Sunday March 1st 2015

Today I took advantage of both the weather and the fact that I would be the only walker this morning and I would be able to do a ‘missed’ walk from 5/52. I chose to do it anti-clockwise as opposed to clockwise – all of the walks are in the clockwise direction around the island on the scheduled 2015 programme.

On initially setting off from Icart Point on my way to St Peter Port I was thinking I had probably made the wrong decision, as the wind was very strong and the sea in front of me was throwing up a multitude of white horses, but on turning around the headland I immediately got out of the windy conditions and, with the sun shining brightly, it was a beautiful Springlike morning as I headed towards Saints Bay. It is a glorious view as you look down to Saints Bay and towards the Pea Stacks and I was not at all surprised to see people out running and walking, and one gentleman heading towards Saints walking his horse. It was also lovely to see the spring flowers coming through, daffodils and primroses being prominent.

I walked right down to the bottom of Moulin Huet, once again coming across numerous runners and walkers out in the glorious sunshine. It was nice to be walking down the steps as opposed to be climbing out of the valley, which I know from years of experience of climbing up them is really hard work.

Onwards to Petit Port with its huge expanse of glorious sandy beach exposed with the low tide and then a big climb out over the other side, which is somewhat physically demanding but has views to die for across the bay to Moulin Huet and the surrounding area.

I eventually reached the end of the peninsula and turned in towards Jerbourg Point and the coastal path that takes you all the way into St Peter Port. The car park at Jerbourg is a popular place for locals and visitors alike and there were plenty of people and cars when I arrived there.

I went on down the long stretch of steps to the area near the St Martin’s Point Lighthouse where I turned to make my way through the Pine Forest, Marble Bay and then onto one of my favourite stopping places, the seat above Fermain Bay, which has a superb view of the surrounding area, and on a day like today is stunning.

It was great to see the first day of the season at the Fermain Bay kiosk and a goodly number of people taking advantage of the facility. Equally impressive is the view from the other side of Fermain Bay, which on a day like today was just as impressive. The path from Fermain Bay towards the steps at the top of the Aquarium steps was rather muddy in many places and you really need to have suitable footwear to wade your way through certain areas. Apart from this seasonal problem you can’t fail to be impressed with the views across to the other islands which are possible at numerous vantage points.

My final destination was at the bottom of the Aquarium steps, although I still needed to walk somewhat further to the bus terminus in St Peter Port. It was a great feeling to finish this particular leg of my walking programme and in such good walking conditions.

I thoroughly enjoyed the walk, the views and the people I met this morning.