Franklyn (Dango) Taylor is the JCDT sanctioned warden and the official guide for the Windsor Great Caves. Although it is possible to visit the cave without a guide, it is not advisable unless you are an experienced caver. All visitors to the cave are asked to check in with Dango, and sign the guest book, in aid of monitoring efforts being carried out at this site.
In addition to being a guide, Dango also runs a small shop and is often able to sell cold beverages and snacks, although the availability of these is somewhat seasonal. The prices are at the going rate for shops in the hills and you can be assured that you will always be treated fairly. Close to the shop, the Martha Brae River flows past (less than a kilometre from where it rises from springs), and offers a perfect place for a swim.
The cave itself is one of the finest in Jamaica, both physically, and in its biological importance. Visitors to the cave are requested to not touch the formations found here; they are much more fragile than they look and are easily broken. They are also asked to refrain from shining lights upon the roof of the chamber where bats will be found - this causes further disturbance than that already caused by your passage underneath, and can greatly increase the stress on these important inhabitants of the caves. Please do not stray from the path that your guide, Dango, will follow. There are many small creatures living on the floors of the outer chambers - great damage can result from soil compaction, or by simply walking on them.
It should be realized that Windsor Cave is large and complex. Most visitors will be satisfied by seeing the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites of the outermost chambers of the main, northern entrance. Currently, tourism is restricted to the part of the system that lies to the north of the first drop (a 15 metre pitch that requires gear and knowledge of vertical rope techniques). This point is located over a kilometre into the cave and is a roundtrip of several hours time. Be aware that this cave has no lights, no steps, no handrails... it's the real thing. If you plan to visit this cave, bring a flashlight, and if possible a helmet, along with good shoes or boots. Be prepared to get dirty. Take care that your camera doesn't get destroyed by the conditions, and please don't use a flash in attempting to take photographs of the bats. The resulting picture will show very little and the light will stress the bats.
Windsor is located at the start of the Troy - Windsor trail, on the very edge of the Cockpit Country. Hiking tours on the trail can be arranged through the JCO, and accommodation is available at the nearby "Patrick's Cabin" (managed by Dango), or at the Last Resort, owned and operated by Ivor Conolley.
The Windsor Great House also offers accommodations, and other services, and can be contacted via their website, CockpitCountry.Com.
Windsor is reached by travelling the road from Falmouth, Trelawny, to Martha Brae, and then crossing the bridge to the east and turning right to follow the valley south into the hills. This will take you along the side of the famous Martha Brae River (where tourists drift downstream on bamboo rafts), and then you'll pass through the small farming communities of Perth Town and Reserve after you've parted ways with the river, then through Sherwood Content, Coxheath, and finally to Windsor.
Further information can be found on the JCO fieldnotes page for Windsor Cave.
Guidance for Cavers in Jamaica |
