Maps for driving

Dianne O. · Post by **Dianne O.** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 4:26 pm

Is it possible to buy a good map of the driveable roads of Tobago in Crown Point? or should I order one online? Since I have been convinced by the friendly members of this forum to rent a car (and actually drive myself to C'ville!), I am going to need a decent map. Thanks!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 4:31 pm

Hi Dianne

By all means order one on-line, but you will also be able to pick up free copies at the Tourist office, opposite the departure lounge at Crown Point airport. Your car rental company should also provide a copy.

Have a look at our Tobago/Road Maps and you will see that there are actually very few roads on Tobago (and road signs even less frequent). The drive to Charlotteville is very easy - just keep the sea on your right-hand side. I'm only partly joking.

Dianne O. · Post by **Dianne O.** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 4:40 pm

Hi, Steve. Thanks for replying. I did take a look at the maps on the forum, and it seemed that that you could follow the road from Crown Point all along the Caribbean Coast, however, when it reached near the northern coast, it looks a little confusing. I am sure I will figure it out...I just don't want end up on one of those roads under construction I read about on the forum!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 4:43 pm

Don't worry about it. If the road deteriorates to a rough pitted track, you've probably wandered off the beaten track. Just stick on the main surface and you'll be find. I would say "just follow the main traffic", but in truth you're unlikely to be behind anyone - more the opposite way around I guess.

Its actually very, very easy and if you're ever in doubt, just wind down your wind and ask a passer-by - there'll will generally be someone in site before you've gone very far.

Kevin Hampson · Post by **Kevin Hampson** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 6:19 pm

Hi Dianne,
You will also find copies of the map in the arrivals at Crown Point airport. I alway pick one up as I go through it gives me something to read while my luggage turns up.

The road system on Tobago is pretty simple just dont expect to get anywere very fast. The new road on the Caribbeian side to Charlotteville is well signposted and easy to avoid. I always find getting lost is half the fun .

Regards
Kevin

Dianne O. · Post by **Dianne O.** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 6:40 pm

Thanks, Kevin. Simple is good. Being an American not use to driving on the left side of the road, much less a narrow, steep, curvy one with potholes, I am a little anxious. Oh, well...if I survived the "roundabouts" in England, I'll be ok, I'm sure!

Jane H · Post by **Jane H** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 8:59 pm

Hi Dianne,

As it says in the "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" - "Don't Panic"!!

The easier way to get to Charlotteville is to go up the east side of the island and then across to Charlotteville from Speyside. The road is quite good most of the way, and there are some spectacular views.

The road up the Caribbean side is very pretty - and also very twisty and steep in places. You can cut across to Speyside through the rain forest (which is a really nice drive) and then across to Charlotteville as before. Don't know if the northern road from L'Anse Formi to Charlotteville is finished yet (I'm sure someone will tell us!) It was nowhere near in April this year, so was only really passable in a 4 wheel drive vehicle - unless you have a real thirst for adventure and off road driving!

Jane

Kevin Hampson · Post by **Kevin Hampson** » Fri Jul 15, 2005 8:12 pm

Hi Jane,
I did the L'anse Formi - Charlottville last October before all the big rains, and I fully agree it was an adventure. I had a 4+4 and we were slipping and sliding a bit. The workman were fine a cheery wave as you passed well it looked like a cheery wave anyway, but you had to be very patience with the trucks and tractors.

I would not recommend it for the faint hearted and certainly not in a 2 wheel drive.

Regards
Kevin

Dianne O. · Post by **Dianne O.** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 4:12 pm

Thanks--after looking at the maps on this forum, it does appear that it's easier to take the East Coast to Charlotteville if the road from L'anse Formi is not completed yet. I think that will be the way I will go!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 4:19 pm

No question, Dianne. The Caribbean coast road is by far the prettier, but even when the L'Anse-Charlotteville road is complete will take at least an hour longer from Crown Point than the Atlantic coast road. There are also at least five points where you could easily take a wrong turn on the Caribbean coast road, whereas the Atlantic coast is very, very simply - just follow the road from the airport and don't turn off. This will take you down the main 'highway' past Scarborough. Just stick on the main road at all times - it will take you all the way to Charlotteville with no turns. There are a couple of minor spots where side road may give you a brief second or two wondering which way to go, but the best advice is to always bear right - at the worst it will take you to the sea within only a few hundred metres.