I also met feral sheep on my way this time. Views can be sporadic, due to the cloud, and everything is soaking wet.but on Ascension.thats a refreshing change :)Ĭare is needed as due to the wet it is incredibly slippery in places, there are steps, but being wood they too can get slippery - hang onto the ropes at the side, or any vegetation you can grab :) Its an incredible man made rainforest, with banana trees flanking the paths to the dew pond, then a large metal chain leading the way to the actual highest point on Ascension just a little further up the hill. The pond itself was smaller than I expected but the whole area (greenness?) is stunning, with many species of endemic plant, alongside the planted species which gave this place its name to begin with its called Green Mountain as its the only green place on the island (although the island is generally greener than it used to be). Once away from the road the air temperature drops drastically and its nice to stop for a while and admire the view through the clouds of the many cones dotting the landscape, whilst enjoying the cooler air :) The path gets quite muddy in places beyond where cars tend to park, but there is always something to grab hold of while ascending the slopes :) There are many paths criss crossing the mountain area, but I wanted to reach the summit this time, before having never even got to the Dewpond. It has changed a little over the years, I dont remember there being emergency telephones half way up and public toilets, although to be honest they may well have been there 20 years ago (!). Once on the path leading up to the summit it has to be taken easy as it will still be very hot (!), and you need to conserve energy.
Staying with a cousin on island this time, I escaped the heat of Two Boats and walked up the mountain from there. I went up the mountain twice during my stay it is a very special place and one you shan't forget. There is parking space for one or two vehicles just before the road ends and an explanatory board with some info about the history of the spot. Nevertheless, I recommend you take a small torch and map of the various pathways. I forgot to take a torch but still managed to grope my way through the six tunnels, only one of which was a bit difficult. There are great views (when the mists clear) and the opportunity to see some of the island's rarer plants. Elliot's path - a two-hour circular walk around the peak - is a very interesting experience.
It is at once interesting and odd: derelict buildings overrun by undergrowth, greenhouses cultivating rare endemic species of plants, land crabs scuttling about, and the appearance of the occasional feral sheep. Lush forest, swirling clouds and cool temperatures transport you to a different world. When you arrive at the top of Green Mountain it is hard to believe you are on the same island as the hot and barren volcanic landscape down at the coast. An absolute must for any golfer - fantastic - what a trip !!!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately there is not much left of this lying right behind the Obsidian but we managed to play the second worst which has fairways and greens made up of volcanic ash and rock. Before I sign off I must mention the dubious distinction that ascension holds of having an entry in the Guinness book of records for the worst golf course in the whole world. We were there due to work but I would not hesitate in recommending this island as a unique jewel in the middle of the South Atlantic. I cannot put into words how much my partner and myself enjoyed Ascension, green mountain, the land crabs which we built up a special bond with, the nesting turtles and so on and so on. There are a number of walks up and around the mountain with different difficulty ratings and when you are walking through the dense foliage, fog surrounding you it is like something out of Sherlock Holmes and hound of the baskervilles. Then you have green mountain which is like a rainforest the higher you go and not uncommonly has a dense layer of fog enveloping the top. However, the two are amazing and virtually empty giving you a sense that they are your own private paradise. Ascension Island spans approx 6miles x 4miles and has such diverse ecosystems with around 40 beaches, only two of which you are safe to enter the water from due to massive undercurrents.
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