Walking in Jersey

One of the best ways to explore Jersey is to leave the car behind, as Jersey unravels at your every footstep.

With its amazing variety of terrain, Jersey might have been made for walking holidays. Whether you’re after a slow stroll across the sands, or an energetic hike along cliff-top paths and into rocky coves, you can indulge your passion here! And when you want to rest your weary feet, there’s a wealth of pubs, cafés and restaurants throughout the Island where you can enjoy a drink, snack or more substantial meal.

Guided Walks

Learn about Jersey's environment and history in the company of some of the Island's most experienced ramblers, qualified Blue Badge tourist guides and experts in their field. The escorted walks are leisurely yet informative. Each year Jersey Tourism puts on a selection of guided walks designed to appeal to walkers of all abilities. There is a selection of walks on offer covering all aspects of the Island including the natural environment, heritage and local myths and legends.

Challenges or lazy rambles
The varied geography of the island is ideal for walkers. From the gentle seafront promenades of the south, to inland woodland valleys, to the rugged north coast. Here, spectacular cliffs rise almost 400 feet from the sea, offering a greater challenge. Jersey walks can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.

Explore Jersey’s Green Lanes
To protect our quiet country lanes and to let users enjoy them in safety, Jersey has introduced an intricate network of approximately 50 miles of country lanes. These designated ‘Green Lanes’ have a speed limit of 15 mph (24 km/h) with priority given to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Green Lanes exist in all but two of Jersey’s twelve parishes (Trinity and St Saviour) and can be identified by a distinctive ‘Green Lane’ road sign.

Don’t miss the opportunity of walking at least a portion of the island’s network of footpaths and lanes so as not to miss the real charm of Jersey – the attractions of its countryside and less frequented coastal stretches.

Around Island Walk
Why not consider walking around the Island at a more leisurely pace over a few days during your stay. The ‘Around Island Walk’ can be undertaken with guides during Jersey’s two annual walking festivals but can also be undertaken with the aid of an Ordinance Survey map. The walk covers 48.1 miles and should take you on average 2/3 days depending on fitness levels and the time available.
The Landscape is very diverse, heather covered cliff paths with fantastic views of the other Channel Islands in the north to sloping sandy bays in the south, the wilder west coast which is a surfer’s paradise to green country lanes and the rockier marine environment on the island’s east coast.
Highlights of the walk include stops at Pontac, the small fishing port of La Rocque, Mont Orgeuil Castle, St Catherine’s breakwater, Rozel Bay, views of the French coast and the other Channel islands at Sorel Point, Ruins of Grosnez Castle, Les Mielles de Morville- Jersey’s mini ‘National Park’- Corbière Lighthouse, Les Creux Country Park, Beauport and Elizabeth Castle (islet at sea).The start point can vary but you may want to start and finish from St Helier.

Should you prefer to partake in a guided 'Around the Island' walk, Jersey Tourism offer this service free of charge, twice yearly during the Spring and Autumn Walking Weeks. The walks take place over 5 days and coach transport to and from destination points is arranged. For information on this walk please contact Jersey Tourism on Tel: +44 (0)1534 448877. If you wish to walk with a guide, contact the Jersey Tour Guides Association c/o Remi Couriard on Tel: +44 (0)1534 861889.

Moonwalks on the Seabed
Jersey is host to some of the largest tidal ranges in the world; why not take a walk on the sea bed and discover the Island’s very own wilderness area and unique marine environment. Revel in the stillness and expanse of an area that is covered twice a day by the ocean and encompasses some of the most impressive and valuable marine habitats found anywhere in the world. Walk across the sand bars and stand in the gullies that in a few hours fill with up to 40ft of water as the tide rushes in. Learn about the history of the area and the fishing activities which form part of Jersey’s rich history and enjoy the experience of being away from the sounds and activities of everyday life in a place that is neither sea nor land. Every walk is different and new discoveries are made each time.

Eating Out
A reputation for good food and a wealth of pubs, cafes and restaurants mean walkers can enjoy a pint and a tasty snack - or something more substantial - wherever they are. Succulent seafood and home-grown vegetables are on menus across the island. For those who prefer to stop off en route to enjoy the scenery most hotels and guest houses will provide a packed lunch.

For the latest information about walking in Jersey, please visit www.jersey.com/walking

PTGH wish to thank Jersey Tourism for their help in providing the above information 20/03/09.
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