Soufriere – Palmiste – Bois Cotlette

This is a medium difficulty loop hike that usually takes three to four hours. It has a particularly steep section between the summit of Palmiste / Morne Vert and the valley bottom at Bois Cotlette. On the climb up from Soufriere Sulphur Springs there are great views down the valley to Soufriere village and Soufriere Bay. From the top of Palmiste, there a wonderful views of Grand Bay and across to Martinique.

The trail is a little overgrown from Soufriere Sulphur Springs to Tete Morne which is surprising as I know people use this as a functional track. There have been a few landslides and the undergrowth is high in places. It is, however, passable. The route from the village of Tete Morne to Palmiste is in pretty good condiditon as it is used daily by farmers. Once at the top of Palmiste it is extremely difficult to find the trailhead down to Bois Cotlette if you haven’t been here before. Ask the farmers and they will show you, but bear in mind there is unlikely to be anyone up here on Sundays or public holidays – so don’t get lost. The old Carib track down to Bois Cotlette from Palmiste is pretty treacherous in places and has worn away. It is very steep and a walking pole always helps as a brake ! Try to protect yourself from bete rouge too as they are very prevalent here in this dry forest environment (I’m itching as I write ….).

Before heading back to Soufriere, take time to visit the old Bois Cotlette estate. It is quite beautiful and resoration is painstakingly slow and expensive. Your patronage will help. The track from Bois Cotlette to Soufriere is a wide vehicle track and easy going.

This is a hike with a difference and always worth the effort.