Walking along the Railway Trail on the Eastern End of Bermuda is a great little adventure.

Some of the loveliest sightseeing in Bermuda can be enjoyed from the now deserted route of the 21 mile long railway that once ran from St. George's to Somerset for “Old Rattle and Shake”. Built between 1926 and 1931, engineers were forced to lay the track as close to the shore as possible in many areas.

It is the perfect get away for those who enjoy walking, perhaps a romantic couple or a family, providing the children are over five as it is about two and three-quarter miles long and takes an estimated two and a half hours.

The eastern trail begins at the old St. George's Terminal building, close to St. George's town at Tiger Bay Gardens. The trail overlooks Mullet Bay Park to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. It passes Rocky Hill Park and Sugar Loaf Hill providing wonderful ocean views.

The storage facilities of Shell and Esso interrupt the trail so you take the first exit prior to Sugar Loaf Hill down to Mullet Bay Road. Continue west on Mullet Bay Road and then Ferry Road to the signs directing you back to the Railway Trail on the eastern boundary of the storage facilities.

You are now at the junction where Vincent Astor's private railway ran down to the main line. Mr. Astor built a summer house at Ferry Reach in the 1930s.

Lover's Lake Nature Reserve is fringed with mangroves. The bleak and barren shoreline here is ideal for nesting longtails. The hillside contains numerous dead cedar trees, a result of a devastating scale attack in the 1940s.

You will then come across Ferry Point Park, which is the site of an old cemetery - the resting place of soldiers who died of a plague of Yellow Fever.

There is a very interesting lime kiln that is over 100 years old and at the end of the point is Martello Tower, Ferry Island Fort, Burnt Point Fort and the former Coney Island ferry landing.

If you are pushed for time you might drive out to the point and start your walking tour from Ferry Point Park towards Astor's halt.

I recommend that you always hike with a friend, carry drinking water, and a walking stick.

It is pure exhilaration and joy for walking your leashed dog. Your pooch will love all the smells along the trails including salty sniffs of the sea.

Pack a delicious picnic lunch with cold drinks and feast by the shore upon your return. Listen to the soft breezes while you nibble and bask in the joy of your pleasant company, be it your significant other, your family or a good friend.

If you enjoy this adventure you may wish to hike other trails and read “Rattle and Shake”, the Story of the Bermuda Railway by local author David F. Raine. There are numerous captivating photographs.