Glassy Trail
A coastal walk in the southeast to a flat volcanic shelf pounded by the Atlantic.
Updated 21 October 2026
The Glassy trail runs from Petite Soufriere across farmland and down to Point Glassy, a flat shelf of dark volcanic rock jutting into the Atlantic where the swell breaks hard enough to send water across the whole platform. The rock is smooth and dark, which is where the name comes from. The walk takes about an hour each way through gardens and scrub with the coast in view for much of it, and very few people do it.
What you'll find
- The rock shelf - the flat dark platform running out into the Atlantic.
- The surf - swell breaking hard enough to wash across the whole shelf.
- The farmland route - the walk down through gardens and scrub to the coast.
- The emptiness - a coastal walk almost nobody makes.
When to go
December to April is drier and safest. Swell can make the shelf lethal and it should not be walked on in big seas. Mornings are cooler.
What to expect
The shelf must not be walked on when swell is running. The trail is unmarked and crosses private garden plots. There are no facilities anywhere on the route.
Nearby
L'Escalier Tête Chien is north, and Rosalie Bay is south.
What to pack for Glassy Trail
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Secure water shoes or reef boots - Grip on slippery launches and protection on rocky shores. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.