Our visit to Coppermine National Park on Virgin Gorda was nothing short of spectacular. Situated on the southeast side of the island, the park is a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, and getting there was very easy. After spending a relaxing morning in North Sound, CaptK rented a car for the afternoon. With our long time friends, we decided to explore a bit more of what the island had to offer. This adventure had long been on my list of things to do in the British Virgin Islands. I couldn't contain my excitement to explore the island's historical and natural wonders.
Before spending a delightful afternoon exploring Coppermine National Park and the Baths, with its iconic giant boulders and pristine waters, we grabbed a quick bite at Hog Heaven on the top of Gorda Peak. Sipping a refreshing drink and soaking up the panoramic views of North Sound and the islands to the south, I marveled at how seamlessly modern development and untouched nature coexist here. From Hog Heaven, a scenic ride brought us to one of the island's gems, Coppermine National Park. For those arriving to the island by sea, the park is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the Baths or Spanish Town Marina.
Stepping Back in Time: The History of Mining on Virgin Gorda
The route to Coppermine National Park from North Sound is scenic and takes around 35 minutes by car. On the way, we passed by several scenic overlooks, where it was easy to see gleaming yachts and sailboats bobbed gently in the turquoise waters. The contrast between the modern luxury of these maritime vessels and the rugged historical site of the park promised an interesting contrast.
The history of Coppermine National Park is fascinating. In the 19th century, Virgin Gorda witnessed a short lived copper rush. The Cornish mining industry, well known for its copper and tin mines back in England, extended its reach all the way to this part of the Caribbean. Cornish miners set up a small settlement here, and their efforts are still visible today. Remnants of engine houses, broken stone walls, and deep mining shafts punctuate the landscape.
As we pulled up to the park, the stone structures of a bygone era greeted us. Coppermine National Park isn't just a haven of natural beauty, it's a vivid historical site that tells the story of 19th-century mining on Virgin Gorda. It's fascinating to think that from 1838 to 1867, Cornish miners worked tirelessly to extract copper from this very ground. While the copper reserves on Virgin Gorda were not nearly as abundant as initially hoped, the legacy of the Cornish miners has left an indelible mark on the island.
Walking through the ruins, I could almost hear the hum of activity from those bustling times. The stone chimney and other ruins stand as silent witnesses to an era when Virgin Gorda's copper deposits attracted adventurers and industrialists from far and wide.
Essential Online Links For Booking Your Trip to the British Virgin Islands
Logistics: There is one international airport in the British Virgin Islands. You can also fly into St. Thomas USVI and take a ferry to Road Town, Tortola. : Taxis are available throughout the islands. Private Transfers are available from both airports: Private Arrival Transfer from EIS Airport to Tortola, Private Ground Transfers, St. Thomas, Ferry Schedules are available at USVI.net, Water Taxi transfers are available through Dolphin Water Taxi
Top-rated British Virgin Islands tours and experiences:
☆Conch Island Snorkel Tour: Contact Kelly at Anegadaconcierge@gmail.com or Whatsapp at 281 496-0961
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina (Tortola - Luxury)
Wyndham Tortola BVI Lambert Beach Resort (Tortola - Budget Friendly, )
Sebastian's on the Beach Hotel (Tortola - Budget Friendly)
Rosewood Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda (Virgin Gorda - Luxury, )
Saba Rock Resort ( North Sound - Luxury,)
Anegada Beach Resort (Anegada -Budget Friendly, )
My favorite Guidebook for Bareboating in the British Virgin Islands: The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands
My favorite Guidebook for the British Virgin Islands: Top 10 US & British Virgin Islands
My favorite Novel about the Caribbean: The Embarrassment Of Mangoes or Vintage Norman Island: True Tales About a Real Treasure Island with Pirates and Buried Treasure
Don’t forget to pack: water shoes*** underwater camera*** HD mask ***reef safe sunscreen.
Stunning Views and Local Characters: Soaking in the Beauty of Virgin Gorda
What made our visit to Coppermine National Park even more magical were the stunning panoramic views. Perched on a hill, the park overlooks the azure expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The contrast of the rugged cliffs against the endless blue sea created a breathtaking scene. As I stood there, taking in the fresh ocean breeze, it felt like the past and present were blending into one extraordinary moment.
Ambling along the trails, we encountered some unexpected yet delightful companions , the local goats.These skittish creatures are a common sight on Virgin Gorda, and they add a pastoral touch to the rocky terrain. They scatter at the sight of handful of visitors, trotting away to graze and curiously watch from a distance as we snapped photos of the ruins and the breathtaking backdrop. Their presence was a reminder of the island life, both wild and domesticated. After exploring, I sat down on a large rock near the edge of the cliff. The breeze was cool and fresh, and I took a moment to soak in the peaceful surroundings. The sight of the endless ocean and the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing far below was incredibly soothing.
In Conclusion: A Scenic Gem
Visiting Coppermine National Park was not just an exploration of Virgin Gorda's rich history but also an invitation to appreciate its natural splendor. From the scenic car ride from North Sound, to the captivating ruins and serene vistas, every moment was a blend of discovery and delight. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just seeking tranquility, Coppermine National Park offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Virgin Gorda.
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