Introducing Northern St Kitts

A drive around the northern part of the island is a must. The entire circuit is about 35 miles and, with various stops and lunch at one of the plantation houses, can easily fill a day. The key sight is majestic Brimstone Hill Fortress, a quick drive northwest of Basseterre. Beyond here lowlands covered with abandoned sugarcane fields run up the hills to Mt Liamuiga, the 3792ft dormant volcano that dominates the interior. It’s possible to hike to the top of the crater, but a guide is recommended.

In the far north, Dieppe Bay Town was first settled by French Huguenots fleeing from religious persecution in the 17th century. It is the northern gateway to the island’s Atlantic side where the surf can often be spectacular.

Much of the east coast is thinly populated. Endless fields of sugarcane wave in the trade winds, never to decay a tooth again. The constant rustle of the leaves and the underlying roar of the surf are punctuated by the calls of songbirds. Signs reading ‘Disasters… Swift, Sudden, Deadly. Let’s get ready now!!!’ add a sense of foreboding (we assume they mean hurricanes, but…).

The best way to make this trip is by car. Note that the only gas station along the loop is near Brimstone Hill Fortress. Without a car, you can use minibuses, but they stick to the main coast road and many of the places worth visiting are a hike inland. You can also take a tour (there are many) or hire a driver.