Walking Holidays in the Channel Islands

With its dramatic cliffs, secluded sandy bays, and turquoise waters, Guernsey offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the British Isles. Nestled in the Gulf of Saint-Malo off the Normandy coast, Guernsey covers an area of just 24 square miles, making it a compact yet captivating destination for coastal exploration. The Guernsey Coastal Path itself is a delightful 39 mile circuit of the island, beginning and ending in the capital, St Peter Port.

Guernsey is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island is famed for its diverse flora, which bursts into life throughout the year. The cliffs and heathlands are adorned with vibrant displays of wildflowers, including sea campion, red campion, nodding ox-eye daises and the fleshy-leaved mesembryanthemum, once used to camouflage concrete bunkers. The coastal paths are quite simply a symphony of colour and fragrance, providing a sensory feast for walkers.

Birdlife is abundant on Guernsey, with a variety of resident and migratory species. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, kestrels, marsh harriers and sparrowhawks soaring above, while along the coastline, you’ll spot oystercatchers, curlews, and variety of plovers. The island’s cliffs and islets are a haven for seabirds such as puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, making every step a potential wildlife encounter.

Beyond its natural splendour, the Guernsey Coastal Path offers a window into the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. As you walk, you’ll discover ancient forts, picturesque chapels, and historic lighthouses. These landmarks tell the story of Guernsey’s past, from its prehistoric dolmens to its strategic importance during World War II.

Prepare to be enchanted by the island’s charm. Renowned for its mild climate, delectable cuisine, warm hospitality, and the promise of discovery around every corner, this is a journey that will leave you with lasting memories of Guernsey’s rugged beauty and serene landscapes.

With its rugged cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, Jersey boasts some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the British Isles. Located in the Gulf of Saint-Malo off the Normandy coast, Jersey is the most southerly of the Channel Islands, and despite being the largest, covers an area of just 45 square miles, with no point on the island being more than 2 miles from the sea. The Jersey Coastal Path itself is a captivating 50 mile circular walk beginning and ending in the island’s capital, St Helier.

Jersey is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The island is renowned for its wild flowers, which you’ll find in bloom throughout the season. The sand dunes of Les Quennevais support around 400 species alone. The bluebells and narcissi found on the northern cliffs of the island are an absolute delight, and add to that sea campion, red campion, wild orchids and ox-eye daises, and you have a joyous display of colour along the trail.

The birdlife is remarkably rich for such a small land mass, both in terms of migrating and wintering species. Look out for owls, kestrels, peregrines and marsh harriers, as well as short-toed treecreepers, Dartford warblers and nightjars. Naturally seabirds feature strongly. Expect to see shags, great cormorants and common terns on the islets and stacks, while an array of waders search the beaches and rock pools for food.

Beyond its obvious natural beauty, the Jersey Coastal Path is a gateway to the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. On your journey you’ll encounter castles, churches, ancient monuments and fortifications. These landmarks offer an insight to Jersey’s fascinating past, from its Neolithic roots to its more recent maritime history.

Famed for its glorious sunshine, delicious cuisine, intriguing history and spectacular coastline, the lure of Jersey is irresistible. Lace up your boots, and with the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and a warm sea breeze for company, embark on the truly unforgettable journey that is the Jersey Coastal Path.