Perhaps because the ever-present Mount Nevis is always on one side as you drive round the island there is a sense of being on the outer groove of an old 78 record with a massive bush-green cone in the centre.

The mountain soars up usually to be hidden by Columbus' snow line - the clouds. You can almost imagine dinosaurs making Holywood dinosaur sounds in the distance. But about the largest wild animal is much less spooky. The shy, vervet monkey, originally brought to Nevis from Africa, can be seen here and there. There is other wildlife including mongoose and ground lizards.

Perhaps unknown to visitors the "Upper Round Road" an old sugar cane road runs around the mountain at a level above the main driving road. You can access it from Golden Rock, Hermitage or Old Manor Plantation Inn. This is an ideal hiking and walking road and you may very well see monkeys here. No dinosaurs though.

You will have nature everywhere around you but if you want to get even closer you should contact Jim and Nikki Johnson of Top to Bottom (469-9080). They organise many different hikes for all ages around Nevis and can introduce you to other hiking, biking and horse riding groups.