Running away to Negmawah

Negmawah is a French Creole word that means “runaway slave.” Access to get there is from the Maracas North Coast Road and the downhill walk to the beach will take an hour. The return journey to the top of the mountain is uphill and moderately challenging. The trail descends to the left-hand side of the bay, where a small cove is located and over the rocks, leads to the beach.

The Cedula De-Population of 1783 invited French farmers to come to Trinidad and develop the country by establishing estates.

Most of the places in the vicinity of Negmawah still have French names like Pechon Cove, Mal D’Estomac, and Saut D’eau. There is no one alive to relate its history, but villagers pass on its name.

One can only imagine the significance of Negmawah as a hideout for the runaway slaves. The torture of slavery, to labour 12 hours a day, seven days a week, whipped and unpaid for an entire lifetime. There is something sentimental about Negmawah – the enchanted stillness in the forest.

On Saturday, Fitness Walkers explore Negmawah Beach.

Assembly: 7 am at the Morne Coco Road Gas Station Maraval.

Hiking time: an hour downhill and one-and-a-half-hours uphill return.

Rated: 4-5 moderately challenging.