Off The Beaten Track – Exploring Bermuda

Go off the grid

For your unique adventure in nature, you’ll want to go off the beaten track. Here are four must-experience spots. Bring your lunch, binoculars, a camera phone and your appetite for hidden natural gems.

Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve

• Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve features 12 acres of unspoiled beauty. The reserve is located at the eastern end of Bermuda in St. David’ On its east is Cooper’s Island Road, which has a stretch of quiet beaches, while on its west sits beautiful Castle Harbour. Clearwater Beach and Turtle Beach, both public beaches, are located next to the reserve; there’s even a seasonal beach house with rentals. Nature trails will appear through a vast stretch of woodland area with introduced botanicals like Brazil pepper, casuarinas and allspice. Bermuda cedars, palmettos and olive woods are being re-introduced to the reserve.

Spittal Pond

• Stretching across 64 acres is Spittal Pond, located in Smith’s Parish. It’s the largest nature reserve and national park on the island. It is also a large bird sanctuary and one of the best bird watching locations in Bermuda. Most of the bird-life can be seen from the trail itself. Make time to visit the historic landmark, Portuguese Rock, where shipwreck survivors left their mark in the 1500s

Hog Bay Park

• Hog Bay Park is a quiet stretch of rural land featuring agricultural fields, woodlands and an old lime kiln. You won’t see any habitation, roads or hear any noise as you meander along the network of trails that go around the park. Bird watchers beware: bring your binoculars as the park is a mecca for resident and migrant birds. The trails lead to the coast line and offer panoramic views to the east and west. The entrance and car park is on Middle Road, Southampton.

Walsingham Jungle

• Known to locals as Tom Moore’s Jungle, this nature preserve is comprised of 12 acres of forests, caves and secret swimming holes. It’s one of the island’s prettiest, most secluded nature walks, featuring networks of paths and arching trees. It’s also home to a mangrove forest and less trafficked subterranean caves. In fact, the best discovery might just be adjoining Blue Hole Park, with its dark-blue pool of deep water. Entry to the park is free.

Local Tip: A great way to experience Bermuda’s nature reserves is by guided tour. Hidden Gems of Bermuda is an award-winning all-inclusive eco-tour company that offers a range of excursions for visitors with a passion for nature. Visit exquisite locations and get a taste of Bermuda’s best kept secrets. For more information, visit BermudaHiddenGems.com