2013
Saturday 14 - Saturday 21 September
The Around Island Walk 2 Guides, 5 days, 50 miles!
Enemy At The Door
An Island Fortress - discover darker days
50 Shades of Green
Explore our Green Lane Network
www.jersey.com
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autumnwalking
Important Notes for Participating Walkers Although there may be opportunities to stop for refreshments along your route, you are advised to bring a packed lunch on the full day walks. Unless otherwise stated, all routes are circular and will bring you back to your starting point. Where possible, all routes have been programmed to coincide with local bus services. Please bring suitable clothing and footwear for your walk. Whilst many of the walks are on country lanes, some are on coastal paths, off road or on the beaches, so walking boots or stout shoes with good grips are recommended. Walks are taken at your own risk. If walking on the beach, please be aware of tides, streams that cross the beach and sand that can be very soft in places. Whilst the walks in this programme have been designed to suit all abilities, please take care in choosing your walk and consider carefully
whether you can complete the longer walks. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. All persons participating in any aspect of this programme do so at their own risk and neither Jersey Tourism nor their appointed agents and guides can take responsibility for personal injury. Please note that all distances shown are approximate. The guides reserve the right to refuse participation to any walker if they are not suitably attired or, in the guide’s opinion, would be unsuitable to undertake the walk. All specified public bus routes and timings are correct at time of print. For updated information, please contact LibertyBus – Tel: 01534 828555. Jersey Tourism can accept no responsibility for any subsequent alteration to bus timings and routes shown in this programme. All suggested bus routes start and finish at Liberation Station in St Helier.
What Jersey lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in natural beauty, stunning scenery and rich heritage. Whether you choose to venture along the dizzying heights of the north coast cliffs, stroll down shady lanes to picturesque villages or take a laid-back coastal jaunt, you’re sure to find a walk to suit you. Without doubt, it’s the best way to discover the real heart of Jersey. Unless otherwise stated, the majority of walks in the programme are free of charge and all are in the company of the Island’s most respected and experienced walking guides.
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HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
walk
Around Island
Join Blue Badge Guide Arthur Lamy and Bronze Award Guide Christine Sangan for a week of exploration and fun on this unique walking extravaganza. Spectacular headlands and beaches, historic towers and castles, ancient burial chambers and “Green Lanes” - these are just some of the experiences you’ll encounter on this five-day, 48 mile trek that aims to take in all of Jersey’s coastline. Your guides will ensure you are suitably looked after throughout the week as well as providing ample supplies of encouragement. Courtesy coach transfers are included to take you to the start point each day, except for Monday 16th September when the walk starts from Liberation Square, St Helier. Don’t forget to bring along a packed lunch. The registration fee for the five-day walk is £25 and advance reservations for this walk, including the coach service, are required – call Jersey Tourism: 01534 448877. 2
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Programme
of walks
Saturday 14 Inner Grouville Fortifications l 10:15 – 12:15 Meeting point: Lower Queens Valley Reservoir car park, Rue du Moulin de Bas, Grouville Guide: Johnathan Bull Grade: Moderate – 2.5m (4k) + one steep climb Bus: 2 (alight at Grouville Parish Hall, 15 min walk to meeting point) Overlooking the Royal Bay of Grouville, WW2 second line German defences lay awaiting any allied advances. You will walk through leaf covered lanes on this road based walk whilst taking in the views of the French coast, Mont Orgueil Castle and the flat lands of Grouville. Few remains exist but fascinating clues are scattered throughout. Discover why the East of the Island became so important in the German defences while exploring the history of Grouville and the Occupation in general. 4
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Wild Food Forage l 10:30 – 13:00 Meeting point advised when booking Booking essential – Call 01534 448877 or pop into Jersey Tourism Price: £7 Guide: Kazz Padidar Grade: Easy – 2m (3.2k) Bus: 12a Come and get lost in the wilds of St Ouen; take in fantastic scenery, encounter local wildlife and learn about the vast variety of wild edible and medicinal plants our unique environment has to offer. Please dress with an eye on the weather and bring along any food and drink you may need. All Things Stone l 10:45 – 13:00 Meeting point: Long beach car park (opposite Gorey Common) La Rue a Don, Grouville Guide: Pete Webb Grade: Easy – 2.5m (4k) plus steps to and from the castle Bus: 1, 2 Uncover mysteries set in stone: the Rosetta Stone, ancient Neolithic standing stones, ley line divining and a medieval stone ‘hierarchy’ garden at the castle all have secret stories to tell.
