The Pekoe Trail - Stage 08 - Norwood to Bogawantalawa - Official Profile

IMPORTANT NOTE: The stage is walkable but not yet fully signposted. Trail users are advised to consider all the information available and to heed local advice when available. The services of a professional mountain guide are recommended. Trail users are responsible for all decisions as to the trail routes, trail conditions, weather, and safety. In addition to the hazards posed by steep terrain and mountain weather, hikers should be prepared for difficult route-finding and challenging trail conditions, dogs, leaches, heavy rain, intermittent thunderstorms, and plenty of sun. It is recommended to drink at least 1/2 litre of water per hour when hiking. Access to emergency medical care and rescue is not always immediately available.

Please download the latest version of the map before navigating the stage to avoid missing out on any re-routing.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE STAGE

Norwood is the gateway to the Bogawantalawa Valley. It is also a major crossroads as you venture deep into the tea country on the way from Hatton towards Maskeliya and Adam's Peak but also for those wanting to take the backroad down southbound towards Balangoda. The Bogawantalawa Valley is known as ‘the Golden Valley of Tea’.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful tea-growing areas in the country, this scenic valley overlooks mist-shrouded rolling hills and the mirror-still, picturesque Castlereagh lake. To learn about the people living in the Bogawantalawa area, it is worth studying the most significant 19th-century female British photographer, Julia Margaret Cameron.

Today’s stage is divided into two very distinct parts. Approximately half of the route is a continuous and sometimes a little challenging ascent and the second part of the trail is a continuous gentle descent towards Bogawantalawa.

The trail leaves Norwood town pointing directly south. It’s a slow and at times challenging climb heading up toward the ridge that separates the Bogawantalawa Valley and the Maskeliya Valley. If you feel you’re going up when you should be going deeper into the valley don’t worry, trust the GPS. We’ve walked all the possible options and this is, by far, the best route.

Some people wonder why The Pekoe Trail doesn’t take a more direct route through the bottom of the valley. The answer is simple; to deprive the hiker of viewing the magnificent Maskeliya valley would be a crime. Maskeliya is one of the most beautiful valleys in the tea country, home to Adam’s Peak, one of Sri Lanka’s most important sacred sites. The enshrined footprint at the summit is considered important to all religions as it is seen to be the impression of Buddha, Adam, or Shiva.

At the 0.4 km point, the trail dog legs sharply upwards. Keep track of the train using your GPS because there are a few counter-intuitive twists and turns until you cross the Norwood – Upcot road at the 1.1 km point.

Soon after we leave the Norwood – Upcot road behind we zig-zag to the top of the ridge. The distance between the village and the top of the ridge is approximately 3 km. We are on the Norwood Estate, a very well-known tea estate and factory you will see to your right as you gain elevation.

At the 3.8 km point, we cross the Norwood – Upcot Road as is saddles both valleys. This is where the fun starts; for the next few kilometers, you will enjoy wonderful views of the Maskeliya side. The pointy mountain on the other side of the lake is Adam’s Peak.

A few kilometers ahead the trail descends back into the Bogawantalawa Valley. The key to the trail is the 8.0 km point. Following and trusting your GPS is critical here. The next kilometer is the most remote part of the trail at this stage. We leave the comfort of a wide tea trail to follow a small and thin trail that leads to the upper divisions of the Kew Estate. You’ll know you’re at the right spot as soon as you reach a small Hindu shrine. To the left of the shrine looking up you’ll see steps – follow them.

At the 7.3 km point, you start descending towards Bogawantalawa as you enter the Kew Estate. Look out for the Kew Estate Tea Factory around the 10 km point and then it's all beautiful countryside to Bogawantalawa town. At the 8 km post, we’re out of the woods so to speak, back of a comfortable trail heading down and across towards the Kew Tea Factory. We pass the Kew Factory at the 9.7 km post and keep going east.

From the 11 km point down to the 14 km point the trail pleasantly zig-zags down and around lovely tea fields. There isn’t much shade here so it might be time to put your hat on. At the 14 km mark, we take a right turn into the main Norwood – Bogawantalawa Road. There is a lovely and very picturesque church on your left. It is worth stopping here to pay tribute to Julia Margaret Cameron, a British photographer who is considered one of the most important portraitists of the 19th century. She was laid to rest here, where she lived her final years. Passing the Bogawantalawa Planters Club to your right, follow the GPS down to the center of town.

PLEASE TAKE ALL YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU AND IF YOU SEE ANY RUBBISH OTHERS LEFT BEHIND TRY TO TAKE IT - EVEN IF JUST A BOTTLE OR A PLASTIC BAG, EVERY BIT COUNTS - THANK YOU.

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The Pekoe Trail is designed to support development and livelihoods in rural areas of Sri Lanka. Buying goods and services from local businesses helps communities along the trail to thrive. The Pekoe Trail is funded by the European Union (EU) with additional support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by IESC on behalf of Sri Lanka Tourism.