After days of sun and sea, you may find this cool jungle setting just the right alternative to recharge your energy.
The geology of Barbados includes a number of underground caves. When the roof of one cave collapsed many years ago it created a gully. General William Asygell Williams, a Welshman, brought exotic and fruit trees into the gully that divided his large plantation and the area is now known as Welchman Hall Gully.
Take advantage of the opportunity to see a mature tropical forest combined with a collapsed cave. Go for a walk in the cool jungle after a warm morning at the beach. Within the 0.8-mile (1.3-kilometer) valley you’ll find a lush paradise with nutmeg walk, native palm area and ornamental section. This may be the original home of the grapefruit, which was first developed in Barbados. The gully has no noise other than chattering of local birds and animals and leaves rustling in the breeze at the top of the canopy.
Use your identification guide to look for over 150 species of plants specimens have numbers and informational labels to increase your appreciation. Peer closely beyond the foliage into caves and gully walls and you might see evidence of stalactite and stalagmite mineral deposits left over from the gully’s prior existence as a cave.
Then look up into the tree canopy. Dozens of wild monkeys make their home in the gully. They are most active at midday when staff members leave fruit for their lunch near a bearded fig tree. Be careful not to approach the monkeys, but feel free to take lots of photos.
Just to the south of the gully is Harrison’s Cave, the uncollapsed part of this geologic feature. If you want to visit additional serene non-beach locations during your stay in Barbados, consider the nearby Flower Forest or Hunte’s Gardens.
Be sure you climb the steps at the entrance to see the beautiful views from island to ocean to the east and west.
The Welchman Hall Gully site is open daily call to arrange a tour, wedding or other party. Drive and park there on your way to or from Bathsheba or take a bus or taxi from Bridgetown to Sturges. There is an entrance fee for the gully.