St Aubin - Cod, Smugglers and Privateers l 10:30 – 13:30 Meeting point: St Brelade’s Parish Hall, St Aubin Guide: Hugh Gill Grade: Easy – 3m (4.8k) Bus: 12a, 15 Enjoy a leisurely stroll exploring the picturesque 18th century harbour and town of St Aubin. Learn of the riches gained from the sea and from plundered French shipping, and admire the 17th and 18th century houses built by the merchants who created this little town. Head along the Railway Walk, through quiet lanes and return to the parish hall via the beautiful, cobbled High Street.
Swept Sands l 13:00 – 16:00 Meeting point: Outside Le Fregate Café, Les Jardins de la Mer, The Esplanade, St Helier – linear route Guide: Ian Ronayne Grade: Easy – 4m (6.4K) Starting from St Helier’s West Park, you will follow the curving sweep of St Aubin’s Bay, stopping along the way to learn about the many fortifications whose weapons once swept these now peaceful sands. Stout Jersey round towers stand alongside squat World War Two bunkers. Hear about the missing tower, the lost slipways and forced labourers who toiled to build the concrete wall along the bay. Your walks ends in a visit to the charming and historic St Aubin’s Village, from where it’s possible to catch a bus or train back to town – or to turn round and walk back again. 5
Sunday 15 Mysteries of the East l 10:45 – 13:45 Meeting point: St Clement’s Parish Hall, La Grande Route de la Côte, St Clement Guide: Tom Bunting Grade: Moderate – 5m (8k) Bus: 1 An ancient burial site, a rock used by witches, a windmill and a folly; happen upon all these fragments of Jersey history as you traverse salt marshes, fields, hills, beaches and pathways that wind through the sleepy south east of the island.
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St Helier – Occupation to Liberation l 10:30 – 13:00 Meeting point: Jersey Tourism, Liberation Place, St Helier Guide: Martin Walton Grade: Easy – 2.5m (4k) Jersey was occupied by the Germans throughout World War II. Visit sites around St Helier’s Harbour with poignant reminders of events from both the Occupation and Liberation of the Island. Hear what really happened during those fateful days.
Les Misérables - In the footsteps of Victor Hugo l 14:00 – 16:30 Meeting point: The Pier, Havre Des Pas Lido, St Helier (no parking nearby, a short walk from town or take the bus) Guide: Pete Webb Grade: Easy – 2.5m (4k) Bus: 1 Victor Hugo: author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the subject of a new book researched by Pete for the American best-selling writer, M.J. Rose. This tour will reveal the life and times of the famous author during his exile in Jersey. Walk with the stars at your feet l 21:30 – 23:00 Meeting point: Advised when booking Booking essential – Call 07797853033 Price: £14.50 adults, £7.50 children Guides: Derek Hairon and Trudie Trox Grade: Easy – 1m (1.6k) walking on the wet seabed at night As night descends and the ocean recedes, star like shapes of luminous green (bioluminescence) begin to twinkle and sparkle in a few special spots off the south east coast. Discover and experience the uniqueness of this area. In just a few hours the ocean will return and cover your footprints by up to 40ft. Please note. The amount of bioluminescence can vary.
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Around Island Walk Day 1 – St Helier to Corbière l 09:30 – 18:30 Meeting point: Liberation Square, St Helier Booking essential – Tel: 01534 448877 Grade: Difficult – 10m (16k) Today’s walk will leave the hustle and bustle of St Helier behind as you head out west, along the sands of St Aubin’s Bay, towards the town of St Aubin itself. There is a steep climb to Noirmont Point and the war memorial, before dropping down into the beautiful bay of St Brelade. Climbing again to Beauport and along the rugged cliffs, today’s adventure will come to a close at the spectacular setting of Corbière lighthouse. It’s Town, But Not As You Know It! l 10:00 – 13:30 Meeting point: West Park Slipway (opposite Grand Jersey Hotel), The Esplanade, St Helier Guide: Tom Bunting Grade: Easy – 5m (8k) From Victoria Park, ascend to infamous Gallows Hill for sweeping views of the town, before descending through cemeteries, shady lanes, valleys and secret Victorian backstreets. This is St Helier as you may never have seen it before! 8
German Occupation Coastal Trail l 10:00 – 12:30 Meeting point: Portelet Inn bus stop (public car park) Price: the walk is free, but donations to the Channel Island Occupation Society for entry to the bunker would be appreciated. Guide: Martin Walton Grade: Easy – 1.5m (2.4k) Bus: 12a Against a backdrop of spectacular cliff top scenery, join your guide on a walk around Jersey’s dry land battleship, Battery Lothringen. Conclude with a guided visit inside the restored underground armoured Command Bunker with its two storeys of exhibits that bring those dramatic Occupation days back to life.
