Ocho Rios to Kingston via Junction
Driving Time 2 1/2 hrs
This route heads east from Ocho Rios towards Port Maria passing Goldeneye, James Bond Beach and Firefly. At Port Maria one turns South and crosses the Wag Water River heading into the mountains.
Bridge over Wag River
Before reaching the Mountain Pass referred to as Junction road, the route passes through Agualta Vale, a Government Banana plantation.
Agualta Vale Banana plantation
The plantation has one of the last remaining stands of "Panama Tall" coconut trees that have survived the"Yellow Leaf" virus. Most commercial coconuts farms were replanted with "Panama Dwarf" varieties.
"Panama Tall" Coconuts.
From here the road closely follows the Wag riverbed with spectacular views round evey numerous corner.
Wag river bed
Some of the rock formations are starkly contrasted against star grass and coconut trees
Black granite formation
Usually one needs to take a break from driving and though there are numerous roadside fruitstalls, there is one favorite watering hole 1/2 way across.
Half way stop
However many people stop at Castleton Botanic Gardens where you can wander around one of the Caribbean's oldest gardens and enjoy wading in the river.
Entrance to Castleton Gardens
The road slowly widens out and the valleys become calmer and less precipitous and before you know it you are at Golden Spring and Stony Hill Square descending into Kingston.
Wag river near Temple Hall
It is only another 20 minutes before you are through Kingston, up the Mountains and back at Strawberry Hill.
