Lot's Wife's Ponds

On the arid southern coast below Sandy Bay, a set of tidal pools sits in the volcanic rock, sheltered enough to swim in while the Atlantic breaks on the reef outside them, and the water is clear with fish in it. Getting there is the difficulty: a long descent down a spur of loose scree and rock in full sun, with an equally long climb back. It is generally rated the hardest of the island's post box walks.

What you actually see

• The tidal pools - sheltered water in the volcanic rock, clear enough to see the fish.
• The descent - the long steep spur of loose ground down to the coast.
• The arid coast - the dry southern side, unlike the green interior.
• The post box - the stamped box at the end of the route.

When to go

Year round; the southern coast is dry and hot in any season. Start early to avoid the heat on the climb back. Swell makes the pools unsafe at times.

Honest expectations

This is a genuinely hard walk with loose footing and no shade or water on the route; a guide is advised. The climb back is the hard part. Swell can make the pools dangerous.

Nearby

Sandy Bay is above, and the island's interior is north.