Trip code: W14BM 5 (2 reviews)
Self-guided walking
14 nights,
single centre
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
This self-guided walking holiday is the perfect mix of gentle walking and independent exploring allowing you to discover the quintessential island paradise of Bermuda at your own pace. Warmed by the temperate Gulf Stream, this sub-tropical gem, seemingly adrift in the North Atlantic Ocean is a stunning archipelago of 181 islands and islets, the eight largest of which form the fishhook-shaped mainland. 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 and, as Britain's oldest colony, it is packed with history too. 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 and we provide detailed routes for 6 different walks, each exploring it's own diverse sections of the islands. 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 14-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 either the Coco Reef Resort or the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. The Coco Reef is on the edge of the best private beach on the island and just 15 minutes from the capital, Hamilton. The Grotto Bay Beach Resort sits within a lush tropical estate, with 3 private beaches and a wealth of excellent facilities.
From either hotel, you're free to pick and choose your itinerary each day and with stunning beaches, fabulous golf courses, outstanding natural beauty and fascinating history to discover there's plenty of interest for your 'rest days'.
We also offer a 7-night itinerary on our Islands of Bermuda Walk
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.
You stay at the exclusive 64-room 3* Coco Reef Hotel in a deluxe ocean view room (with either balcony or terrace). The hotel is just 15 minutes from the capital, Hamilton and perfect for independent exploring.
You stay at Grotto Bay Beach Resort Bermuda.
Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee
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.
Bermuda is the perfect destination for a mix of relaxation and gentle walking. We provide six detailed walking routes to help you discover the historic, cultural and natural highlights of the island, but there's no set itinerary so you're free to choose when and where to walk - you are on holiday after all!
To help you get around, a 14-day travel pass is included, allowing unlimited access to the modern and efficient bus and ferry networks. Our local partner, Tim Rogers, has a wealth of knowledge about Bermuda's flora, fauna and history, and will brief you about how everything works.
You're free to choose when and where to walk:
Somerset and Ireland Island 7km/4.5mi/2hr or 8km/5mi/3hr
Begin at Somerset Bridge, the world's smallest drawbridge, and follow the Railway Trail lined with unusual screw palm and cedar, reaching C19 Fort Scaur, with stunning views to Hamilton. Onwards to sleepy Somerset Village for lunch by pretty Mangrove Bay, you then follow a coastal track out along Ireland Island to Bermuda's most westerly end.
Exploring the East End 11km/7mi/4.5hr
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 C17 forts and Corsican tower.
St David's and Cooper's Island 4km/2.5mi/2hr or 5km/3mi/2.5hr
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.
Sights of the South Shore 13km/8mi/3.5hr
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.
Coast and Caves 12km/7.5mi/4.5hr
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.
Botanical Gardens and Spittal Pond 5km/3mi/1.5hr or 4km/2.5mi/2.5hr
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.
There's plenty to see and do for the remainder of your stay, with the hotel's private beach an obvious attraction! The island boasts many other beautiful beaches, such as Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay, and several excellent golf courses too.
Pay a visit to the island's capital, Hamilton, and stroll along the harbour where pastel-coloured colonial buildings mix with high-end shops. Perhaps visit the stone Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity and climb the tower for glorious city views befroe relaxing in one of the many harbour-side cafes for a spot of people watching.
The Royal Naval Dockyard is also well worth a visit: once the largest naval base outside the UK, the beautifully restored buildings now house a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the UK's and Bermuda's naval past. Nearby you'll also find the National Museum of Bermuda where you can discover more about the island's history and wildlife and pay a visit to Dolphin Quest to learn more about these fascinating animals, while the Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo on the shores of Harringston Sound, offers the chance to see seals, turtles, fish, monkeys, birds, and the first living coral reef exhibit in the world.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £1562.
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
14 nights,
single centre
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
17.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
