Thursday 28 March 2013

Walks And Walking - Best Places To Go Walking In Guernsey

Walks And Walking - Best Places To Go Walking In Guernsey


With over 28 miles of rural lanes, stunning cliff paths and sandy beaches Guernsey really is a walkers holiday paradise. With so many different areas to explore and places to ramble on this quirky little island, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. Here are the top 3 places to walk in Guernsey with a decent mix of coastal and cliff walking routes for nature lovers as well as a walk for the more history minded that will help you explore Guernsey’s rich heritage.
Without a doubt the south coast is where you will find the most picturesque walks in Guernsey and that is why it is number one on the list. There is so much to see along this cliffy south coast with hidden bays and coves tucked away that make exploring that much more exciting. What makes walking the south coast extra special is stopping off at the little cafes and restaurants along the way and enjoying a slice of traditional Guernsey Gauche and cup of tea. There really are a few absolute must see places along the south coast but don’t miss La Gouffre, Saints Bay or the stunning Moulin Huet.
Although the walk around Lihou Island is relatively short it is very interesting. The island is accessible at certain low tides where a 750-metre long causeway is unveiled by the retreating sea. Even on the walk across this causeway abundant and diverse flora and fauna surround you. Once on the island you are free to roam at your leisure. However, I would recommend starting off by taking the path to the left of the house to go round the island in a clockwise direction. A few minutes down this path you will be able to walk down to the rocky shore, where you will find the locally famous Venus Pool - a rock pool big and deep enough to swim in. Leave plenty of time to return over the causeway to ensure you are not stuck there overnight!
The west coast is a flatter area of the island and perfect for walkers looking for an easier terrain. Here you will find sweeping bays such as Cobo, Vazon and L’Eree, a number of historical buildings and fortresses and peaceful rural lanes. Fort Grey, more commonly know as the “cup and saucer”, is a must visit on your ramble along the west. It was first built in 1804 during the Napoleonic Wars and has since hosted witches in the 1800’s and Germans during the Guernsey occupation of World War II.
Another historic site worth a visit on this walk is the L’Eree Battery. Again built in the early 1800s this battery originally mounted 18 ponder guns looking over and guarding the bay. The west coast is full of history to uncover. Guernsey makes for a fantastic walking holiday and more information can be found about walking in Guernsey on the This Is Guernsey website here.

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