Antigua’s beloved trails, cherished for centuries, are under threat. Last year, locals and visitors were outraged when the historic path from Galleon Beach to Fort Charlotte was blocked by boulders. Now, another iconic trail, linking Pigeon Beach to Nelson’s Dockyard, has been cut off by developers building private homes.
For over 200 years, these trails have drawn hikers from around the world, weaving through the UNESCO National Parks site and forming part of the Commonwealth Walkway. The Galleon Beach trail, a challenging route up to Fort Charlotte and beyond to Shirley Heights, is a cornerstone of Antigua’s heritage and tourism. Similarly, the path from Pigeon Beach to the Dockyard is a much-trod route for walkers.
Middle Ground is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty, nestled between English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour. Once a key defensive position during Antigua’s colonial era, this area boasts remarkable historic sites, including the remnants of Fort Cuyler, built to guard against seafaring invaders, and strategically placed barracks used by British soldiers and The West Indian Regiments.
Middle Ground is also home to several trails that offer stunning views of the coastline, connecting visitors to Antigua’s rich heritage. Although for some obscure reason, the Barracks is the only part of Middle Ground to be included in the UNESCO site, the trail was declared a Commonwealth Walkway in 2016 as part of the Queens Jubilee celebrations and does form part of the UNESCO-listed National Parks, a testament to the island’s cultural and historical significance. The area’s military ruins and natural landscapes tell the story of Antigua’s past, offering a glimpse into the island’s vital role in the past and its enduring legacy as a Caribbean gem.
The area is Crown Land, the trails’ long-standing public use has led many to argue they are protected by Antigua’s Registered Land Act, Physical Land Act, and National Parks Act, which uphold public rights of way. Yet, with no official clarity, these paths remain blocked, leaving walkers frustrated and angry.
Archaeologist Dr. Reginald Murphy, an adviser to the Commonwealth Walkways Trust, has stressed the trails’ cultural and historical significance. “These paths are an essential part of our heritage,” he says, highlighting the thousands of tourists who visit Antigua specifically for its UNESCO site and the walkways.
Residents are equally vocal. Ken Wyre has walked these trails man and boy; he echoed the community’s frustration: “The struggle continues.” Another long-term walker expressed suspicion that “the only reason it’s not all part of UNESCO is so they can build on it!”
According to legal advice, the community can apply for an official easement of right of way by presenting an affidavit from 20 persons of good standing. These affidavits will serve as testimony to the continuous and uninterrupted use of the paths over the years, establishing their significance as public rights of way. If successful, this legal action would safeguard public access to these trails, which hold immense historical and cultural value, while also setting a precedent for protecting other threatened pathways across Antigua and Barbuda.
With anger mounting and no resolution in sight, many are asking a pressing question: Who is protecting Antigua’s heritage and long-held public rights?
