Walking Tour In The Channel Islands

This afternoon we will take a circular tour exploring the history, architecture and development of the town. St Helier takes its name from a Belgian Monk martyred on Hermitage Rock in St Aubin's Bay in 555 AD. St Helier is the Island's capital and main shopping centre, with more than a third of the population living in it. The walk starts from the hotel and will pass through Liberation Square which was opened by Prince Charles on the 9th May 1995 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Occupation. Walking tour will be around 2-3 miles.

Overnight Standard Hotel

This linear, fairly easy walk follows well-defined paths, with no steep uphill sections, and provides a gentle introduction the south-west and west coasts of Jersey (8 miles). We transfer by bus to the first section of the route which follows the old track bed of the Jersey Railway as it heads west out of St Aubin to La Corbière. This wind-swept point has seen many tragedies through the centuries. The word Corbière is said to come from corbeau, a crow, rook or raven- birds of ill omen. Certainly Corbière has proved a death trap to many a ship foundering on its rocks, resulting in the building of a lighthouse in 1873. A more recent addition is the sculpture which commemorates the rescue of people travelling on a ferry, the St Malo, in 1996. From La Corbière we continue along the coastal path north to L'Etacq along the untamed St Ouen's Bay, famous for surfing. We also pass Jersey's mini 'national park', Les Mielles de Morville. We then drive back to our hotel for a relaxing evening.

N.B. dependent on the tides our days of activity on Jersey may change so that we can fit in the "Moonwalk" from day 4

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today's walk is optional and can be paid for locally. This walk provides a superb excursion along the north-eastern coast of Jersey (7 miles). There are some steep sections and good footwear is recommended. The start is at Bouley Bay. This headland walk offers spectacular views of the north coast and the French mainland. You will pass L'Etacquerel Fort and Battery, built between 1786 and 1836. En route you will see Rozel Bay, Dolmen du Couperon, St Catherine breakwater, Archirondel Tower, Gorey Harbour and Mont Orgueil Castle. History comes to life at Mont Orgueil Castle, which for 800 years protected Jersey against French invasion. Explore the network of staircases, towers and rooms to discover hidden treasures.

Alternatively, should you chose to explore by yourself there are many attractions easily accessible on Jersey. You may wish to discover more about Jerseys history with a visit to the WW2 War tunnels or discover the local tipples at the Vineyard,  Alternatively there is some great coastal walking in the north or wildlife at the Durrell Park.  All these activites are accessible by local hop on hop off bus services available from St Helier.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Walk the gullies and gutters, cross the sand bars, rock pools and discover Jersey very own wilderness area (3 miles). Learn about the fishing history of the area where we have the third highest tides in the world. In 2000 the area was declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Be prepared to get wet to the knee (and sometimes higher)! In 2006 fifteen of Jersey’s beaches were included in the Marine Conservation society’s good beach guide. Jersey worked hard to maintain its natural beauty and in 1997 became the first island to gain Green Globe status.

Dependent on ferry times you may have a free afternoon in which to enjoy some of the attractions on Jersey previously mentioned, such as the War Tunnels, Vineyards or coastal walking routes before leaving Jersey for the 1hr ferry crossing to Guernsey.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Guernsey’s capital has been a busy entrepôt since Roman times. Her deep, safe anchorage and relative remoteness from France made Saint Peter Port the Channel Islands’ premier port, graced by the wealth of ship builders, privateers and merchant adventurers. Georgian and Regency styles were enriched by an influx of French emigrés, including Victor Hugo. Today the town is a captivating blend of styles, framed by a tumble of terraces and tiered gardens and criss-crossed by worn steps and hidden alleys. The cliffs of Guernsey have been protected from development since 1927 and have also been recognised as sites of Special Scientific interest as well as being an important bird area by the RSPB. The 28 and-a-half mile network of cliffs start at La Vallette in St Peter Port and stretch along the East and south coast to Pleinmont point. The south coast has been described as one of the best walks in the Europe. With 100 metre high cliffs and away from the hustle and bustle of life, you can enjoy the sound of the birds and waves crashing on the rocks. Renoir appreciated the beauty of this area as did Victor Hugo who wrote about many of the places along the way including Le Gouffre, in 'Toilers of the Sea'. Renoir painted fifteen canvasses in 1883 based around Moullin Huet Bay and very little has changed since then. We will have the opportunity to enjoy the landscape and scenery on a 9 mile easy walk.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today there is the option to visit Sark. Sark is the smallest of the four main Channel Islands, located some 80 miles off the south coast of England. Whilst only three miles long, and a mile and a half wide, it boasts 40 miles of what must be one of the most picturesque coastlines anywhere in the world. There are no cars, giving Sark an enchantment which is quite unique and also making it a great place to set out once again on foot or on two wheels by hiring a bicycle. It is possible to visit during your time on Sark, La Seigneurie Garden - the gardens are one of the finest formal gardens in the Channel Islands and have won many awards. The original planning and planting is due largely to the Seigneur's grand-mother, the late Dame Sibyl Hathaway. They remain one of Sark's most popular attractions. Alternatively enjoy more of what Guernsey has to offer, some great walking trails, Victor Hugos house or some great beaches for relaxing on.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we take the ferry to Herm. Herm Island is 3 miles from the coast of Guernsey and measures just a mile and a half long and half a mile wide. Enjoy beautiful unspoilt beaches, clean pollution-free environment. There are no cars, no crowds and definitely no stress. Visit the tiny 11th century chapel with its beautiful stained glass windows commissioned by Peter and Jenny Wood. Discover Neolithic tombs, oxen shoeing stocks that date back to the residency of Trappist monks in the 1800’s and one of the smallest prisons in the world.Herm is an island of infinite possibilities. Swim, sunbathe, eat, relax, walk and discover an island that you will want to return. After taking the ferry back to St Peter Port there will be free time to explore or do any last minute shopping.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Tour ends after breakfast in St Peter's Port.

Included meals: Breakfast