The Grandeur of Grantez l 10:45 – 13:30 Meeting point: St Ouen’s Parish Hall Guide: Sue Hardy Grade: Easy – 4m (6.4k) Bus: 8, 9 A Neolithic tomb awaits discovery, hidden in the ancient sheep-grazed grassland on the heights of Les Monts Grantez. Magnificent views across the wide landscape, much of it protected by The National Trust for Jersey, stretch out across the Atlantic to the horizon. A visit to the Parish Church recalls the past generations who farmed the land, and the de Carteret family who held sway as lords of the manor. Russians and Raiders l 14:00 – 17:00 Meeting point: Next to the crane on Bouley Bay Pier, Bouley Bay, Trinity Guide: Ian Ronayne Grade: Moderate / Difficult 4m (6.4K) Bus: 4 Visit towering cliffs, leafy valleys and hidden bays on this stunning north coast walk. Along the way, learn about the fortifications found here and the soldiers who defended this part of the Island in years gone by. Among them were a group of renegade Russians sent to Jersey on a doomed cause but who left their permanent mark nevertheless. You will also hear about the only British commando raid on Jersey during the Second World War, and retrace the steps of the brave men whose mission ended in tragedy. Walk with the stars at your feet l 22:00 – 23:30 Meeting point: Advised when booking Booking essential – Call 07797853033 Price: £14.50 adults, £7.50 children Guides: Derek Hairon and Trudie Trox Grade: Easy – 1m (1.6k) walking on the wet seabed at night As night descends and the ocean recedes, star like shapes of luminous green (bio-luminescence) begin to twinkle and sparkle in a few special spots off the south east coast. Discover and experience the uniqueness of this area. In just a few hours the ocean will return and cover your footprints by up to 40ft. Please note. The amount of bioluminescence can vary.
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Tuesday 17 Around Island Walk Day 2 – Corbière to Grève de Lecq l 09:30 – 18:00 Meeting point: Liberation Square, St Helier for courtesy coach pick up Booking essential – Tel: 01534 448877 Grade: Difficult – 12m (19k) Today, head north along the west coast and the vast expanse of St Ouen’s Bay, known locally as the Five Mile Road. A steep path leads to the top of the headland at the northern end of the bay, passing Le Pinacle rock, the racecourse and the ruins of Grosnez Castle. From Plémont the walk follows the cliff path to Grève de Lecq.
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The Grandeur of St Catherine’s Bay 10:00 – 13:00 l Meeting point: Archirondel Beach café, St Martin Guide: Martin Walton Grade: Moderate – 4m (6.4k) Bus: 2 Immerse yourself in the Island’s history as you follow the coastline past Napoleonic Towers and German Fortifications. Hear the story of a never-completed grand harbour and the people who came to build it. Return through picturesque country lanes and beautiful woodland, passing old Jersey houses and Manor grounds along the way.
Fern Valley l 10:00 – 13:00 Meeting point: St Andrew’s Church, St Andrew’s Park, First Tower Guide: Sue Hardy Grade: Medium – 3.5m (5.6k) Bus: 8, 9, 12,12a, 14, 15 Weave your way through narrow lanes to discover hidden Fern Valley, managed by The National Trust for Jersey. Boardwalks take you over running water and trees provide a shady canopy. Climb steps to look out over the treetops, before meandering along paths and quiet country roads as you recross the deep valley and return to the park. Please note: There is no public parking other than limited on road parking, please use the bus where possible.
