Walking on Jersey - Sunflower Books

Walking on the Channel Island of Jersey

The Channel Island of Jersey, located just off the coast of France, has some fantastic walking. Use our guidebook to walking on Jersey to discover its dramatic coastline, rolling countryside, and charming villages, with walks for all levels of ability.

Below we have described some of our favourite walks on the island.

Noirmont and Portelet Bay (Walk 3)
This is a fairly short circular walk, although if you take in the optional visit to Portelet Beach, you’ll need stamina for the stiff climb back up the ‘never-ending’ steps.

You can, however, enjoy some fine views of St Aubin’s Bay and Portelet Bay without descending to the beach.

After your walk – or before descending to the beach – the Old Portelet Inn is an ideal place to take on some sustaining refreshment.

The Corbière walk (Walk 4)

It’s a long time since a steam railway operated from St Helier via St Aubin, along the wide bay, to La Corbière lighthouse, one of Jersey’s most visited landmarks.

The old route makes an excellent, easy walk. I have varied the route from the signposted walk (extending the total distance slightly). This gives you much finer views and a close look at a sand-dune environment, as well as some prehistoric standing stones.

Birdwatchers could find this route a happy twitching ground, for woodpecker and warbler, wader and finch.

The Pinnacle (Walk 6)

Witchcraft and pagan rituals have made their mark on Jersey’s history. While researching this book, I exercised my usual traveller’s curiosity at most relevant sites, without being turned into a toad or even faintly discomfited.

But there is something disturbing about this particular windswept cliff-top, with its Nazi detritus and the claustrophobic amphitheatre. See what you think.

For good measure there’s Grosnez ‘Castle’, the ruins of a 14th-century defence against the French. They were demonstrably given to looting, pillaging, arson, rape, and murder on many a bloodthirsty ‘away-day’.

Around St Martin and Rozel (Walk 9)

This delightful inland walk takes you through woodland and along quiet country roads and paths flanked by carpets of wild flowers.

It also visits the seaside village of Rozel and the Dolmen du Couperon.

Jersey War Tunnels (Walk 13)

First-time visitors to Jersey are often surprised to discover the extent and legacy of the five-year Occupation (1940-45).

The story is no more vividly told than at the Jersey War Tunnels. This massive complex was built when the Germans entrenched themselves in the Channel Islands, believing them to be stepping stones to a full invasion of the UK.

A visit to the tunnels will amaze you. Hitler never felt the island sunshine himself, but his command HQ was not far away. You’ll pass it on this walk. Everything remains as it was when the occupying forces left.

This major tourist attraction vividly brings to life the incredible achievement of the architect and slaves who worked in appalling conditions to complete the project. The entry fee includes various multimedia exhibitions.

The walk passes the entrance; allow extra time for this highly recommended visit

The best time of year to walk on Jersey

The best time to walk on Jersey is during the spring and autumn months (April-May and September-October).

During these shoulder seasons, the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the island is at its most beautiful with blooming wildflowers or vibrant fall foliage.

Getting around the island

Jersey 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 island of Guernsey.

Jersey is a great destination for walkers. With its stunning scenery, diverse walking routes, and friendly locals, it is also the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Buy our guidebook to walking on Jersey.