CIW6

CI Way- June
Jersey (walk 2)

SATURDAY 2ND JUNE 2018: Only a week later, but another month, I am back in Jersey. Another day trip on Manches Iles ferry, with weather perfect – sun all day, 20C, light winds 😊

I pick up where I left off at L’Etacq, on the West coast. I recall my last moments here a week ago, the “sweaty mess”! On this occasion I have a chance to look around and take in the surroundings, the beach stretching away to the South, to the North the cliffs immediately making their presence felt. I follow the road up, then locate the start of the cliff path, with a fairly steep climb up quickly offering some wonderful views back along the length of St Ouen’s Bay, all the way to Corbiere lighthouse in the distance.

At the top I reach a plateau like headland that makes up the North West corner of the Island, this with quite a distinct look and feel. The initial rocky feel turns more green, with large areas of plants that clump together to give the appearance of a luxurious green carpet! Between this are trails of gravelly sand on which I crunch along.

Also prevalent in this area are various WWII fortifications, so lots of bits of concrete! A couple of observation towers stand out, these looking to the North where Sark and Guernsey can be seen in the distance. A different sort of structure also soon appears, the remaining ruins of Grosnez castle, a fortification dating from the 14th Century.

Overall, I really like and enjoy this whole area, it is a great start to the day – the wide open spaces give a feeling of isolation, the views are superb, the glorious weather. It’s worth a wow!

This area concludes at Plemont, this a beautiful sandy beach at low tide, but today covered by the sea. Nevertheless, I go down to the beach café, just to top up water, however, it is very tempting to stay!. It is a great location and offers some good looking coffees, juices and a variety of food – a full English breakfast passes in front of me. With willpower I move on!

The scenery turns to more typical fare as I move on, so paths through ferns, bushes and greenery, at this point with fairly moderate undulation, but offering up some good views along the coast.

Next destination is Greve de Lecq – my lunch stop – and I detect this initially from the sound of surf on beach, then it pops into view between a gap in the foliage. Greve de Lecq is another great beach – Jersey really is blessed with beaches – here golden sands nestled at the base of the cliffs. It is busy today with families enjoying the good weather. I stop for lunch at the café, a pasta carbonara with a Jersey cider.

Suitably fortified I set off again, initially a bit of a slog uphill along small roads, but these soon lead back to the cliff paths with some fine views in both directions along the coast. These trails then divert inland again, eventually reaching a spot above Devils Hole, a cave/blowhole in the rocks. I don’t take the path down to see the hole (for time reasons) but do go down as far as the ‘devil’ a statue that must be some 20t high, standing in the middle of a pond – albeit that nature seems to be slowly overtaking this devil!

Leaving the devil behind I pass through a gate into a dedicated area stretching between here and Sorel point, where Manx Loaghtan sheep have been introduced to graze the natural habitat. These are mountain capable sheep so well suited to rugged terrain and I spot them at various points, often halfway down the cliffs. I also hear them – their sounds do make me smile!

Onwards and at this point a diversion inland on road for a while to go around the Ronez quarry. Passing a car park, I see a rock dedicating the road as a WWII memorial, which I find somewhat baffling, but my guide book explains that this road, and that around much of Jersey was built during the Occupation to counter the unemployment in the Island during those war years.

Soon back on the cliff paths and it is more of the same – but in a good way!. Paths wending along the cliff edge through nature, undulating (sometimes quite steeply) up and down, often providing superb views. Other than a few brief excursions inland, one in particular through a forest area and a calf testing climb, plus passing through the small Bonne Nuit Bay, this is the theme all the way through to Bouley Bay, my destination for the day.

The last few miles have seen the path constantly rise up and then dive down again, requiring quite some exertion in places. A couple of miles before reaching Bouley bay I have a well-earned breather, having a snack whilst sat high up, just enjoying and taking in the scene.

I finish at Bouley Bay, another small, picturesque harbour, which I have a few minutes to view before my scheduled bus (no drama this week!). By this time I am fairly tired, so am happy to hop on to the bus and take a seat.

Later, on the return boat trip, we follow the South and West coast of Jersey, these bathed in the light of the soon to be setting sun. These are the areas I walked last week and I have fine view and some memories to enjoy. Then we cross over with a passing ferry and see 2 dolphins leaping ahead in the bow wave, a fantastic bonus to top another cracking day.

Stats: 14.8 miles, 5hr 23mins moving, 6hr 27mins total, Average moving 2.7 mph, 3024 ft Ascent

The monthly CI Way walks take a break in July - to be continued in August with a trip to Herm