Living With The Enemy – The Time Team Special l 10:30 – 12:45 Meeting point: Gunsite Café, Beaumont – Finish at Jersey War Tunnels, St Lawrence Guide: Tom Bunting Grade: Easy – 2m (3.2k) Bus: 9, 12a, 15 Delve into life in Jersey when it was occupied in World War II. What was life like for everyday people? What did they eat? How did they know what was going on in the outside world? See original trenches built by the occupying forces as the walk passes from country lanes to woodland in an area excavated on Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’. Jersey Parish Walk – Small is Beautiful l 11:00 – 17:30 Meeting point: St Mary’s Parish Church. Guide: Hugh Gill Grade: Moderate – 7m (11.3k) Bus: 27 Soak up some of the unspoilt pleasures of the Jersey countryside as you wander through the quiet green lanes of St Mary, one of the Island’s smallest parishes. Enjoy windswept views out to the other Channel Islands whilst walking along some of the most dramatic stretches of Jersey’s northerly coastline. Head towards Grève de Lecq, passing vineyards and valleys on the way, and learn of the Island’s unique history before returning to the Parish Church. Stop off for refreshments along the way or bring a picnic. North by Northwest l 13:00 – 16:30 Meeting point: Round Tower in the car park at Grève de Lecq, Mont de la Grève de Lecq, St Mary Guide: Remi Couriard Grade: Moderate – 5m (8k) Bus: 9 Discover the coastal cliff paths and country lanes of this northerly parish, with outstanding views of France along the way. Explore Grève de Lecq woods en-route to St Peter’s Mill and take in the scenery from some of the cliffs surrounding Devil’s Hole before heading back to the bay. A walk filled with tales of Jersey’s rural heritage, its countryside, its coast and the various sights, sounds and ‘tastes’ of island life today.
Defence in Depth l 13:30 – 16:30 Meeting point: St Ouen’s Parish Hall, St Ouen’s Village Guide: Ian Ronayne Grade: Easy – 4m (6.4K) Bus: 8, 9 On the high ground behind St Ouen’s Bay, the Germans built a complex second line of fortifications during the Second World War. Bunkers, towers, turrets and guns provided an unparalleled defence in depth. On this panoramic walk, you will stroll through quiet country lanes and climb sandy tracks to visit the impressive remains of these fortifications and learn how the occupiers planned to defeat any enemy landing in this part of the Island. You will also visit historic St Ouen’s Church to recall the tragic impact of earlier conflicts on Jersey and one of its foremost families. Murder, Muck and Mayhem l 19:30 – 21:30 Meeting point: Royal Square, St Helier Guide: Tom Bunting Grade: Easy – 2m (3.2k) By the dim light of dusk, lift the veil on the murkier side of Jersey’s capital as you find yourself in parts of town that are ‘off the beaten track’. Gruesome events and bizarre characters, oddities and quirks, murder, muck and mayhem; within this twilight world, discover the events that really shaped the island. l l
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Wednesday 18 Around Island Walk Day 3 – Grève de Lecq to Bouley Bay l 09:30 – 18:00 Meeting point: Liberation Square, St Helier for courtesy coach pick up Booking essential – Tel: 01534 448877 Grade: Difficult – 10m (16k) Be prepared for a strenuous day of undulating cliff paths, thick with gorse and bracken, winding up and down the many little valleys carrying streams from the Island’s high north coast. The route passes through the smuggler’s cove of Bonne Nuit and up to Jersey’s highest point at Les Platons (113 metres), before descending sharply to the finish in Bouley Bay.
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Architectural Adventures l 11:00 – 16:00 Meeting point: Statue King George V, Howard Davis Park, St Helier Guide: Sue Hardy Grade: Easy – 2.5 m (4k) Around every corner, discover buildings that shape the character of the Island. From the traditional and imposing edifices that house local institutions to spectacular and exciting modern constructions, the stories of their occupants are as varied as the buildings themselves! A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Jesuit 19th century weather observatory of Maison St Louis. Bring a picnic, and don’t forget your camera. The Oyster Trail l 12:00 – 14:00 Meeting point: Advised when booking Booking essential – Call 07797853033 Price: £16.50 adults, £8.25 children Guides: Derek Hairon and Trudie Trox Grade: Easy – 1.5m (2.4k) walking on the wet seabed Hear about the fascinating history of the cultivation of shellfish in the Island and visit the oyster and mussel beds off La Rocque Harbour; Jersey is the largest producer in the British Isles. At the end of the walk, sample Jersey oysters considered by chefs to be an absolute delicacy.
