| Scenic Walks | Prosperous Bay Plain | Mundens
| Diana's Peak | Heart Shape Waterfall |
Prosperous Bay Plain
To begin this walk, you can start at Bradley’s Garage. Walkers generally leave their vehicles parked here. From Bradley’s, there is a winding track, leading down to Cook’s Bridge, in Fishers Valley. This will lead onto Prosperous Bay Plain. It should be noted however that no vehicles are allowed in the main Basin area and visitors are advised to follow the existing track.
Pictures: Central Basin and Great Stone Top (Click to enlarge)
The Central Basin is home to numerous endemics, most notably the rare Wirebird (St Helena Plover). There is a small number of Wirebirds on Prosperous Bay Plain, believed to be about 10% of the entire population.
A study was carried out by Phillip and Myrtle Ashmole on the invertebrates of Prosperous Bay Plain. This study revealed that there are over 35 species endemic to this area alone.
This has led to quite a debate over the years as it is the favoured location for the proposed airport. This area was seen as the preferred option for such a development due to the fact that it is situated on the largest mass of flat area on the island. There has been much discussion on the devastating effect this would have on the endemics, from the Wirebird to the Wolf Spiders. Little is known about the creatures that inhabit this desert-like area. Some believe there is still a chance that the Giant St Helenian Earwig could still be rediscovered, after it was originally reported extinct in 1800. There are few intact specimens of the Giant Earwig, dating back to 1760 when their samples were collected. The Giant Earwig is believed to have grown to a length of 80mm or more.
Walking through the Basin you are surrounded by features and sights that are fascinating and unique. To the North-West, you will see the predominant rise that is the Barn, towering over 600 metres above sea level. To the South you will see Little Stone Top and Great Stone Top, rising some 460 and 494 metres above sea level respectively.
Pictures: Views of Flagstaff, The Barn and Turks Cap from Prosperous Bay Plain (Click to enlarge)
Stepping of the usual route and exploring the surrounding areas, you will get a chance to see first hand the rugged, unforgiving coast which looks so awe-inspiring from out to sea. As this is the initial view set upon visitors to the island, the main misconception of the first time visitor is of a desolate place, this is true of the coast, but the interior of the island could not be further from the truth. At Prosperous Bay Plain though, it is the rugged, harsh land that you will mostly encounter, peppered with flora that would not look out of place in any desert.
Arriving at Prosperous Bay Signal Station, the views get even more breathtaking, on a clear day; you can gaze over Levelwood and see the Peaks in all their glory. Down to the West of Prosperous Bay Signal Station is Prosperous Bay Beach; this is another walk that can be done, although this is more arduous. Another outstanding rock formation is King and Queen Rocks. This is immediately adjacent to Prosperous Bay Signal Station and provides the walker with a magnificent view of what unique landscape St Helena has to offer.
Pictures: Views of King & Queen Rocks and Prosperous Bay Signal Station (Click to enlarge)
Prosperous Bay Signal Station itself has a very interesting historic stigma attached to it. The watchman at the time, Robert Gunnell, was murdered and the two men found guilty were the last people to be hanged on St Helena.
Pictures: Views of King & Queen Rocks (Click to enlarge)
The house today lies in a state of ruin, perched on a hill, looking out over the Eastern side of the Island and the vast Southern Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by History!
Prosperous Bay Plain is a walk that can easily be enjoyed by all, offering (in most parts) a relaxing walk accompanied by a constant cool crisp breeze, supplied with spectacular scenery.
