The first portion of the trip to Cinchona Botanical Garden is a ride maneuvering winding roads before hiking from Content Gap. This was my first time joining a group hike excursion, the day’s group was about 20 – 30 persons. Fitness is immediately tested, with a steep incline covering most of the journey. My t-shirt’s sentiment to ‘Move My Ass’ (big up Swolemate Apparel!) was decent motivation.
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Scenic View in the Blue Mountains
A number of streams divided the road, and were crossed by bridges of planks or bamboo. After almost losing my shoe (and possibly whole leg) in two deep beds of mud, those streams were eventually used to clean sneakers and keep feet cool during the demanding journey. The 360 scenic view along the way makes the journey worthwhile, and because of that it reminded me of the 1.5hr hike to a beautiful hidden waterfall. There are so many vibrant plants I’ve never seen before, plus the occasional inhabiting critter. Before this, I wasn’t aware of the presence of peaches and raspberries (and cheeseberries???) in Jamaica, nor the existence of pink pineapple flowers!
Clydesdale National Forest Park
The first [intended] stop was an old coffee estate, known as Clydesdale plantation and great house. It is said to be one of the first commercial coffee estates in Jamaica, birthed in the 1800s, with slavery as a driving force to its business. The main things to see include the ruins of the estate, an overseer house, barbecues to dry coffee beans, and a giant water wheel. Overgrown grass stalks are maneuvered to connect the continuing path on the “road” to Cinchona Botantical Garden.
Cinchona Botanical Gardens
Many steps, picked berries, and clouds of fog later, a wooden sign will point you in the direction of your destination. Following what was a 4-hour hike for me, the heavens opened and released rain forcing us to seek shelter in what was left of the property’s building. There was apparently a great house on the grounds at some point but all was left of it was the fireplace and accompanying chimney.
History of Cinchona Gardens
According to Jamaica National Heritage Trust, 40 acres of Cinchona, Asian Tea, and a garden of European crops were planted here. The Cinchona trees were used for the production of quinine to treat malaria. Now much reduced in size and in semi-abandoned condition, the garden consists of a collection of trees and shrubs from all over the world. I was told there is now only 1 Cinchona tree there.
Many of the plants can’t flourish at lower altitudes, some being endemic. I was disappointed most plants weren’t labeled so I could learn more about each, even if only a name. There were a few bare flower beds, which I’m hoping is a start to the Ministry of Agriculture’s mentioned plan to redevelop the attraction.
With the sky still rumbling and grey, anticipating the lengthy walk back, only an hour was spent at the garden. The return leg started on a now well-moisturized terrain, decorated with slips and even a few falls. The journey from Cinchona Botanical Garden was reached in ~3 hours, with an aching body and sheer relief.
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Watching this video enlightens me! I grew up there and cannot recalled hearing of cinchona gardens. The reviews said that this is the only one in the Caribbean. In the article it said that there is only (1) one cinchona tree left in the garden. Why aren’t there reforestation being done along time ago. With the medicinal properties of these trees, especially with cinchona tree. Why aren’t the government protecting these trees and what made the garden what is?? As we all know it is a tourist attraction and in doing so we need to preserve the history and beauty for the next generation.
Thank you, and I very much do agree with you. The preservation efforts are subpar, I realized that when I visited and the on-property great house only had the kitchen remaining. It’s beyond sad how many of our historical sites disintegrate due to little to no maintenance. From then I heard there were restoration efforts, but I don’t know how far they’ve gone or plan to go; not holding my breath.
These photos are so stunning! I’m going some time soon so this makes me even more excited for it 🙂 And haha well moisturized terrain. I always manage to miss the rain on hike trails (ain’t complaining). I hope I’m not jinxing myself ? but with high altitudes, it’s inevitable one day rain will find me.
Haha, I’m just happy it rained after we actually reached because the hike was already longer and more difficult than I was led to believe it was. Lucky you, rain always finds me…hiking in the mountains or visiting a new river lol. Thanks by the way 🙂 I always loved capturing memories.
Love that you’re really finding all these activities to do in Jamaica. Many Jamaicans (and I was guilty myself as well) take it for granted that we live in a country where there are so many wonderful things to see and do. It wasn’t until I left that I realized how woefully unequipped with images that represent my island I was.
I’ve been to Cinchona though, I knew someone who lived in the Blue Mountains and so one day we went up for this walk. We stopped at a river then walked on up to the gardens. Beautiful place. And also like you, before I knew this person who lived in blue mountains I had no clue what a cheese berry was. Lol! I love them though! Soooo good! Every time I’d visit him in the month of May we’d go searching for hear delicious berries. I also saw a strawberry farm which was cool. What I didn’t know though was that peaches grow there, really? Yum!
YES! I realized (luckily, earlier than many) that a considerable amount of Jamaicans don’t tend to appreciate or know about the variety of activities available here until maybe they migrate. Wanted to help make that number smaller, hence this site 🙂 I really didn’t know it was called a cheeseberry until 2 days after the hike, a Blue Mountain-inspired Facebook page posted about it, I just assumed they were yellow raspberries lol. They certainly made for a lovely snack along the way, unfortunately the peaches weren’t ripe. Still hoping to see strawberries, where’s the farm (not that I expect the description to be one that I can easily locate lol).
Great post and great pictures. Did you do this hike with friends or with a guide?
Thank you! I joined a group for a guided tour