Edwardian Beauty and Undiscovered Lanes l 13:30 – 17:00 Meeting point: Lych Gate, St Saviour’s Parish Church, St Saviour’s Hill Guide: Hugh Gill Grade: Moderate – 6m (9.6k) Bus: 20 The imposing church of St Sauveur de L’Épine and the vast graveyard featuring Lillie Langtry’s gravestone, mark the start of this stroll through the (almost) land-locked parish of St Saviour. Passing Lillie’s birthplace in the Old Rectory, the walk leads down into the Grands Vaux valley and reservoir. An organic dairy farm en-route contrasts with La Hougue Bie, one of Europe’s finest Neolithic monuments, as the walk crosses high ground providing views out to sea towards the Minquiers reef and France. Walk through urban St Saviour, passing the Millennium Cross and the parish school before returning to the church.
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Flight Paths and Country Lanes l 10:20 – 14:00 Meeting point: Main entrance, St Peter’s Parish Church, Rue de L’Eglise, St Peter Guide: Remi Couriard Grade: Moderate – 4m (6.4k) Bus: 9 Hidden around the outskirts of St Peter’s Village are views, landscapes and architectural gems that may surprise you. Discover facts about the nearby airport and the neighbouring cod houses. Finishing at Manor Farm’s dairy, meet the cows themselves and if you wish, try some of the homemade “Genuine Jersey” goodies in the tea room (at own expense).
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Fort Regent – The Impenetrable Fortress l 14:00 – 16:30 Meeting point: Liberation Statue, Liberation Square, St Helier Guide: Martin Walton Grade: Easy– 2m (3.2k) Discover the enormous, forgotten, Napoleonic fortress dominating St Helier - with moats, parade grounds, battlements, eerie corners, stairways and forgotten gardens. See defences dating from the Napoleonic era to WWII, along with tremendous views of both town and country. Behind Enemy Lines – An Evening Walk l 19:30 – 21:30 Meeting point: Liberation Square, St Helier Guide: Pete Webb Grade: Easy– 2m (3.2k) Jersey, the oldest possession of the British monarchy, left undefended, deserted and on its own (1940-45). Walk the stories and sights of ‘Behind Enemy Lines’.
Jersey’s Ice Age coastline provides an accessible, dramatic and informative landscape for understanding how two million years of climate change shaped the North West Europe in which we live today. There is perhaps no landscape in the region which combines such a concentration of archaeological sites, natural features and vistas which tell our planet’s Ice Age story so clearly. Jersey Heritage, working in partnership with Société Jersiaise and the National Trust for Jersey is delivering Ice Age Island, part of a three year archaeological project that will further explore Jersey’s unique history stretching back over a quarter of a million years. The study will be led by Dr Matt Pope, Senior Research Fellow of the Institute of Archaeology at University College London and the project fieldwork and research has already uncovered hunting sites and submerged Ice Age landscapes, ranging from the earliest occupation by Neanderthals over 250,000 years ago, to the arrival of the first modern humans. To date, there have already been significant finds which have received extensive national television and media coverage, including ‘Digging for Britain’ and ‘Ice Age Giants’. It is believed there are more evidence and artefacts of ancient human occupations still waiting to be discovered across Jersey. Ice Age Island Walking Guide & Trails Why not pick up a Jersey Heritage Ice Age Trail Walking Guide and explore the Islands Ice Age history as you please. Three dedicated Ice Age Trails have been created by the team of Ice Age experts, supported by virtual video tours which will be available to download via the Ice Age Jersey Website. Ouiasne to Belcroute Offshore landscape of Ice Age revealed at low tide, La Cotte de St Brelade Neanderthal site, Ice Age geology of Portelet, raised beaches and arctic channels of Belcroute. Les Landes to Plemont Neanderthals occupation of Le Pinacle, the last hunters of Canal du Squez, ancient sea levels and caves of La Cotte a La Chevre, the submerged Pater Noster Valley, Plemont raised beaches. Gorey to Fliquet The French connection, Neanderthals at Mont Orgueil and Le Port, earliest humans at La Carete, view across Ecrehaus to Rozel and the flooded landbridge, views into Fliquet arctic beds from St Catherine’s breakwater. www.jerseyheritage.org/iceageisland 15
Thursday 19 Around Island Walk Day 4 – Bouley Bay to Gorey l 09.30 – 18:00 Meeting point: Liberation Square, St Helier for courtesy coach pick up Booking essential – Tel: 01534 448877 Grade: Difficult – 8m (13k) After a relatively difficult section of cliff path above Bouley Bay, the walk becomes easier as it descends into picturesque Rozel Bay. Continue past hidden coves, the Dolmen du Couperon and the mid19th century naval harbour at St Catherine’s. The walk finishes for the day below impressive 13th century Mont Orgueil Castle, towering above the Royal Bay of Grouville.
