Trip code: W07BM 4.6 (34 reviews)
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
10% early booking discount on selected trips. Book by 22 Oct 2024.
This self-guided walking holiday explores the quintessential island paradise of Bermuda, a sub-tropical gem, seemingly adrift in the North Atlantic Ocean. Warmed by the temperate Gulf Stream, Bermuda is a stunning archipelago of 181 islands and islets, the eight largest of which form the fishhook-shaped mainland. The oldest British colony, this tiny treasure trove is packed with history and natural beauty. Famed for its stunning turquoise waters in a whole rainbow of blues, incredible pink sands and coral reefs home to hundreds of colourful fish, Bermuda is a beach-lover's heaven. Beyond the postcard-worthy bays, the islands offer a lush interior alive with a multitude of birds and flowers, making it perfect to explore on foot. As Mark Twain commented, 'You go to heaven if you want. I'd rather stay here in Bermuda'.
A traffic-free trail spans Bermuda's diminutive 21-mile length; we've split it into 6 diverse sections to offer gentle walks exploring every corner. From hidden sea grottoes to panoramic forts, lush flower-speckled fields to the sun-kissed sands of the South Shore Trail, the kaleidoscope of colour is unforgettable and the diversity of flora and fauna unbeatable. To help you get around, a 7-day travel pass is included, allowing unlimited access to the modern and efficient bus and ferry networks. Our local partner, Tim Rogers, will brief you about how everything works; he has a wealth of knowledge about Bermuda's flora, fauna and history.
You stay at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort, which sits within a lush tropical estate, with 3 private beaches and a wealth of excellent facilities.
The walking is predominantly flat with no real ascents or descents. Terrain varies between asphalt, gravel, and earthen surfaces as well as some sandy trails. Walking boots are recommended.
Read more about this holiday in our Meet the Expert blog with Megan.
Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner overlooking the ocean.
You stay at Grotto Bay Beach Resort.
Your hotel for the duration of this holiday is the Grotto Bay Beach Resort, which sits within a lush tropical estate set along the water’s edge in Bailey’s Bay. It comprises of 3 private beaches and 11 brightly coloured cottages which overlook the turquoise Bermudian waters.
The hotel boasts fantastic facilties including tennis courts, water sports and the 'Natura Spa' which is set within the atmospheric Prospero's Cave - complete with stalactites and stalagmites - overlooking a crystal-clear ocean-fed lake.
The resort's luxurious Great House comes with dark wood floors and tropical colours, as well as stunning views of the hotel grounds and turquoise ocean beyond. It's home to the Rum House Bar - where there is regular live entertainment - and the resort's 2 restaurants: the relaxed Palm Court or the elegant Hibiscus Dining Room. The Bayside Grill is also available at lunchtime, whilst the Bayside Bar serves tropical drinks along the water's edge.
The newly renovated bedrooms at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort are spacious and contemporary with marble bathrooms and either private balcony or private patio.
As your stay at the Grotto Bay Hotel is on a room only basis, please let us know if you would like to add breakfast, breakfast and evening meal or all inclusive to your stay. Please contact us for a quote.
Today's route begins at Somerset Bridge, the world's smallest drawbridge, to follow the Railway Trail lined with unusual screw palm and cedar, reaching 19th century Fort Scaur, with stunning views to Hamilton. Onwards to sleepy Somerset Village for lunch by pretty Mangrove Bay, you then follow a coastal track to the Royal Naval Dockyard at Bermuda's most westerly end. Maybe visit vibrant Hamilton before meeting Tim Rogers at the hotel who will talk you through the suggested programme for the rest of your walking week.
You start the day in charming St George, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's time to explore the tangle of colourful streets and pretty harbour, before a dazzling path lined with prickly pear and casuarina leads to Gates Bay where Sir George Somers first came ashore in 1609. You continue along a herb-scented coastal track to Ferry Reach, with its 17th century fort and Corsican tower.
At tranquil St David's, fragrant hibiscus scents the salty ocean air as you visit Red Hole bay. Then it's on to St David's Battery, with cliff views stretching infinitely across the ocean, before heading over to Cooper's Island, Bermuda's newest nature reserve, a truly isolated and unspoilt area.
From Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, balcony views span the entire west end across the azure waters of Great Sound, dotted with white sailboats. From here you descend to the sugary pink sands of the South Shore Trail, a string of nine gorgeous bays linked by a scented path of flowering morning glory and oleander. There's time for a dip at Chaplin Bay before savouring a Dark 'n' Stormy cocktail back at the hotel.
Colourful prickly poppies dot the sparkling coastal route towards Flatts Village, where friendly locals cast their nets into the azure expanse of Harrington Sound, an inland lake littered with sea grottoes. It's then onwards with views over the northern shore to reach Blue Hole Park, a tiny treasure trove of caves filled with aquamarine waters. Visit the fascinating Crystal Caves perhaps, before a leisurely dip in the pool back at the hotel.
Alive with the noisy chatter of yellow kiskadee, a gentle allspice-scented trail brings you to Paget Marsh, a wetland oasis, home to herons and warblers. Then it's on to the Botanical Gardens - John Lennon's Double Fantasy album is named after the purple flower he spotted here - before heading to Spittal Pond; maybe spot herons, egrets and flamingos before following the coastal path, vibrant with sea lavender, looking out for humpback whales basking in the warm Atlantic waters.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £691.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Bermuda airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e