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Nestled within the lush and mystical Jamaican Blue Mountains lies the Clydesdale National Forest Park, a hidden gem filled with history and untamed natural beauty. Originally founded in the 1700s, Clydesdale was the first place in Jamaica to grow coffee in commercial quantities after its founder recognized the superior quality of the beans thanks to the Blue Mountains’ unique cool and moist growing conditions. Whether you’re a a hiker, camper, birdwatcher, history buff or nature lover, Clydesdale National Forest Park has something in store for you. Here’s how my visit to Clydesdale went in October 2024 + how to plan a visit.
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The History of Clydesdale
The history of Clydesdale is deeply rooted in Jamaica’s colonial past. Founded in the 1700s by Dr. Colin McClarty, an Englishman who fell in love with Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, Clydesdale now lies in ruin but holds the record for the island’s oldest coffee plantation. Coffee is still sown on these steep hillsides in neighbouring farms, renown for its rich, mild and exquisite flavour which we’ve come to know and love as Blue Mountain Coffee.
Today, remnants of the old estate such as the stone ruins of coffee processing buildings stand as silent reminders of its rich past. Surrounding these ruins lie hundreds of pine trees as part of the Clydesdale reforestation project. This is made possible from the cool almost-temperate climate of Clydesdale, thanks to its altitude at 3,500 feet above sea level. Daytime temperatures average 18°C, and be prepared for occasional heavy downpours and mist. The cool climate and high humidity contribute to the area’s biodiversity, creating the perfect conditions for many endemic species. This park hosts hundreds of plant species including ferns, mosses, orchids, and towering cedar trees. And, where there are trees there will be birds. We spotted a few and some adorable goats left out to graze by their owners. I saw a mention of an old waterwheel online, but I didn’t see it on my visit.
How to Find Clydesdale National Park
Clydesdale was the final landmark before my ultimate destination: Cinchona Botanical Gardens. My route to Clydesdale on foot took me from Newcastle, past the trail to Catherine’s Peak and past the Clifton Mount coffee estate. You can also approach Clydesdale from Mavis Bank, St. Andrew or from Section/Silver Hill in Portland. Admission to Clydesdale is free and since it isn’t fenced or guarded, entry is possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These days, Clydesdale is mostly used for hiking and camping, but facilities are rudimentary. There are no toilets or shelters, but that doesn’t stop cadets and nature enthusiasts from visiting and it shouldn’t stop you either. There’s a delightful natural pool 5 minutes away. However, hiking or a 4×4 is a must! Some more practical tips are:
- Timing: The best time to visit Clydesdale is during the dry season, from December to April, when trails are less muddy and more accessible.
- Preparation: The high elevation means temperatures can drop, so bring layers to stay warm, especially if you’re camping overnight.
- Footwear: Good hiking boots or sneakers are essential, as trails can be slippery and uneven, especially during the rainy season.
- Conservation: Take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but footprints! These principles help to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem.
I’m a fan of old ruins and great houses, so I was definitely enamoured with the Clydesdale Great House. It’s quite run down with rickety wooden steps so I didn’t go inside but it was interesting to wander around it. If time permitted, I would’ve had a dip in the natural pool located 10 minutes away (pictured above) but I had to keep on trail with my hike group to our destination of Cinchona Botanical Gardens. However, bear in mind that rivers are icy cold in the Blue Mountains so err, perhaps I would’ve chickened out anyway, ha!
Wrap Up
Clydesdale National Forest Park offers a unique perspective on Jamaica’s landscape, one that’s markedly different from the sun-soaked beaches and tourist hubs. Here, visitors are treated to the raw beauty of the Blue Mountains and the sense of peaceful seclusion that only a highland forest can provide. As you walk through Clydesdale’s winding trails and gaze over misty valleys, you’re experiencing a part of Jamaica that feels untouched and timeless. That’s why nature lovers and cadets will forever make the trek to Clydesdale even as the vegetation threatens to reclaim all its manmade structures. Have you ever visited the Clydesdale National Forest Park or would you visit? Sound off in the comments section below!
If you liked this post, you would also enjoy:
- Cinchona Botanical Gardens
- Lime Tree Farm, St. Andrew
- 10 Best Hiking Trails in Jamaica
- Bull Head Mountain Peak, Clarendon
- Why Blue Mountain Coffee is Worth the Price Tag
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