The High Hike l 10:15 – 17:00 Meeting point: St John’s Parish Church Guide: Hugh Gill Grade: Moderate / Difficult – 8m (12.8k) Bus: 25 Wander through the beautiful Parishes of St John and Trinity on this exhilarating all-day walk. Green lanes, granite farm houses, medieval buildings and the beautiful Jersey cow await as you meander through pretty lanes and footpaths. Listen to stories of times- gone-by and learn more about the Islands’ diverse history as you take in the magnificent north coast views of the offshore reefs and other Channel Islands. Pause for refreshments and maybe a tipple at local hostelries along the way. l
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Shipping, Tides and Shellfish l 10:30 – 13:00 Meeting point: Gorey Pier bus stop, St Martin Guide: Sue Hardy Grade: Easy / Moderate – 3m (4.8k) Bus: 1, 2 Join your guide on a leisurely wander around the beautiful village of Gorey and its surrounding areas. Discover the secrets of the past as you hear stories of the historic events surrounding Gorey over the centuries, all within the shadow of the impressive medieval Mont Orgueil Castle. Life of an ‘Atlantic Wall’ Soldier l 10:30 – 13:00 Meeting point: L’Etacq bus stop, St Ouen (opposite Faulkner Fisheries) Guide: Martin Walton Grade: Moderate – 3m (4.8k) Bus: 12a Head north from the sweeping coastline of St Ouen’s Bay, along a breezy cliff path with spectacular coastal scenery and views of the other Channel Islands. Discover the cliff face emplacements of Battery Moltke, the restored coastal gun and the massive seven storey observation tower, the most impressive of the Island’s German towers. From there, see the ‘Gun Graveyard’ and ruins of an ancient castle before making your way back across the heath land. (Instead of returning to L’Etacq, walkers may prefer to continue on, without their guide, for about half an hour along the cliff path to the beaches, caves and beach café of Plémont, where they can catch a bus back to St Helier)
Walk on the Seabed to Icho Tower l 11:45 – 14:45 Meeting point: Advised when booking Booking essential – Call 07797 853033 Price: £14.50 adults, £7.50 children Guides: Derek Hairon and Trudie Trox Grade: Moderate – 2m (3.2k) you will get your feet wet Discover Jersey’s unique marine wilderness with our Bronze Badge guides. Hear about local history and explore rock pools teeming with life. Cross gullies and gutters, sandbars and shingle banks covered by the ocean twice a day. Wellington boots recommended (can be hired). St Aubin: Hidden Treasures and Heritage l 13:55 – 17:40 Meeting point: La Haule Manor Hotel patio, St Aubin Guide: Remi Couriard Grade: Moderate – 4m (6.4k) Bus: 12a, 15, Discover secret views of the bay and glimpse into the past on a walk that ventures out into the bay to St Aubin’s Fort (when tides allow), discovers a German war tunnel hidden deep beneath the hillside, visits the old harbour with its historic houses built for sea captains and merchants and explores the cobbled street from which entrepreneurs opened a “gateway” to the New World of the Americas.
