two-page spread in the New York Times travel section on Sunday.

The article, which included two photographs, said the Bermuda Railway Trail offered hikers and cyclists a view of the Island "beyond the traditional one of Hamilton's shops and the South Shore's sandy beaches''.

"Sometimes it is a nature path, passing through quiet woodlands fringed with colourful hibiscus and billowy oleander; sometimes it meanders through backyards and across farm lands...,'' wrote David Veasey.

He pointed out that it was 45 years ago this month that the last train ran from Hamilton to St. George's.

"The Bermuda railroad is now only a lingering memory of longtime residents, but from 1931 to 1948 it was an important part of the landscape of this Island chain.

"The former right-of-way is now a gently curving 18-mile hiking and bicycling path spanning the islands.'' Mr. Veasey set out a complete itinerary to enable visitors to get the most out of the scenic trail.

He noted which buses to hop on when the trail breaks or to avoid the Island's "steep busy roads'' and "vagrants'' in the central section of Warwick.

He also suggested where to stop for lunch or afternoon tea and what local dishes to try.

Outlining the railway's history, he told how it ended up being sold to Guyana for $414,000 -- and then restored as a public trail at the urging of a citizens' group.

And he pointed out several tourist attractions to visit along the way, such as the Aquarium, the National Trust's Springfield, Botanical Gardens, Crystal Caves, the Bermuda Perfumery, Somerset Village and the town of St. George's.

According to Mr. Veasey, the last part of the trail -- the St. George's section through Ferry Reach -- is "the most spectacular'', reminding him of "coastal Maine in semi-tropical setting''.