The Channel Islands - Jersey, Guernsey & Sark Walk

Located close to the French coast, the Channel Islands consist of Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Part of England, they are in fact closer geographically to France and this proximity to the continent means the islands have a unique feel to them, combining elements of both countries.

The islands are ideal for walking, and have a large variety of scenery despite their small size. Coastal views and pretty villages are abundant. The islands also have an rich history meaning walkers will not be short of something interesting to see.

Each island has its own character. In Jersey there is the beautiful capital St.Helier and in rural areas walkers will encounter beautiful sandy beaches, and rugged cliff top walks with stunning views along the North coast. Clambering over rocks and scouring rock pools at low tide, there is also the opportunity to explore historical sites such as Mont Orgueill castle and prehistoric burial mound La Hougue Bie.

In more northerly Guernsey, walkers can experience the lush gardens, woodland and chapels of the island interior as well as the beautiful headlands, bays and beaches of the coast.

There is also the opportunity to explore Sark, with no traffic and only 600 inhabitants, there is real sense of seclusion and peace on this beautiful island.

Itinerary:

Day 1:

Arrival in Jersey, travel to hotel located in St Clement

Day 2:

Travel to North Coast via bus, today you will traverse well maintained cliff top trails with glorious views of the rocky coastline, other islands and the French coast. There is a choice of walk from St.Johns Church via Bouley Bay or a longer option from Greve de Lecq with both walks taking you to the coloured houses of Rozel Bay. The cliff top views are stunning during these walks. 2.5hrs - 6.5 hrs (6.5 – 18.5km) Overnight St Clement

Day 3:

Starting from St.Clement you walk into the interior of Jersey heading for the ancient burial mound La Hougue Bie. From here you continue onto the village of Gorey with Mont Orgueil castle situated on a rocky outcrop. You can then bus back to St. Clement or walk back to St Clement along the bay of Grouville via La Rocque Point where at low tide large areas of rock pools are exposed. 3.5 – 6.5 hrs (10-16km) Overnight St Clement

Day 4:

Today you take the included ferry to Guernsey. If taking an afternoon or evening boat, there is time to head out to the South West tip of Jersey before you leave, such as Corbiere Point. Following the route of an old railway line, this is over mainly flat terrain (2-3 hours, 25km). A longer alternative would be to cycle routes through undulating landscape with possible visit to the Jersey War Tunnels Museum. If catching the ferry in the morning you can wander around St. Peter Port or do one of the walks described on day 5 and 6.

Day 5:

Taking the bus from St. Peter Port to Sausmarez Manor & Garden, where you can admire the interesting flora, you will follow the coastal path around the south-east tip of Guernsey. The walk takes you to Fermain Bay, a beautiful and quiet spot and to St Martins Point. You will pass Moulin Huet Bay with its dramatic cliffs before walking inland to get the bus back to St Peter Port. (6km 2.5 hours). For a slightly longer walk you can continue to Saint’s bay and then get the bus back. (8km 3 hours).

Day 6:

Today you head to L’Eree by bus where you can admire Lihou island and even spend some time on the island if you wish where you can explore the ruins of a 12th Century monastery. The causeway to the island is sometimes submerged by water depending on the tide, and the walk along l’Eree bay to the Martello tower Fort Grey can only be made at low tide. After this you walk through the undulating farmland of the interior, admire the flowered gardens at St Saviour Church. From here you can choose to take the bus or walk back to St Peter Port, shortening or lengthening the walk as you wish. (5-16km 1.5 hrs- 5.5 hours)

Day 7:

Today you will make a return journey to the beautiful island of Sark (ferry included). With only 600 residents and no cars, it is an ideal place to explore by bicycle with the only traffic likely to be a lone tractor or horses. Explore the main village, the residence of the lord of Sark, ‘La Coupe’ a narrow road that leads to Little Sark along a ridge. There are dramatic and stunning views from the cliffs along the North Coast of the island.

Day 8:

Departure after breakfast.

Ferry back to Jersey included.

Price:

£950 per person based on two people sharing one room

£220 Single room supplement

£110 Solo Supplement

Practical Information:

ACCOMMODATION:

Three star hotels in both Jersey and Guernsey. The rooms are standard equipped with private bathrooms.

WHAT TO TAKE

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

WHEN TO GO

April to October. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

GETTING THERE:

Jersey is accessible by ferry or flying. Flybe and Easyjet both fly into Jersey from different locations in the UK and the airport is approx. 5 miles from St Helier with frequent bus connections. Once in St Helier you then take the bus to St Clement, the bus runs every hour and the journey is approx. 15 minutes.

Ferries can be taken from Weymouth, Portsmouth or Poole and also from St Malo in France. These are operated by Condor Ferries and arrive at the port in St Helier.

At the end of the holiday you can get a ferry back to Jersey (not included) for departure, alternatively Flybe and Blue Islands operate flights to UK airports. The airport is only a few miles from St Peter Port. There are also ferries to Portsmouth and Poole and also to St Malo in France.

INCLUDED:

7 nights B&B with private bathrooms, return ferries Jersey-Guernsey and Guernsey-Sark, bicycle hire on Sark, route notes and maps.

NOT INCLUDED:

Lunches, dinners, drinks, insurance, anything not mentioned in programme.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.