_gIt is the fairest island eyes have beheld; mountainous and the land seems to touch the sky." (Christopher Columbus, 1494)
Shrouded almost perpetually by mists that give Jamaica_fs highest mountains their bluish color, the Blue Mountain range sprawls across the eastern portion of the island for a length of 28 miles and an average width of about 12 miles. They rise steeply in an area so compact that it is possible to drive from the coastal plains to an elevation of over 7,000 feet in less than an hour. When Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494, the mountains were heavily forested. Early Spanish settlers established their hatos or cattle ranches at the foot of the Blue Mountains on the southern coast at Liguanea, the Yallahs Valley and around the Morant Bay area. However, their numbers were few and it was after the island was captured by the English that the lower slopes were cleared for farming and the forests were harvested to meet the great demand in England for Jamaican hardwoods. Today, economic and population pressures have pushed the forest line to around 2000 ft. on the northern slopes and almost 5000 ft. on the southern slopes. The 194,000-acre Blue Mountain and John Crow Mountain National Park was established in 1992 to preserve some of the remaining forests and to protect the island_fs largest watershed. The park comprises about 6% of Jamaica_fs total landmass. These diverse mountain forests have more than 800 species of endemic plants, the world_fs second largest butterfly, Papilo homerus, 200 species of resident and migrant birds and is one of the largest migratory bird habitats in the Caribbean. There are also more than 500 species of flowering plants of which almost one half are native to Jamaica. Of these, the most interesting is perhaps the Jamaican bamboo, Chusquea abietifolia, that flowers only once every 33 years. The next flowering will take place in 2017.
Newcastle The town of Newcastle, located two miles below Holywell, is the common trailhead for several well-known hikes. Newcastle has an interesting history. The British established it in 1841 because troops manning the lowland forts were dying of yellow fever in alarming numbers. The buttercups that grew in great numbers following the rains were blamed for exuding some sort of effluvium that caused the deadly sickness. The troops were stationed high in the forest at Newcastle so they would be far enough away from the buttercup fields to be affected. It was much later before someone made the connection between yellow fever and the hearty, thriving mosquito population that--along with the buttercups?also mushroomed with the rains. Black slaves were much less susceptible to yellow fever than their British owners. Slaves named the buttercups after the white people (or "backras"), calling them "kill-backras." The saying also developed that "If backra wants to live long, he must ask nayga leave" because it appeared the less sickly Negroes knew the secret to good health and long life. Almost all of the area's hikes, such as the Fern Walk Trail, start at the Old Stables Inn.
Irish Town and Redlight Irish Town is a pleasant residential area stretching along the main road for some distance. Some of the other residences have Irish place names, as this was where the Irish coopers who made the coffee barrels lived.
Hardware Gap The parishes of St. Andrew and Portland meet at Hardware Gap. There is a noticeable change in vegetation and climate at Hardware Gap, where on most days mist descends on one of Jamaica's few remaining mountain forest areas. Ginger lilies grow thickly on the roadside.
Holywell Nature Reserve Holywell Nature Reserve, a recreational area is on the left. Since 1993 it has been a part of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. The reserve offers a view of Kingston, picnic spots, tents and tent spaces, and cabins that can be rented from the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust. There are several trails through the forest, and guides are available. The Oatley trail is of particular interest. It passes through tall tree ferns and trees bearing epiphytes such has wild pines, orchids, ferns, lichens and fungi, through fern brakes and mossy sections. Watch for birds and other wildlife. Behind the parking area is the Waterfall trail, with several farm roads leading off it.
Old Tavern Coffee Estate On a small farm, nestled high on the cool northern slopes of the Blue Mountains, is perhaps the perfect setting for growing coffee. While nature provides ideal growing conditions, they painstakingly tend their fields and hand select only the finest, ripest berries for careful processing and on-farm roasting. Since 1972, we have proudly built a reputation for producing a truly exceptional Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.
Jamaica Defense Force The Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) was formed just a few days prior to Jamaica becoming a sovereign independent State within the Commonwealth of Nations. Although the Force itself is still young, it has a long history of descent and traditions stemming from units raised in the West Indies since the mid-seventeenth century.
'''The Peak''' At the top there is at present the remains of a vandalized forest shelter, which is still used by walkers although the roof is collapsing. The views are tremendous if you are not in the mist. On a very fine day, with the aid of binoculars, you may be able to see the tops of the Sierra Maestra Mountains of southern Cuba. The highest point, where the Trigonometry station stands, is to the right of the flat area where the shelter is. ''' Hiking in Holywell with afternoon coffee at Gap Cafe''' Make your way up to Holywell National Park, the options for this are; walk up (it_fs 4 miles from us), or rent a bike (15$US per day) or hitchhike. The entrance fee to the park is approximately 200$J. Once there you can follow any trail or just have a stroll, bring water to drink and remember to return to the entrance before sunset. After a few hours of walking when it_fs time for a break and what is better than relaxing at the Gap Cafe? The hummingbirds come to feed here and you can enjoy a cup of Blue Mountain Coffee or just take in the view. To get back to Mount Edge; you can walk, roll down on your bike or hitchhike.
'''The Strawberry Hill Living Spa''' One of the highlights of the property specializes in stress relief and organic healing based on the five elements practiced in Ayurvedic philosophies. Our Spa offers five treatment rooms, including a specialized hydrotherapy room, a plunge pool, a sauna and a deck for yoga and other outdoor activities. The property's high altitude captures the seasonal mountain mists that create an ideal climate for lush plant growth and truly healthful living.
'''Gap Cafe''' The Gap cafe and gift shoppe, nestled in the Blue Mountains, at 4,400 ft., with a spectacular view of Kingston, Port Royal and the close by Holywell National Park, has been in operation for the past ten years. Just one-hour drive from Kingston, it has a reputation (apart from the view) for good food, good service and the best cup of coffee in the world. In December 2000, a small cottage attached to the cafe was refurbished and turned into a "bed and breakfast"; it is cozily furnished with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen with minibar, a small living room and verandah. Breakfast and meals can be served on the verandah or at the restaurant. The area is a nature and birdwatcher's paradise, five minute walk from the cottage there is Holywell Park with its picnic areas, various forest trails with many endemic trees, plants and flowers, birds and an abundance of hummingbirds. Fifteen minutes walk in the other direction there is the historical Newcastle military training camp, established by the British because of the imposing view of Kingston harbor and to give officers and their families respite from the heat of the city.
'''Strawberry Hill''' Strawberry Hill, a signature mountaintop oasis, perched in the Blue Mountains, and located 3,100 feet above sea level, this unique boutique property houses a Living Spa, a Main House, and twelve handcrafted 19th century Georgian style cottages, including one bedrooms, studios and deluxe villas; each is carefully sited in a private tropical haven with magnificent mountainside and city views. Also featured is a one-of-a-kind negative edge swimming pool with a day-for-night panorama of the vibrant city of Kingston.