Go hike across the Northern Range valleys

The hike is recommended for experienced hikers or physically-fit people who are accustomed to walking long hours on the trails. It is an excellent trainer in preparation for the upcoming Hike-a-thon and any other trail event. The course consists of four valleys to cross, and the highest elevation (655m) is at the summit overlooking Lalaja and Brasso Seco. These bench trails were built during the 18th century to transport cocoa and link the various estates and villages.

Valley 1: Guanapo

Valley to Lalaja (1? hours)

The trek begins alongside the river from the Guanapo Quarry, and the first leg is to reach the top of Lalaja Road. The trail leads in a northerly direction and descends to the river where in the middle of the forest there is an old sign that says Tombasson Trace. A secluded waterfall situated close to the trail is the Guanapo Waterfall. The route continues uphill through the forest and leads to a dilapidated citrus estate where there is a concrete road. This part of the trek is the most challenging with a steep ascend to the top of Lalaja South Trace. The elevation is 572m and in the distance panoramic views of the Guanapo Valley. Most noticeable is the Guanapo Quarry where the beauty of the mountain has been destroyed by years of excavation.

Valley 2: Lalaja to

Brasso Seco (1 ? hours).

Lalaja is a small agriculture settlement situated 10 km north-east from Arima. The route is over the hills of Lalaja with a descent into Brasso Seco Village. The walk along the Lalaja Road continues for 1.6 km and turns left up into Lalaja Paria Trace to the overpass. At the mountain crest, other small pathways lead to the highest peak El Cerro Del Aripo (940m) and Mt Bleu (848m), the fifth highest. The main track turns sharply left and descends into Brasso Seco.

Valley 3: Brasso Seco to

Paria Bay (2 1/2-3 hours).

The journey proceeds from the Brasso Seco Visitor Facility and heads north-east on the Paria Road. The trek to Paria Bay is through the heart of the forest and is eight miles long on a wide open path that consists of mild inclines.

Valley 4: Paria Bay to

Blanchisseuse (2 hours).

At Paria, there is the option to divert from the main course and visit the falls for a quick refresher. During the month of May, a spectacular occurrence is the early emerging of turtle hatchlings on the beach.

The final leg to the Spring Bridge is along the ever-popular coastal path situated at the western end of the beach.

Date: May 9:

Assembly: 6 am at Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex Mt Hope.

Rating: 8 difficult recommended for experience or physically-fit hikers.

Time: 5 -8 hours

* Maxi transport to Guanapo Quarry.

* Return transport from Blanchisseuse.

Pre-registration required, text name so adequate transportation is provided.

For bookings and details contact Mario 749-2956 or visit www.islandhikers.com