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Friday 20 Around Island Walk Day 5 – Gorey to St Helier l 09:30 – 17:30 Meeting point: Liberation Square, St Helier for courtesy coach pick up Booking essential – Tel: 01534 448877 Grade: Moderate – 8m (13k) Complete the final stretch along the east coast back to your starting point. Some sections of the walk may be completed on the beach. See a number of forts and Jersey Round Towers built in the 1780s and 90s following an invasion by the French at La Rocque in 1781 and resulting in the Battle of Jersey in St Helier’s Royal Square. Passing Havre des Pas and the Victorian openair swimming pool, there is a short final climb over Mount Bingham, leading down past the harbour to finish in the town. Certificates will be awarded at this time for those walkers who have successfully completed all sections of the Around Island Walk. Walk from Les Charrieres Hotel l 10:00 – 12:30 Meeting point: Les Charrieres Country Hotel, St Peter Guide: Remi Couriard Grade: Moderate – 4m (6.4k) Bus: 8 Wander in peace and quiet along some of our Green Lanes, passing historic water mill sites, traditional Jersey granite houses and the lush valleys in the heart of St Mary. Immerse yourself in the verdant beauty of the island’s rural centre and, at the same time, gain an insight into the lifestyle of yesteryear.
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St Helier – Ancient and Modern l 10:30 – 13:00 Meeting point: Liberation Square, St Helier Guide: Hugh Gill Grade: Easy – 2.5m (4k) Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs Take a stroll around Jersey’s capital, taking in its medieval church, peaceful Royal Square where the last battle in the British Isles took place, Victorian markets and fine town hall. Conditions permitting, the tour takes in a gentle climb to Mount Bingham to admire the views over the town, its many harbours and St Aubin’s Bay.
At the Heart of Things l 11:00 – 13:00 Meeting point: Outside the Victoria Pub (Vic in the Valley), St Peter’s Valley, St Peter Guide: Ian Ronayne Grade: Easy – 3.5m (5.6K) Bus: 8 Journey through quiet country lanes to discover the heart of the German Occupation fortress complex. Encounter massive command bunkers expertly camouflaged to avoid detection, and long-abandoned gun platforms for protection against air attack. Visit a sleepy valley transformed forever through the efforts of forced labour and its secretive tunnels that hide a dark past from both the Occupation and the years that followed. And at the end, why not enjoy a welcome drink in the local favourite, the Vic in the Valley pub.
Walk on the Seabed to the Two Towers l 12:30 – 16:30 Meeting point: Advised when booking Booking essential – Call 07797 853033 Price: £15.50 adults, £7.50 children Guides: Derek Hairon and Trudie Trox Grade: Moderate / Difficult – 5m (8k) you will get your feet wet Discover Jersey’s unique marine wilderness with our Bronze Badge guides. Hear about local history and explore rock pools teeming with life. Cross gullies and gutters, sandbars and shingle banks covered by the ocean twice a day. Wellington boots recommended (can be hired).
Trinity Tales and Trails l 13:30 – 16:30 Meeting point: Trinity Parish Church, La Route de la Trinite, Trinity Guide: Tom Bunting Grade: Easy – 4.5m (7k) Bus: 4 Visit the heart of the Parish of Trinity on a walk that takes you back in time and introduces you to some of the rich heritage that is associated with Jersey. Hear how Islanders have survived and flourished from medieval times to the present day. This circular tour journeys through delightful country lanes and highlights Jersey’s unique heritage, particularly the Island’s agricultural history, the cider making industry and how our beautiful Jersey cows developed.
Scholars, Noblemen and Legends l 13:45 – 16:30 Meeting point: St Mary’s Country Inn, St Mary Guide: Remi Couriard Grade: Moderate – 5m (8k) Bus: 27 Wander through the unspoilt lanes of St Mary and discover a parish almost unchanged by modern advances. Pass the dwellings of gentlemen, scholars, and farmers as the walk leads out to the North coast, revealing panoramas of our neighbouring islands. l
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Saturday 21 A North-Easterly l 10:15 – 13:45 Meeting point: Rozel bus stop, by Rozel Inn, Rozel Bay, St Martin – Linear Route – finishes at Durrell Wildlife Park, Trinity Guide: Remi Couriard Grade: Moderate – 5m (8k) Bus: 3, 13 From the picturesque harbour of Rozel Bay, venture up through a verdant valley and be rewarded with spectacular seascapes from the cliff-paths and scenic views across sweeping fields to France and the offshore reefs; you may even see our beautiful Jersey cows en-route! This enchanting walk uncovers a hidden garden, stops in at one of our dairy farms and comes to an end at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in time for you to spend the afternoon there, should you wish.
