Walking in Jersey
One of the best ways to explore Jersey is to leave the car behind, as Jersey unravels at your every footstep.
Jersey is ideal for walkers and can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities in a a series of escorted walks arranged by Jersey Tourism. Uncover the island's past or get back to nature in the company of some of Jersey's most experienced ramblers, experts and Blue Badge Tourist Guides.
Countryside Walks
Challenges or lazy rambles
The varied geography of the island is ideal for walkers. From the gentle seafront promenades of the south, to inland woodland valleys, to the rugged north coast. Here, spectacular cliffs rise almost 400 feet from the sea, offering a greater challenge. Jersey walks can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.
Green Lanes and Open Fields
With walkers, in mind, Jersey has developed a network of over 40 miles of ‘Green Lanes’. These are signposted and aim to give precedence over the motor car with a speed limit of just 15mph. For an island only 9 miles by 5, Jersey has a profusion of quiet country lanes. The hedgerows and open fields are home to many rare species of flora and fauna.
- Walk 1. Trinity to Gorey
- Walk 2. St Lawrence Circular
Around Island Walk
Why not consider walking around the Island at a more leisurely pace over a few days during your stay. The ‘Around Island Walk’ can be undertaken with guides during Jersey’s two annual walking festivals but can also be undertaken with the aid of an Ordinance Survey map. The walk covers 48.1 miles and should take you on average 2/3 days depending on fitness levels and the time available.
The Landscape is very diverse, heather covered cliff paths with fantastic views of the other Channel Islands in the north to sloping sandy bays in the south, the wilder west coast which is a surfer’s paradise to green country lanes and the rockier marine environment on the island’s east coast.
Highlights of the walk include stops at Pontac, the small fishing port of La Rocque, Mont Orgeuil Castle, St Catherine’s breakwater, Rozel Bay, views of the French coast and the other Channel islands at Sorel Point, Ruins of Grosnez Castle, Les Mielles de Morville- Jersey’s mini ‘National Park’- Corbière Lighthouse, Les Creux Country Park, Beauport and Elizabeth Castle (islet at sea).
The start point can vary but you may want to start and finish from St Helier.
Should you prefer to partake in a guided 'Around the Island' walk, Jersey Tourism offer this service free of charge, twice yearly during the Spring and Autumn Walking Weeks. The walks take place over 5 days and coach transport to and from destination points is arranged. For information on this walk please contact us on Tel: +44 (0)1534 500777.
If you wish to walk with a guide, contact the Jersey Tour Guides Association c/o Hugh Gill on Tel: +44 (0)1534 769546.
Pub walks:
A reputation for good food and a wealth of pubs, cafes and restaurants mean walkers can enjoy a pint and a tasty snack - or something more substantial - wherever they are. Succulent seafood and home-grown vegetables are on menus across the island. For those who prefer to stop off en route to enjoy the scenery most hotels and guest houses will provide a packed lunch.
Moon Walks:
Jersey, the largest of the British Channel Islands has a total area a little over 116 square kilometres at high tide. Remarkably, with each low water the Island, surrounded by its constellation of offshore reefs, Les Minquiers, Les Ecrehous and Les Pierres de Lecq, doubles in size, twice a day! The Bailiwick of Jersey in its entirety covers over 3500 square kilometres, encompassing some of the most impressive and valuable marine habitats found anywhere in the world.
Throughout 2005, a series of ‘moonwalks’ are scheduled to take place at times when the influence of the moon on the island’s coastal waters is at its strongest. Like the damp edge of a stepping-stone in the English Channel, the extensive inter-tidal habitats found on the south east coast of Jersey are in fact the last vestiges of Britain’s former land bridge to continental Europe.
Each ‘Moonwalk’, so called because the terrain to be explored looks just like a lunar landscape, usually lasts approximately three hours and is led by Andrew Syvret, a local marine biologist and expert in the unique flora and fauna of the area.
Participants should be prepared to get wet to the knee (and sometimes higher!) as they discover inter-tidal lagoons, saltwater rivers on the beach, sand banks, reefs, wave cut platforms, gullies, boulder fields and tidal flats, surrounded by an incredible assemblage of fascinating animals and plants. Each ‘moonwalk’ is a truly unique outing, offering a wonderful immersion in Jersey’s rich marine life and maritime culture.
Full Moon Nightwalks
Departing late evening according to lunar phase, join Andrew & Nick for an inspiring moonlit visit to Seymour Tower, fuelled by Calvados and traditional vraic buns. Should you wish to experience Jersey’s unique marine life at a gentler pace, Andrew also offers several shorter walks on the west coast of the Island. The lighthouse at La Corbière and La Rocco Tower in St Ouen’s Bay feature in this series of walks, that will take place throughout the year.
All 'moonwalks' are strictly limited to a maximum of 25 persons and places must be reserved by contacting Andrew Syvret on Tel: +44 (0)1534 485201 or email andrew@seajersey.com There is a charge of £10.00 per adult for each walk, under 16’s go free. Private bookings welcome.
Ghost Walks & Tales of the Unexpected
Come closer……closer still…..now listen carefully as the mystery unfolds.
Explore Jersey’s most haunted sites as you are invited you to experience the unexplained and witness the macabre, during a spine-chilling evening discovering ghostly stories of Jersey folklore, myths and legends. Are the shadows cast by dusky moonlight just the trees? Look more closely… are you are being watched? You are disturbing the realm of the dead, and the deeper you go into the darkness the harder it is to escape. Whatever you do….don’t look behind you!
Walks take place in the dark, along narrow paths and in woodland areas, please ensure you have sensible shoes, bring a torch and watch your step as paths can be slippery during wet weather.
Numbers are limited so booking is essential on these walks, however due to the huge popularity of these walks, Off Island bookings are available by telephone - +44 (0)1534 500777 and On Island bookings are available from 5 days before each event and should be made in person to Jersey Tourism. Telephone bookings can only be accepted for overseas visitors wishing to book in advance.
Large groups wishing to book a private ghost walk, should contact - Tel: +44 (0)1534 768669
PTGH wish to thank Jersey Tourism for their help in providing the above information.
15/11/07
