Kingston to Ocho Rios via Mt Diablo:
Driving time 2 hours.
Upon leaving Kingston it is best to travel on the Spanish Town highway, bypassing the town itself and drive into one of the most spectacular gorges in Jamaica,the Rio Cobre which heads north towards Ewarton and Mount Diablo.
The Rio Cobra from Flat Bridge
As can be seen, it pays to leave either mid-morning or mid-afternoon as there is a rush hour around 9am and 5pm!
View from Mount Diablo, with the Blue Mountains in the far distance.
The road exits the gorge, crosses the flats and winds up Mt Diablo where the most fantastic views looking back over Ewarton towards Kingston can be experienced.
"Mud Lake"
Near the top of the route is the "Red Mud Lake" which is linked to the Alumina production in the area.
Reclaimed Bauxite mine.
From Mount Diablo the scenery changes to one of carefully reclaimed open Bauxite mines to gently undulating farmlands all the way to Fern Gully just outside Ocho Rios
Walkerswood, near Ocho Rios
Many cattle can be seen here, with farmlands as far as the eye can see, until one descends into Fern Gully, a protected reserve famous for it's numerous fern species and giant trees.
A huge root system hanging over the road in Fern Gully
Craft stall selling "tams"
From the bottom of Fern Gully you are already in Ocho Rios where plenty of signs will guide you. If you take a left you head towards Montego Bay whereas to the right leads towards Port Maria and Port Antonio further on.
