Walking on the island of Guernsey
The island of Guernsey, located in the English Channel, is a hidden gem for walkers. With its stunning coastal scenery, rolling countryside, and charming villages, Guernsey offers a variety of walking experiences for all levels.
Our guidebook to walking on Guernsey showcases the very best walks that the island has to offer.
We also include a walk on each of the nearby islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm, Sark in our guide.
Below we have described some of our favourite walks on these islands.
Moulin Huet water lane (Walk 4)
Guernsey’s ‘water lanes’ and ‘green lanes’ are a charming relic of bygone days. Farmers and fishermen and their families would walk or ride to church on Sundays along these lovely and nowadays little-used byways.
Green lanes are narrow paths, often hemmed in by high hedges covered with greenery and wild flowers.
Water lanes are wider and, like the one at Moulin Huet, have the additional feature of a ditch or stream running alongside, or even down the centre.
Le Chene/Petit Bot to Pleinmont (Walk 6)
Guernsey’s coastal path, stretching about 16 miles (26 kilometres) from St Peter Port to Pleinmont, could be conquered in a single day by the enthusiastic cliff-walker.
But I think the distance from Petit Bot to Pleinmont is enough. This gives the striders among you enough exercise for one day. The shorter walks offer easy escapes and some of the finest scenery.
Saumarez Park and Nature Trail (Walk 8)
This is a short but very scenic walk based on a States of Guernsey nature trail and extended to include an excellent folk museum. It concludes with just about the best view you could ever have of the west coast, short of flying over it.
The North coast (Walk 9)
Dramatic scenery is associated with the south coast of Guernsey, and rightly so. But I hope you enjoy this easy but varied stroll round the top end of the island.
It takes in secluded green lanes, grassy common land and a marina blasted from an old quarry. There’s also a mile or two of wonderful broad sandy beach, and lovely views across wide natural harbours – especially at sunset
The Enchanting island of Herm (Walk 12)
Herm is a tiny island, so it’s not because of size that it is placed first following the walks on Guernsey.
It is, however, the nearest of the main islands making up the Bailiwick of Guernsey. And there are many who would say it is the most enchanting – its Shell Beach is a delight to children and grown-ups alike.
Even on the busiest summer day, when the beaches of Belvoir Bay and Shell Bay are alive with humanity, Herm Island is a pleasurable retreat where you will still find a quiet picnic spot and an hour or two of delightful walking to soothe a troubled soul.
The feudal island of Sark (Walk 13)
Sark is a feudal island, where the pace of life is very slow. Cars are banned, and if walking is just too much for you, there are horse-drawn ’taxi’ tours and bicycles for hire.
This walk is as much as you would sensibly expect to achieve on a day’s trip. This is how most Sark visitors get their first taste of the island. Any more, and you’re rushing, which is a criminal offence!
The best time of year for walking on Guernsey
The best time to walk on Guernsey is during the spring and autumn months (April-May and September-October).
During these shoulder seasons, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The island is also at its most beautiful with blooming wildflowers or vibrant fall foliage.
Getting around Guernsey
Guernsey is a small island, and it is easy to get around by public transport or car.
The island has a good network of buses that connect all the major towns and villages.
There is also a regular ferry service to and from the neighbouring islands of Herm and Sark.
Guernsey is a walker’s paradise. With its stunning scenery, diverse walking routes, and friendly locals, this is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Buy our guidebook to walking on Guernsey.
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