Welcome
The boardwalk on the south coast of the island was created amid some debate.
There were concerns about the environmental impact on habitat, reefs and beaches, as well as the effect on homeowners along the proposed site. Several changes were made including making the boardwalk a few hundred yards shorter than planned.
The end result is admired by Bajans and visitors who enjoy the walk by the ocean, complete with panoramas, seats and retreats.
Western Entrance
At the western entrance the coconut-lined shores turn to soft white sand leading to lovely shallow pools, popular with families as both the old and young can splash in the calm waters.
Benches on the boardwalk in front of The Soco Resort overlooking these pools invite you to relax and watch the sun set.
Camelot
Here you’ll also find Camelot an original coastal home significantly renovated by a leading architect, in his unique style with finishes inspired by the Barbados Chattel House.
Shrubs and Plants
Much of the boardwalk is lined with tropical plants and shrubs.
Hardy shrubs are intermingled with flowering plants, adding to the overall beauty.
A Place For All
All ages and abilities use it. There are joggers, fast walkers, strollers, talkers and quiet people, wheelchairs, blind people, seniors, teenagers and babies in prams. The ambiance is friendly and respectful.
Blending with the natural beauty, it is a solid structure set deep into the sand and bolstered with granite rocks. It looks like it is here to stay!
Private Homes
Along the boardwalk are a couple of private homes and condos. What a wonderful place to live!
Heritage House
A heritage house sits behind this wall.
The old wall still stands protecting the heritage home: a sculpture in coral stone, brick, concrete and mortar, aged by nature, and growing things.
A Fresco of Creams and Grays
It is a fresco of subtle creams and grays, textured and patched with pink and green. Many hands have made this piece of art.
It cannot be replaced with a more modern structure. It is protected by the Barbados National Trust and must be repaired in keeping with its look and heritage: a mixed bag of brick, coral stone, granite, motor and cement.
Painted and bare, eroded and rustic - an original!
Iron Bars
Iron bars set in thick stone: a secure shed under a bougainvillea roof, perhaps a pantry? - Not so.
For an infamous time in its varied history, this was a slave holding area.
Along The Way
The boardwalk stretches 1.6 km between Camelot and the lovely Accra beach.
It takes you past history - wind, sand, sea and salt. Past restaurants, hotels, beach bars, and places to sit and stare.
Waves, wind and chatter, humming as you go. People smile and share.
Blakeys On The Boardwalk
Blakeys restaurant & bar tempts us to stop and enjoy a drink or meal… perhaps we’ll return and treat ourselves after our walk?
This is also a great spot for sunset cocktails.
Red Lights
Pausing for a minute at the steps of Blakey’s you might notice some red lights…. why red?
Red light is less disruptive for sea turtles. Use of these lights provides illumination without discouraging nesting by mature sea turtles or disorienting turtle hatchlings which use the natural light of the moon and stars to find the sea when they hatch.
Fascinating Mural
Let’s also stop for a moment and admire the mural on the wall below Blakey’s. Made from broken pottery, the mural features images of sunshine and turtles.
Hastings Rocks
Sandy beaches lead to the band stand at the Hastings Rocks.
The Barbados Police Band, which has produced several excellent CDs, hosts concerts here on occasions. Hastings Rocks is also a favourite venue for fairs and get togethers.
Beaches, Sea and Reefs
Strolling past beaches, wide ocean views, inshore reefs and tidal pools.
School children skip rocks in their seaside playground.
Places To Stop
There are several places to stop along your walk; to sit and stare; to feel the cool sea spray like a tonic on your face.
Fine Dining
The chic Tapas Restaurant serves up delicious European dishes with a distinctly Caribbean view! Dine indoors with open views of the boardwalk or enjoy drinks on the outdoor deck.
Jump East?
The sun is getting a little hot now… shall we jump to the eastern end of the boardwalk for a more shaded walk?
