December 11 marks International Mountain Day, a wonderful occasion to celebrate Sugar Loaf!




Once soaring to 2,411 feet, Sugar Loaf stood as the third highest mountain in Freetown and the 28th highest in Sierra Leone, a small country rich in natural wonders across 27,000 square miles.

For many Freetown residents, climbing Sugar Loaf was not just a hike, but a cherished rite of passage, with an ascent from Regent Village that was relatively accessible and surrounded by lush forests.

Freetown, the vibrant capital, thrives at the lower slopes of this  peak, with parts of Sugar Loaf recognized as the Western Area Forest Reserve.

However, we must also remember the tragic landslide on August 14, 2017, spurred by heavy rains, which deeply affected the community of Regent and resulted in heartbreaking losses.

Let's honor the spirit of this mountain and reflect on its enduring significance in our lives!

British missionary George Thompson documented his ascent of Sugar Loaf in his 1859 book, "The Palm Land; Or, West Africa, Illustrated."

"Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth" is the theme of International Mountain Day 2024. 

More reading: How Sugar Loaf Got Its Name, and Other Stories | Fantasy History 13


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