Famous for its pink sands, turquoise ocean and of course that infamous triangle, the small island of Bermuda with its quaint Englishness has a charm all of its own. And there is so much more to it than just the beaches.
One of my favourite ways to see the island is by walking the disused railway line which stretches the length of Bermuda. Known affection ally as Old Rattle and Shake, the line was made into a national park in 1984 and over the past few years bridges connecting parts of the trail have been opened. Open only to cyclists and pedestrians, this is a peaceful trail through glades and there are information points along the route explaining the history of the railway. Pause to listen to some melodic birdsong including that of Bermuda’s iconic yellow bird.
St George’s
The former capital St George’s is one of the earliest English settlements in the New World where British sailors were shipwrecked in 1609 while travelling to Jamestown, Virginia. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site I find twisting alleyways leading to quaint shops and cottages and many Anglican chapels including the lovely St Peter’s Church and Their Majesties Chappell. The magnificent Gothic Unfinished Church was meant to replace St Peter’s in 1970 but the project was abandoned. Now the mysterious building, open to the elements and nature, is a popular wedding spot.
Natural attractions nearby include the limestone formations of Tobacco Bay Beach and the Crystal caves. St Catherine’s Fort dates from the 19th century although there has been a fortification here since 1600. There is a museum there with artefacts of some of the British military operations here.