COASTAL WALKS FROM DUSK, ‘TIL DAWN

What better way to reconnect with family and friends, than to walk along Jersey’s unspoilt coastline and watch the sun sink into the sea or catch first light? Here’s our guide to five walks to discover Jersey from dusk until dawn.

Grantez

Explore Jersey’s ancient history as you walk amongst the megalithic Dolmen de Monts of Grantez, in Jersey’s north west. From its high vantage point, explore the maritime grass heathland and the wealth of wildlife that live on the site, and watch the sun set across St. Ouen’s Bay. Listen out for the kestrels calling goodnight. Don’t miss the annual sunset concerts held on the fourth weekend of June. Picnickers and revelers dance to the harmonic sounds of local bands performing in the beautiful natural amphitheatre of Grantez.

La Saline

Nestled in the north of St. Ouen’s Bay, you’ll discover one of Jersey’s hidden gems - La Saline. Walk the breadth of the five mile beach feeling the sand beneath your feet and settle down for an evening BBQ. Watch surfers catch the last waves of the day before the sun disappears into the Atlantic Ocean. Set yourself up for the evening with a BBQ and a bottle of wine. Make like a local and head down to Faulkner Fisheries only a short distance off at L’Etacq. Take your pick from the latest catch and keep it simple with a baguette and some delicious Jersey butter. Just remember a blanket to snuggle under!

La Corbière

Spend a day exploring Jersey’s southern coastline and the charm of harbourside St. Aubin before heading up the gentle incline of the Railway Walk to La Corbière Lighthouse. Discover Jersey’s past and the remains of the railway’s trackbed last used during the Occupation with its bridges, embankments and cuttings. As you reach the peak of the island’s extreme south-western point, relax and enjoy a well-deserved sundowner at Corbière Phare. Watch the waves encircle the lighthouse tower, as the tide rises, and enjoy panoramic views across St. Ouen’s Bay.

Seymour Tower

As night descends, star like shapes of luminous green twinkle and sparkle in a few special coastal spots at low tide, illuminating the seabed at your feet. In the night sky, stars twinkle above you as you wander away from the shore line to the sea line towards Seymour Tower. As you walk to return to shore, and the tide turns to circle the coast, the sea will submerge Jersey’s coastal landscapes and wash away your footprints. Take a guided tour out to the Tower with Jersey Walk Adventures.

Fliquet

For those early birds, there’s nothing more revitalising than seeing a Jersey sunrise. Located in the eastern corner of Jersey’s coastline, enjoy panoramic views from Fliquet Bay just north of St. Catherine’s Breakwater. A tranquil and picturesque bay where, on a clear day, it is possible to see France. For those up for a taste of adventure, with the sea on your doorstep, stay overnight at the nearby Archirondel Tower which provides a perfect base from which to explore the island's eastern side. Just don’t forget your flask of tea for your early morning cuppa!

Sea swimming seems to have increased in popularity over the last few years. Maybe it was the limitation of covid lockdown fitness options, a collective desire to be more ‘Wim Hof’ or just the love of hanging with friends in Dryrobes drinking hot chocolate while your body thaws back to normality after a bracing dip.

In Jersey you’re never more than ten minutes from the sea so you’ll always see people in the water, regardless of season. If you don’t fancy the adrenalin rushes of surfing, kiting or foiling, grab a group of friends and venture into the step by step and visit our beaches for a spot of cold water swimming.

Sea swimming boosts your immune system, promotes a natural ‘high’, improves circulation, burns calories and reduces stress. It can also help improve anxiety, dementia and depression. As a social activity, it galvanises a comradery amongst those that brave the water, particularly over the winter months.

If you fancy joining the throngs of groups like the ‘Cheeky Dippers’ or ‘Blue Tits’, make sure you do your research, take it easy and try one of these beaches;

1. St. Ouen’s Bay.

The biggest beach and the biggest waves. Take it easy and be careful of the tide. Be aware of rip tides if you’re swimming behind the break.

2. Grève de Lecq

A characterful and cosy bay on the north coast for gentle with swim a dramatic backdrop of coastal cliffs.

3. Archirondel

In the shadow of a traditional Martello tower, this sheltered cove is a secluded space with the benefit of a café close by to warm the cockles of one’s heart.

Five bits of advice

4. Belcroute

A lesser-known bay for quiet dips out west with a gentle sloping descent into the water.

5. Havre de Pas Bathing Pool

A great sea pool with steps into the water and guaranteed easy swimming, regardless of tide. Quick access from town hotels.

6. Bouley Bay

The home of scuba diving in Jersey makes for a great swim.

1. Be prepared. Check the winds and tidal situation.

2. Know your limits. Understand where safe waters / currents are.

3. Be prepared. Lots of dry clothing to put on afterwards.

4. Stay safe. Use a high-vis tow float, swim in groups or with a buddy.

5. Go easy. Beginners - don’t stay in too long!

DO / activities.

Jersey excels at providing experiences on and around our coastal playground. Whilst the winter months restrict some actiivites, others are improved as wind blows kites and tides bring waves. Join a group of surfers, blokarters or SCUBA divers or simply climb the rocks or run the trails, taking in the distant views of France. The following activites happen on demand so if you’d like to join, cross reference the guide initials ( JWA) against the guide list overleaf.

LEARN TO HANG TEN St. Ouen’s Bay on Jersey’s west coast, locally referred to as the ‘five mile road’ is home to Jersey’s best surf break and surf schools. LJ NLSA SSC JSS LSC TSY

FLY A KITE When the wind blows, Jersey offers a number of great spots to kite surf. Whether St. Aubin’s Bay, St. Ouen or the Royal Bay of Grouville, you’ll see kites flying. Lessons are available. WM

SUP IT Stand up paddle boarding became Jersey’s number one passtime during lockdown. Head to St. Brelade’s Bay to explore while working your core muscles and earning your evening mussels.

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BOATING If you’re nautically inclined, head to St. Brelade’s Bay to hire yourself a dinghy or take a tour or course with one of our yacht and boat operators. JST JY GS JD

COASTEERING Don your life jackets and helmet to explore Jersey’s northern coves, climbing and jumping through caves and gullies. Feeling brave? Jump off the Rhino. JA AA VSA WA

WALK THE HIGH WIRE Become Tarzan for the day, aerial trekking in a secluded and stunning natural valley. Challenge your powers of coordination and solve puzzles in mid-air. VA

JET SKI, WAKEBOARD, WATERSKI Fancy something with a throttle. Enjoy a jet ski experience in St. Aubin’s Bay or take a guided jet ski safari along the coast to Jersey’s iconic Corbière lighthouse. JSSC WM

BLOKARTING If it’s windy in Jersey, we make the most of it. Explore our beaches at speed in a state of the art wind powered sand yacht. It only takes five minutes to master! JA AA

KAYAK Explore caves, arches and remote beaches, keeping your eyes open for dolphins and seabirds as your guide takes you on an expedition to discover what lies beyond the headland.

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TAKE A RIB BLAST Get an adrenalin rush and sea air cleanse as you take off on a high powered RIB for a trip to one of Jersey’s outlying islands to see amazing landscapes and do other activities.

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