This tropical jungle environment is just the ticket for those seeking some welcome respite from sun and sand.
Beneath the surface of Barbados lie numerous underground caves. When one of these caves collapsed many years ago, the owner of the surrounding land filled the resulting gully with fruit trees and exotic shrubbery. The man in question was General William Asygell Williams of the Welsh Fusiliers, and the area became known as Welchman Hall Gully.
Take a break from sandy beaches with a wander through lush jungle. Stretching over 1.3 kilometres, the area sheltered by the green, leafy canopy echoes with the chattering of native birds and animals. Stroll amidst tall nutmegs, palms and an ornamental section and listen to the leaves as they whisper in the breeze. Keep a special eye out as you go for locally growing grapefruit the gully is thought by some to have been the original source of the fruit first cultivated in Barbados.
Pick up a guide at the start of your visit and try to identify some of the 150 species recorded in its pages. The physical specimens are labelled and identified to assist you in your search. As you wander, take the time to look around you peer behind the foliage to see the remains of stalactite and stalagmite structures dating from the gully's previous incarnation, and gaze up into the trees to catch a glimpse of the local monkey population. The wild monkeys that call the gully home are at their most active around midday, when the staff leave fruit out for their lunch. You can take as many photographs as you like, but it's best not to get too close!
South of the gully lies Harrison's Cave, the uncollapsed section of the former cave, and those with a particular love for nature should continue their jungle journey with a visit to nearby Hunte's Gardens.
Welchman Hall Gully is open most days, but it's worth checking the website for the latest information before you visit. It is possible to organise parties, weddings and tours if you call in advance. The easiest way to get here is by car, or via bus or taxi from Bridgetown. There is a small fee upon entry to the gully.
