Thunder may have shook much of the Island yesterday but the heavens shone on the annual Palm Sunday Walk.

Organisers rejoiced at the near-perfect weather which saw 1,500-plus people turn out for the five-mile jaunt around Hamilton Parish.

Walkers — including Governor Sir Richard Gozney and his wife and Culture Minister Dale Butler — set out at 2 p.m. from Ducks Puddle Park on Coney Island Road for a walk taking in some of the parish's least-visited but most stunning spots.

Bermuda National Trust organises the walk in a different part of the country each year to give members of the public a glimpse of some of the Island's best nature reserves, farms and historic sites.

The event can only happen if landowners agree to open their gates to the public — and this year at least ten gave a warm welcome to walkers.

Those taking part yesterday got to see the rugged limestone landscape of Walsingham Nature Reserve and Bermuda's oldest tamarind tree near the Old Perfumery, among other scenic delights.

Mr. Butler told The Royal Gazette: "It was an excellent walk revealing parts of Bermuda rarely seen. It was most picturesque as it touched the North Shore coast.

"The winds at the top of Abbot's Cliff overlooking Harrington Sound were the best I have ever enjoyed. I commend the Trust organisers. The Governor and Lady Gozney whom I walked with in parts also enjoyed it."

Organiser Dorcas Roberts, the Trust's preservation director, said the walk took weeks of preparation and at least 30 volunteers to ensure it went smoothly.

"It was brilliant, absolutely brilliant," she said. "It threatened thunder but the sun came out and the rain missed us.

"It was a good day. We visited some absolutely beautiful parts of Bermuda — places that people don't get to see usually. I just want to say a huge thanks to everybody who helped to make this event possible."

Participants were asked to be environmentally-friendly by bringing their own refillable water bottles and car pooling or using public transport to get to the start line.

The 2008 event was aimed at raising funds for the Trust for the first time with walkers asked to gain sponsorship.