South Coast

from St. Helier to Noirmont

St. Aubin's Bay.

As you Leave Saint Helier the capital of Jersey, from the harbour travelling in a westerly direction towards St. Aubin, you first notice the huge development just off the harbour, this is all reclaimed land over witch there are arguments about what to build on the site. Apartments (high rise), shopping mall, a hotel and other amenities?. To the right there is the St. Helier yacht marina and to the left the Elizabeth yacht marina. At the Pedestrian crossing to the right there is the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Needle, (pictured left) and to the left at the other end of the walkway you'll see the Freedom Oak Tree, (pictured right) unveiled by the Queen in 2005 to commemorate 60 years since the Island was liberated, from the German occupation. Arriving at the bronze oak tree you have a full view of St. Aubin's Bay, then you get to the Jardin de La Mer, were there's a water maze and an upside down boat café known as La Frégate, you are now back on the original promenade also the path of the old railway line, this walk takes you to Corbiere. But before you get to Corbiere, you get to St. Aubin, this is the first village to have been built in Jersey it was for a long time the only harbour for passenger and freight arrivals, St. Aubin has lots of shops, restaurants and pubs, including 'The Barge' otherwise known as 'The Old Court House Hotel' the outside of which was used for the TV series 'Bergerac'  and great views.

West Coast

The Bay of St. Ouen runs the full length of the west of the Island it is approximately five miles long. St. Ouen is also the wildest inland area of Jersey. There you will find a variety of things to do, from simple strolls along the beach, promenade or sand dunes to visiting the Frances Le Sueur Centre, and Kempt Tower, a must for keen Ornithologist. You will also see many second world war German Bunkers. There's also a peaceful walk around Val de la Mare  Water Reservoir.

There are many other activities in the bay which blend in with the surroundings, such as, golf, crazy golf, surfing, motor racing at certain times of summer on the beach.

Eating out is a joy at the La Pulente Bars, situated at the southern end of the bay. The last time I was there with my wife we enjoyed a meal on the terrace,  while watching a Kestrel looking for his lunch. There are several pubs, cafés and restaurants along the bay.

Picnic areas are also available in St. Ouen's Bay, but during the summer months it's very popular, so get there early. Car parking is not a problem.

This end of St. Ouen's Bay is very rocky and probably more enjoyable during high winds and rough seas, beautiful views are abound for the backdrop of your family snaps, as you walk up the cliff path towards the north west coast.

If you have walked this far you will by now have noticed the breeze as got a bit stronger, one of the first things you see is the remains of German Bunkers, and a wide expanse of flat land known as les Landes. This land is a patchwork of colour, purple with Heather and bright yellow with Western Gorse. At the northern end of Les Landes is the ruins of Grosnez Castle. And the views in the distance of Guernsey, Sark, Brechou, Jethou and Alderney islands.

North Coast

Plémont is the beginning of the north coast walking on this coast you will come across a beautiful sandy beach Grève au Lançon, used by smugglers in time past because of it's difficult access and remoteness. If you look out for puffins you will see them in their natural habitat, they are quite shy but you can spot them in this area. Keep walking along the cliff path and follow the contour of the island, there are lots of ups and downs to keep you fit. Eventually you come to the top of ...

This is a view you will not forget in a hurry, I can hear the camera clicking, across the bay at roughly the same level as you are and hidden in the wild Cherry Trees , you can see an old fort, although it dates back to around 40 BC. the fort is well maintained and looks almost new, it now belongs to the National Trust For Jersey.

The north coast is undoubtedly the wildest part of Jersey, there are many bays so well hidden, they are only found by local fishermen or adventurers, in some areas you might see the rocky beach several hundred feet below, but how to get there is a mystery. Some of the more easily accessed bays are seen on my views page in time I hope to add more photographs.

If you like to sun yourself on golden sand the places to visit are: Plemont, Grève de Lecq, Bonne Nuit, Rozel, Le Saie & La Coupe (if you can find them), all these bays are ideal for bathing. There are many more bays with pebble beaches, such as Bouley Bay, Giffard Bay, Flicquet Bay. Cliff paths that follow the contour of the island can be found on all the islands coast line. On the north you will sometime find a choice of paths at different height levels.

The first thing you notice about Rozel is the Volcanic rock, it's a contrast to the rest of the Island which is mostly pink granite. It's a very picturesque fishing harbour, with surrounding greenery coming down to the waters hedge. Rozel has a small corner of sandy beach, patrolled regularly by resident Ducks and friendly Geese. The Hungry Man Kiosk will look after your culinary needs (best beef burger on the Island). You will also find at the foot of Rozel Valley the local pub where they serve delicious food and drinks. If you prefer something more up market you have the Beau Couperon Hotel and Restaurant, and the Chateau La Chaire Hotel and Restaurant, all in beautiful surroundings. Then it's on towards the East,...

East Coast

Up the hill to Restaurant Frère de Mer, immediately past the Restaurant there's a foot path on the left which takes you to Le Scez or Le Saie, here there is a stone age burial place known as, Le Dolmen du Couperon,  discovered in 1839,  excavated in 1868. From here you have a choice of walking across the rocks to La Coupe or walking up the road then down again the other side. Once at La Coupe which has a lovely sandy beach and rock pools you can walk on to...

Fliquet Bay and St. Catherine's Harbour

The break water is half a mile long, built in 1847. Ideal for a stroll or for line fishing. You can also see Mont Orgueil Castle from here. Enjoy the view from the Corner Café.

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Updated Friday, 30 January 2009