By: Jake Anderson
I love to walk: there is something about rambling though a rural location that helps me step out of everyday life and actually have some time to relax. I was sat at work a few weeks back and decided it was that time of the year again; I needed to get out of the city for a weekend walking.
Now I must confess I tend to be quite boring when it comes to walking holidays, mainly sticking to parts of mainland UK—but hey, I was in an adventurous mood and heard great things about walking in Guernsey. So I packed my bags and off I went.
I was only there for two days, so decided to dedicate one day to walking and the other to exploring the island’s history and heritage.
Bluebell Woods
Bluebell Woods
Up bright and early on the first day, backpack filled with provisions, I set off. I had done a bit of research prior to going and decided to start at Bluebell Woods before heading towards the south coast cliffs.
As you may have guessed, Bluebell Woods is full of bluebells in spring, and lucky for me they were in bloom. There was something very mystical about this woodland; the floor was like a carpet of blue beneath the budding tree canopy.
Fermain Bay
Fermain Bay
Following the footpaths that weave through the sweeping bluebell carpet, I arrived at the beginning of the south coast cliff paths. By this point the sun was fully risen and shining; I couldn’t have asked for better weather.
The first point of interest I came across was Fermain Bay, a very pretty pebbled bay used by local and visiting boat owners to anchor in on a sunny day. There was a very nice looking café with tables overlooking the bay, but unfortunately it was not time for lunch yet.
Jerbourg Point
Jerbourg Point
I continued along the rugged coastline, admiring the view out to the sister islands of Herm and Sark, until I arrived at Jerbourg Point. From here, the island’s southeast tip, I could just about make out the French coast. There were also fantastic views back across the Guernsey east coast. I discovered some wonderful paths and walks just around this one area, as well as a World War II bunker and a bird watching hide. However, there was no time to hang around—it was getting near to lunch time and I had a long way to go yet.
Moulin Huet
Moulin Huet
Next on the list was Moulin Huet. Walking past Petit Port, a beautiful bay reached only by foot down 294 steps, I arrived.
Local rumor has it that this was one of Victor Hugo’s favorite picnic spots and subject to multiple paintings by Renoir back in the 1880s—and you can see why. This has to be the most picturesque piece of coastline I came across during my trip. The steep cliffs dive down to a stunning sandy beach. I decided to have a late lunch at the café here and opted for a local crab sandwich, which was delicious.
Saints Bay
Saints Bay
Belly full, it was time to set off towards my final stop of the day Saints Bay, a bay that used to play host to an ancient harbor. This was a fitting place to end my walking holiday in Guernsey; it kind of summed up what walking in Guernsey is all about: beautiful coastal views paired with a fascinating history and heritage.
I walked around to the far side of the bay where I found a rather lonely looking bench that overlooked it. Sitting there, contemplating my day of walking, I was content that this trip trumped anything I would have done on the mainland.
Images courtesy of the author.
About the Author
Jake Anderson is an avid walker and loves exploring destinations on foot. He is always keen to visit different places and loves nothing more than sitting on a sunny beach drinking an ice cold beer!