Ten Reasons Why
Ten Reasons Why you'll enjoy walking in Jersey
1 Green Lanes
Jersey’s famous ‘Green Lanes’, found in all but two of the Island’s twelve parishes, are identified by a special road sign. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders love these tranquil, highly scenic byways. And – for once – walkers have priority, not the car, since the maximum speed limit is just 15mph (24kph). In other words - this 50-mile network of narrow, tree-lined lanes are a walker’s paradise.
2 Coastal Walking
The Island is also renowned for its fifty miles of coastal walks. There are splendid views of Guernsey, Sark and Herm from the north coast, and of France from the east. On the north and south coasts you’ll spot big differences. The north is rocky and rugged, with a curtain of spectacular 400ft/120m cliffs that slope to a south coast fringed by vast expanses of sand.
3 In the Country
Jersey may be famous for its coastline, but the Island is also a rural paradise of green lanes and hidden valleys cloaked in wildlife-rich woodland. Rozel Woods in the north-east is a firm favourite, while in the centre of the Island you’ll find places like Waterworks Valley and Fern Valley. Jersey Tourism also has a selection of pub walks that combine great walking with good food, heritage trails and parish trails.
4 Wildlife Watch
Best greeted on foot, you’ll meet our most famous resident, the Jersey cow, everywhere. Red squirrels still live and thrive in the woods and the Island is a stopping-off place for many migratory birds. Other residents include the green lizard and the rare agile frog (not found anywhere else in Britain). You may even meet the brown or olive toad that gives local residents their nickname, ‘Crapauds’ (a Jèrriais or Jersey-French word).
5 Two Feet, Four Wheels
At nine miles by five and with an excellent public transport network, the Island is easily accessible for walking with only a bus timetable as a guide. Linear and circular walking routes are easy to put together. The local Connex bus service operates all year, and in summer there are additional ‘Island Explorer’ buses bringing even greater frequency and coverage, enabling you to link up services with added convenience.
6 Warm Walks
The Island’s southerly location and its protected position in the Bay of St Malo result in an attractive, temperate climate that makes Jersey one of the warmest and sunniest places in the British Isles. In the warmer months walkers tend to head for the coast, tackling the cliffs and beaches. In contrast, the colourful and sheltered valleys, woods and scenic reservoirs provide an entirely different atmosphere in autumn and winter.
7 Walks for All
Jersey suits all kinds of walking. If you’re ambitious try the ‘Around Island’ walk that can be completed with the aid of an OS -style map over three or four days or as part of a guided group during one of Jersey’s two Walking Week Festivals. Fourteen ease of access ‘Gentle Wanders’ have been created, catering for walkers with pushchairs or wheelchair users.
8 Naturally Speaking
In 1997, Jersey became the first Island to gain Green Globe status. There are many designated ‘Sites of Special Interest’ and four internationally recognised wetlands known as Ramsar Sites, covering the south-east coast and three offshore reefs. Sand dunes dominate on the western coast along with Le Noir Pré, The National Trust for Jersey’s orchid field. Inland you’ll find lush wooded valleys watered by streams and reservoirs.
9 En Route
You’ll encounter Jersey’s rich and diverse history on paths and trails everywhere. Fort Leicester and L’Étacquerel Fort, both located at Bouley Bay, were built to keep out the French. Further east is the Dolmen du Faldouet, an unusual Neolithic (New Stone Age) gallery grave. A rock outcrop on the north-west called Le Pinacle has associations with pagan rituals. Elsewhere look out for the Island’s iconic Jersey Round Towers and ghostly remnants from World War Two.
10 Get Yourself a Guide
Jersey Tourism’s programme of escorted walking tours with experienced Blue Badge guides takes in the Island’s unique history, heritage, landscapes and seascapes – see the latest ‘What’s On’ guide for details. Best of all are the Island’s two annual walking festivals – the Spring and Autumn Walking Weeks, with a huge choice of guided walks for all abilities.
