Newcastle and Catherine's Peak

Catherine’s Peak quickly becomes visible rising to the right as you drive up to Newcastle, a Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) training camp, from Red Light, the small community following Irish Town. The summit is easily identified by the clutter of communications antennas at the summit. The peak is a one-hour hike from the Parade ground at Newcastle, where there is plenty of parking. A rough road goes all the way up, but it becomes impassable to anything but a four-wheel-drive vehicle. JDF soldiers stationed at Newcastle restrict access to all vehicles except those belonging to coffee farmers in the area. It’s best to hoof it from Newcastle rather than attempt to drive part of the way up.