The peak towering over Tamarin provides stunning views of Black River Gorges, Le Morne Brabant, and the lagoon. The hike to the summit follows a well worn trail and is not very challenging. Although it is exposed to the sun for much of the way, so hiking early or in the evening is a good idea.
The trail does pass through private property. There are no no private property signs to be seen on the route, although you must cross a fence that has been trampled down to ground level. A well-worn trail without signage suggests to me that it is fine to hike.
Route:
- Type of trail: Out and Back
- Start point: Black Rock Resevoir
- Length: 2.2mi round trip
- Duration: 2 hours
- Lowest point: 437ft
- Highest point: 1588ft
- Total elevation gain: 1808ft
It would be possible to reach the trail easily from Tamarin on foot, although transportation would be helpful. The trail begins just below the Black Rock Reservoir. There is a parking space where the road ends. Walk around the chain gate at the entrance to the reservoir and begin ascending, continue until you reach the top of the stairs. This is the only navigationally challenging part of the hike. Here you must make your way on the terrace towards the left and then continue ascending towards a trampled fence (see photos). You will turn left after crossing the fence and continue on this trail as it follows a fence on the left. You will be mostly traversing at this point. The trail will reach a ‘T’ with one fork going down/left into private land (I walked this trail in search of an alternative route. There are several lovely ladders that cross fences, but ultimately the trail dead-ends in private land that is difficult to access.) and one up/right towards the summit. Turn right and begin ascending. After this point simply follow the trail. Do not join the dirt road that appears.
You will ascend a ridge and then the trail will turn to your left. You will come across a series of steep rocky sections that are not difficult, but you may have to use your hands. There are fixed ropes on two of these sections. The trail then zigzags up the mountain until the summit. Return on the same route.
Nice description & photos of Tourelle – indeed, this entire hike is on private land. Normal etiquette would be to request permission from the owner. Part of the property is deer-raising preserve, other parts are used for farming and other uses, so I would certainly exercise caution, as trespassing could have unforeseen consequences.
In October 2016 there is a sign now that doesn’t allow trespassing. There are/were huge constructions so the streets leading to the trailhead were blocked. A friendly guard let us through. The beginning of the track on the left hand side at the top of the terrace has been closed, so we had to turn right (not left) to cross the fence. After a few metres there is a hole under the fence. The rest was as described. The walk itself was really great and higly recommended if you don’t have a problem trespassing.
Just completed this today – September 2019. The trail still starts at the same place or you can head down some stairs to the left of the reservoir and then up to the same trail where the fence has been pulled down. When you follow the GPX file above, you will run into a fenced off area with a sign that says private – staff only. At this point you will now go straight up what seems to be the X route, or a modified Z route that connects with X. This seems to be much harder now than what I have read about on this an other pages, mostly due to the fact that is uphill the entire route. There are also rope sections, about 4 or 5, where you can pull yourself up slippery slopes or steeper rocks. Still a good hike, but more on a par with hiking Le Morne. 🙂
Thx for the great description.
I went up there today and could easily drive up all the way to the water tank.
I took the stairs right of the water tank and could see that there was a big hole under the fence left of the stairs.
I then followed the fence for some 100 meters and went up.
I went up with a 4 year old and an adult friend. After app 1km i had to abandon them because it was just too much for a 4 year old.
It took us 45min for that km.
I took the rest 0.8km in about 15-20 minutes.
I’m in reasonable shape but i breathed hard.
There are a lot of ropes that helps you up and down.
After1.8km and an altitude of 550m! i
reached the top and was welcomed by an awesome view.
There are still some signs but basically you cannot take a wrong path. Just follow the track and it will lead you to the top.
So without the kid it shouldn’t take more than an hour one way.
Start at the guard gate and follow the signs for X and Z routes. Seem to merge no matte which you choose. There are ropes for downclimbing the loose gravel sections. Could use a few more ropes.
The guard in the gate told me have to contact Maingars for permission.
But no one knows how to contact him. No phone number etc etc