Richmond Beach

Richmond Beach runs north from Chateaubelair as a long stretch of black volcanic sand with the mountains rising directly behind it and nothing built along it, and it is where the leeward trail up La Soufrière starts. The sand is genuinely black, the surf can be heavy and the setting, with the volcano behind and the sea in front, is among the most dramatic on the island. Trinity Falls lie inland from here.

What you actually see

• The black sand - a long volcanic beach with nothing built along it.
• The volcano behind - La Soufrière rising directly inland from the shore.
• The leeward trailhead - the start of the western route up the volcano.
• The emptiness - a long beach at the end of the road with no development.

When to go

December to May is the dry season. Swell can be heavy on this coast. Volcanic activity has closed access in the past.

Honest expectations

Currents here can be strong and there are no lifeguards. The road north of Chateaubelair is rough and was affected by the 2021 eruption. There are no facilities.

Nearby

Trinity Falls are inland, and Chateaubelair is south.