travelling after dark

[Paul Turnstill]

my partner charlotte and myself are visiting tobago in january. we are looking to have a romantic meal on the evening of her 21st birthday at the seahorse inn restaurant near black rock. the problem is we are staying in partluvier further up the coast which would involve us havng to travel back to where we are staying after dark.

how safe is the regards driving the roads at this time and also security wise/?

thanks to any reply in advance

[David Watkins]

Definitely not recommended.The direct route between Parlatuvier and Black Rock is not easy in daylight,particularly the stretch from Moriah to Plymouth.The alternative is to drive to the Highway and then up Shirvan road to Black Rock,a journey that in daylight will take over an hour.
As an alternative why don't you see if you can book one night at the Seahorse or next door at the Grafton?
David(22 days to go)

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Paul

Can I please just clarify David's comments. I am sure David will agree that the unsuitability of the drive is not based on personal security - it is entirely a matter of narrow, twisty roads that can be difficult enough to negotiate in the daytime, let alone at night.

[David Watkins]

Thats what I meant Oh Mighty one

[Paul Turnstill]

so basically due to the state of the roads and the nature of them it is not advisable but security wise the risks would be quite low?

th

[Steve Wooler]

Security-wise I wouldn't give it a second thoughts - although you clearly wouldn't stop and give lifts to people. The biggest problem along that north coast road, particularly between Plymouth and Moriah, is that there are several junctions where you could very easily go wrong and end up in tiny lanes that meander through quite remote areas. Perfectly safe - but it will be somewhat alarming for you in the darkness once you realise/suspect that you've gone wrong. Suddenly a lovely evening can become a real challenge - or total nightmare, depending upon your perspective.

[Ronald]

I totally agree with David and Steve.

Even if you have one of the road maps you can get at the Airport, you can choose wrong road even in daytime, as some of the junctions aren´t shown correct into some maps. And in the dark, with no or very little light beside the roads, the risk is even bigger.
Ronald

[Paul Tallet]

Not wishing to sound off my own Trumpet ... but I have taken this route many times at day and night and even when I have just arrived off the plane ... it is ingrained on my mind and I feel OK doing it ... but I take it slow.

Those that are new to it should be very careful (i.e. don't bother) as the roads are poor in some parts with some massive potholes that can take out even a 4 wheeler and, given a choice of direction (with no directions!), you can take the wrong turn off in places and end up in whatever.

It is also safe as long as you don't give people lifts ... the only risk, as said, is breaking down and then feeling helpless if someone with the wrong intentions offers you assistance, although, to be fair, many locals would genuinely help you out ... it's just the odd one.

I would say that it gets much easier after Moriah when you are on the road towards Castara ... it is just a single road right up to Parlatuvier with no options that I can think of to take a wrong turn.

If you make it ... there is a decent Rum Shop just before you get to Parlatuvier where you can sit and have well earned refreshments whilst enjoying a fantastic view of the Bay.

If you do it at night ... you must stop on the road near the entrance to Englishman's Bay ... pull over, turn off the engine, put out the lights, get out and look around ... it is a visual and audible feast ... just take care that you don't walk into a cow with sharp horns

Regards

[Paul Turnstill]

thanks guy for all your help and advice.
think we are gona take davids early advice and book a room in the seashore.

[Steve Pitts]

Hi Paul

I agree 100% with the replies so far.
I've travelled up to Castara from the Black Rock area and back down, what must be 20 times in the dark and I still get confused by the various turn-offs around Moriah, Parrot Hall etc. every time.

Have you considered a romantic meal closer to your base?
Sandcastles could be a good option and they offer a shuttle service which may cover up to Parlatuvier, which could offer the chance to have a celebratory drink or four (BYO booze as they have no liquor licence).
see - http://www.sandcastlestobago.com/

I can't recommend Sandcastles from experience, but I know a man who can and have always considered The Sea Horse Inn to be over-rated anyway.

Have a great time

Steve