Two Towers Moonwalk l 12:30 – 17:30 Meeting point: Advised when booking Booking essential – Call 07797 718472 or email andrew@seajersey.com Price: £15 Guide: Andrew Syvret Grade: Moderate / Difficult – 6m (9.7k) you will get your feet wet. Visit one of the most remarkable marine habitats on the planet. Watch precious wildlife and sample our unique maritime culture as you join your experienced seashore guide, creator of Jersey’s famous moonwalks and true local, marine biologist Andrew Syvret, on a walk to both Seymour and Icho Towers. 20
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Coastal Foraging l 13:15 – 15:45 Meeting point advised when booking Booking essential – Call 01534 448877 or pop into Jersey Tourism Price: £7 Guide: Kazz Padidar Grade: Easy – 2m (3.2k) Bus: 12a This coastal forage, along a stretch of the tide and shore line of St Ouen’s beach, will identify edible plants, seaweeds and shellfish on the way. Kazz will also track down some coastal plants. Cooking on a beach fire, we will then prepare the foraged foods and learn about any healthy properties they may hold. Please dress with an eye on the weather and bring along any food and drink you may need.
Eastern Occupation Trail - La Rocque to Gorey Pier l 14:00 – 16:00 Meeting point: La Rocque Harbour (by the kiosk), Grouville – finishing at Gorey Pier, St Martin - linear route Guide: Johnathan Bull Grade: Easy - 3m (4.8k) Bus: 1 Starting at Le Rocque Harbour, walk along the beach and sea walls taking in German coastal defences, Occupation history and tales of air attacks and escape. This stretch of coast is rich in history and many defence structures still exist, you will learn how these structures worked together to repel any advances and plans the German forces had in case of an attempted landing in The Royal Bay of Grouville.
Country Footsteps l 13:30 – 16:00 Meeting point: Lych gate, St Lawrence Church, La Grande Route de St Laurent, St Lawrence Guide: Pete Webb Grade: Easy – 3m (4.8k) Bus: 25, 27 Wander deep in the heart of Jersey’s tranquil woodlands, valleys and meadows with splendid vernacular architecture for company; this is definitely chill-out time.
Corbière Lighthouse – Seeing the Light l 14:00 – 16:30 Meeting point advised when booking Booking essential – Call 01534 448877 or pop into Jersey Tourism Price: £12.50 (includes a donation to RNLI) Guide: Sue Hardy and Shelia Mallet Grade: Easy – 1m (1.6k) + steps! Bus: 12 A rare opportunity to see inside the famous lighthouse of La Corbière. Explore the dramatic headland and hear tales of tides and shipwrecks, the building of the lighthouse and the men who kept watch for over 100 years. Cross the causeway, uncovered at half tide, and climb up the spiral staircase to the lantern room to discover the intricacies of 19th, 20th and 21st century technology, and to enjoy spectacular views.
Classic Cattle l 13:45 – 17:00 Meeting point: Gunsite Café, Beaumont Guide: Hugh Gill Grade: Moderate – 4.5m (7.2k) Bus: 12a, 15 Enjoy an afternoon walk through country lanes and wooded valleys, passing old mills and granite houses. The highlight of the walk will be visits to both the Blanc Pignon and Manor (Classic Herd) Farms - working farms filled with prize cows, Jersey bulls, calves, pigs and piglets. Both farms have a reputation for producing some of the best Jersey cows and bulls in the island and Manor Farm is now producing prize-winning cheese from their own rich Jersey milk.
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week
autumnwalking Dates for your Diary 2014
13 – 20 September Autumn Walking Week 4 – 7 December La Fête dé Noué
Jersey Tourism and The Idea Works take our responsibilities very seriously. All waste materials from the printing of this guide are recycled, including aluminium plates, metal ink tins & plastic ink cartridges, the ink itself, paper, cardboard and even the wood from the delivery pallets.
For further information visit:
www.jersey.com/walking Jersey Tourism, Liberation Place, St Helier, JE1 1BB Tel: +44 (0)1534 448877 Fax: +44 (0)1534 448898 Email: info@jersey.com All information correct at time of print – July 2013
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6 – 14 September Hidden Treasures
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10 – 17 May Spring Walking Week