, plant, and history knowledge throughout
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 grip, plus long trousers and sleeves for the forest.
Bring
Water, insect repellent, a hat, and a camera (wonderful for the butterflies). We encourage guests to bring their own hiking sticks.
Children
A good moderate walk for families, with one forest stream to cross.
Weather
The path can be slippery after rain, and the butterflies are at their best on warm, sunny days.
Book your spot
Ready when you are
A moderate two-hour forest walk through butterflies and heliconias, past a 17th-century sugar mill. At its best on warm, sunny days when the butterflies are out. 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 hrs · Moderate forest walk