Norwood marks the gateway to the Bogawantalawa Valley, a crucial crossroads for those venturing deep into Sri Lanka’s tea country. It connects Hatton to Maskeliya and Adam’s Peak, and for the adventurous, offers a scenic backroad south to Balangoda. Known as the “Golden Valley of Tea,” Bogawantalawa is celebrated for its mist-shrouded rolling hills, the mirror-like Castlereagh Lake, and its status as one of the most picturesque tea-growing regions in the country. The area is also linked to Julia Margaret Cameron, a significant 19th-century British photographer who spent her final years here, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Today’s stage from Norwood to Bogawantalawa features two distinct challenges: an initial steady and sometimes demanding ascent followed by a gentle, continuous descent into the valley. The trail leaves Norwood heading directly south, climbing steadily toward the ridge that separates the Bogawantalawa and Maskeliya valleys. While it may feel counter-intuitive to climb away from the valley, trust the GPS—the ascent is necessary to provide breathtaking views of the Maskeliya Valley, home to Adam’s Peak. This sacred mountain, with its enshrined footprint at the summit, is revered across religions, being linked to Buddha, Adam, and Shiva.

At the 0.4 km mark, the trail sharply doglegs upward, twisting and turning until crossing the Norwood-Upcot Road at 1.1 km. Beyond the road, the path zig-zags upward through the Norwood Estate for about 3 km. As elevation is gained, the Norwood Tea Factory becomes visible to the right, a symbol of the region’s tea-producing heritage.

At 3.8 km, the trail crosses the Norwood-Upcot Road again, this time at a saddle point offering stunning views of both valleys. From here, the Maskeliya Valley stretches out majestically, with the peak of Adam’s Peak rising prominently on the far side of the lake. This vantage point is one of the highlights of the stage, showcasing the beauty and scale of the tea country.

The trail descends into the Bogawantalawa Valley after the 7.3 km mark, entering the Kew Estate. At 8.0 km, the path narrows to a less-traveled trail, marked by a small Hindu shrine. Steps near the shrine lead further into the estate, offering a unique and remote section of the journey. By 9.7 km, the trail passes the Kew Estate Tea Factory and transitions into a gentler path through the valley’s picturesque countryside.

Between the 11 km and 14 km marks, the trail zig-zags through sprawling tea fields. This open section is largely unshaded, making a hat essential for sunny days. At 14 km, the trail joins the main Norwood-Bogawantalawa Road, where a charming and historic church stands to the left. This church is closely tied to Julia Margaret Cameron, who is buried here, making it a worthwhile stop to honor her contributions to photography and her connection to this region.

The trail continues past the Bogawantalawa Planters’ Club on the right and descends into the heart of Bogawantalawa town. The stage concludes here, in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Golden Valley of Tea, offering a rewarding end to a day filled with stunning landscapes, cultural landmarks, and the timeless charm of the tea country.

Responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term environmental quality.