Places to walk in Trinidad: Queen's Park Savannah, Lady Chancellor Hill, Royal Botanic Gardens

It only occurred to me today to track these three places for my blog even though these are probably the most popular places for runners, joggers and walkers (RJWs) in Trinidad.
On any given day, you will see scores of  RJWs getting their miles in around the Queen's Park Savannah.
On evenings and weekend mornings, which are the times I usually go, you will see scores more people taking it up a notch on Lady Chancellor Hill.
Fewer people, I've noticed, add the Botanic Gardens to their route maybe because it's short (just about a mile around the interior following the main path).
Or maybe because it attracts mostly families or lovers just hanging out or picnicking below the trees.
Still, I add it to my walk every time I go. I'm doing this blog as all three combined as this is my main, every day route and they're all in the same vicinity.
So here we go.

Queen's Park Savannah 

The Queen's Park Savannah is where I developed my love for walking. It is simply called "the Savannah' because it's that special. Just mention the Savannah to any Trini, no matter what part of the island they're from, and they will know you're talking about the Queen's Park Savannah. I'm sure there are many other savannahs in Trinidad. But only one savannah is THE savannah. Just ask this guy.

Mama, we reaaach!!!

The Savannah is said to be the largest roundabout in the world and it occupies some 260 acres of land, formerly sugar land. This blog ain't meant to be a history lesson so if you want to learn more about the history of the Savannah, this blog by local writer and publisher Gerard Besson is a good place to start.

People walk, run or jog around the perimeter of the Savannah which adds up to 3.7 km (2.3 miles). The Savannah is probably not the place for you if you're looking for a quiet, peaceful run though. It's always bustling with activity. Coconut vendors and food vendors ensure that there's always a crowd of people nearby, especially on evenings. 

In the Carnival season, worse yet. I totally avoid the Savannah in the weeks leading up to Carnival.

The Grand Stand, located on the Savannah's southern side, is a hub for cultural and sporting events and is the central location for Carnival. 

The most interesting things to see while racking up your miles around the Savannah is the "Magnificent Seven" - seven Victorian buildings that date back to the early 1900's. 

You can read about them in this article by the UK Guardian. 

Anyway, the challenge is to see how many laps you can make around the Savannah before you pass out. My personal record is 5 laps. Some crazy person named Anthony Hadeed did 16 laps though. Jesus Christ. Somebody give that guy a medal. 

The Savannah will take you about 40-45 minutes walking at a leisurely pace or about 30 minutes jogging. Running will take you about 20 minutes. 

                                                   

Lady Chancellor Hill

Lady Chancellor Hill is situated immediately north of the Savannah. It is a scenic residential area popular with RJWs. The distance to the top of the hill is almost the same as one lap around the Savannah - 3.3 km (2.1 miles). You can lengthen this walk by going down any of the offroads along Chancellor Hill. The most popular ones are Terracita Drive and Poui Hill. The latter is a dead end street that will add just about 400 metres to your walk but although short, is quite steep. The views from Poui Hill are amazing.

                                       

It is a steady incline all the way to the top of Lady Chancellor Hill and a great workout if you're looking for something a little more challenging than the Savannah. From the top of the Hill you get a great view of Port of Spain.

Near the start of the Hill is the Emperor Valley Zoo and you can see the giraffes and hear the other animals as you pass by. 

There are no pavements along this road and there is a bit of vehicular traffic and sharp corners so you gotta be careful. The road is also popular with cyclists so look out for them.

Lots of trees line this road so it is usually very shady. 

                                              

It will take about 40 minutes one way to do Chancellor Hill, at a leisurely pace. 

When you reach this wooden gate, you're just about halfway there.

                                                

Lady Chancellor Hill is the home of the Horticultural Society as well as the Port of Spain District Scouts though the Scouts headquarters burned down recently. 

                          

                             

                                

Lady Chancellor Hill also has the added benefit of being patrolled. You will notice police or a private security vehicle making the rounds which provides a much needed sense of safety in this God-forsaken, murderous country. 

So with security and crowds of people, it is probably the safest place for outdoor exercise. Don't go at nights though. It gets dark quickly and few of the streetlights actually work. I've been on Chancellor Hill in the dark and it is a scary experience. Plus, you will probably only be disturbing the lovers who park up there in the night to do whatever lovers do. I don't know what they do there but I'm sure they ain't reading the Bible. 

                                             

Royal Botanic Gardens

I add this short 15 - 20 minute walk to my route each time I do the Savannah and Lady Chancellor Hill. Not really for the exercise but for the calming effect it has. The Botanic Gardens is also situated north of the Savannah and right next to Lady Chancellor Hill. So it's the perfect trio for a long stroll. It is one of the oldest Botanic Gardens in the world, established in 1818, and occupies close to 62 acres of land. 

                                           

According to Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), the Royal Botanic Gardens  has approximately 700 trees, 13 percent of which are indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago. 

The different trees and plants are labelled so you can actually learn about them as you take your stroll.

   

The Botanic Gardens is the home of many small creatures including squirrels and parrots.

It also contains a small burial plot where former governors are buried. 

                             

The space is well maintained and includes picnic huts, washrooms and benches along the interior so visitors can sit and enjoy the scenery. 

 

It is a popular place for wedding photos too!

It always amazes me that such a scenic, peaceful place exists smack in the center of a nasty, traffic congested city. 

Take time to enjoy it if you're nearby. 

But get out before 6 pm as that's when the gates are locked. 

You can still get in and out after closing time though via a steep trail from Chancellor Hill. 

This path off Lady Chancellor Hill will take you in and out the Botanic Gardens after hours

Although there's a maze of paths on the inside, keeping to the main trail around the entire space will take you just about 15 - 20 minutes and is just about one mile. You can lengthen this walk by exiting through the back gates and coming out through St Ann's Road. But ain't nobody got time fo' dat. 

                                                    

So yeah, do these three routes as one for a great calorie-burning experience. It adds up to just about 7.8 miles (12.5 km) and altogether will take you a maximum of two and a half hours. On my good days I can make it in under two hours. I think my best time was 1 hour, 56 minutes. But on days like today, not happening. I ran a 10k yesterday and my body is still sore so this 2 hours and 22 minutes is a goddamn miracle in itself. 

                                      

Length: Altogether 7.8 miles (12.5 km)

Terrain: Paved path/Paved road/Paved path 

Time: Altogether 2 hours 22 minutes (today) 
Level: The Savannah and Botanic Gardens are relatively easy. Lady Chancellor Hill is a bit more challenging due to the steady incline. What yuh expect? Is ah hill. Altogether, I'd say a level 4 simply because of the distance.

Got any ideas of scenic places to walk or hike to? Comment any suggestions down below!