First off, I live on Nevis so speak from knowledge.

DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT attempt to hike Nevis Peak on your own - you need a guide, especially if it is your FIRST time climbing the mountain. The trails are not always well marked, often overgrown in some places, there are some very steep and muddy sections and it is not unusual to have to detour off the trail if a "new" obstruction arises. It is very easy to get disoriented. The guides make the trek fairly often so they are well versed in the best routing at that particular point in time. For what it is worth, even the local hiking club will only make the trek if there are experienced "Nevis Peak" hikers in the group.

I can't caution you enough - people have gotten lost climbing the mountain - a few years ago one was "missing" for almost a week. I personally know of several people who went alone, became disoriented and had to be rescue - they all ended up spending the night on the mountain.

Yes, you will get muddy so prepare accordingly.

There are lots of interesting places to hike on Nevis. Stop by the Tourist Office in Charlestown and ask for a trail map. Places to hike include:

New River Estate
Mount Travers Estate
Coconut Walk & Lime Kiln
The Lost Village at Mount Lily
The Source (from Golden Rock Inn).
Nelson's Lookout at Saddle Hill

Yes, you can cycle around the island. There are no shoulders or sidewalks. The roads are narrow, twisty and steep in parts. Drivers are accustomed to seeing a few bikers but some do drive fast and like to whizz by bikers. I'm not trying to scare you and imply it's not safe to cycle - only that you should keep alert at all times when cycling.

You'll find it easier to cycle in a clockwise direction as the grade is more gradual (except for the area known as Zion Hill) in that direction. Once you reach Gingerland (halfway around the island) you'll have a long downhill run all the way into Charlestown. Best also to go early in the morning as the sun gets very strong by mid-day and temperatures & humidity can soar by early afternoon. Bring plenty of water. For what it is worth, the local cyclists do their riding early in the AM (starting out around 6:00AM) and they alway go clockwise. They only people you see going counterclockwise are tourist with exhausted looks on their faces as the walk their bikes up the hills.

Ah thank you RoamsAround that is so helpful! Good info on the cycling and we will definitely not try Nevis Peak on our own. I did a little more reading after I posted the question and told my husband tonight I think we definitely need a guide. I am sure we will enjoy the company as well as the expertise of the guide.

Do you have a preference/recommendation of the Source hike vs. the Peak hike?

We really appreciate this information .... look for us along the road next week cycling in a clockwise direction early in the morning!

You can do the Source hike on your own. Go to office at Golden Rock Inn and get one of their free "Source" trail maps. The trail is fairly well marked. The trail begins at the edge of the "upper" parking lot.

The one drawback to hiking Nevis Peak is you never know whether the top will be shrouded in clouds in the time it takes you to reach the summit even if it was perfectly clear when you started out. If it is cloud covered (which it often is) your views will be severely limited.

Both the Source (3 to 4 hours round trip) and Nevis Peak (5 to 6 hours) are great hikes. Nevis Peak is the most difficult hike on the island but can reward you with fantastic views if the summit is clear of clouds. Source hike gives you a very interesting trek through dense rain forests, and while challenging, is not as difficult as climbing Nevis Peak.

Thanks - that is helpful. The opportunity for good hiking was one of the (many) things that attracted us to Nevis!

Where are you staying in Nevis?

Sorry just saw this, we stayed at the Four Seasons. We loved Nevis. Hope to get my trip report up soon.