Wednesday 25th February, 2015  8/52 – Pembroke Bay to St. Peter Port.

It was not the best of starts to this walk as reaching the proposed Pembroke Bay starting point from St Martin’s was something of a nightmare on the CT Plus buses. No fault of theirs I must add: it is just a nightmare at key times due to the one way system of traffic that is with us for some 6 weeks due to roadworks along St. Peter Port seafront! We eventually arrived at Pembroke just before the 10am start. Anne S joined me again today, but, due to a meeting later, she was only going to walk to Bordeaux. Clive S, who unfortunately had thought we had started the walk, eventually saw us and came back to the starting point.

Grey skies were the order of the day, which unfortunately somewhat dulled that beautiful blue colour we so much love to see when looking out at the sea. Plenty of dog walkers were out despite the weather – the dogs were certainly keen to be out and about around the Fort Le Marchant area. Walking conditions were fine as we wound our way around to Fontenelle Bay and on to Fort Doyle, before turning due south and heading to Beaucette Marina. I think the actual location of the Marina is somewhat remote and that it is not a place many islanders regularly visit, unless of course they have a boat there or frequent the Yacht Club or the Marina Restaurant. It is nice to see the boats that are anchored up there and there are always people in and around the area for whatever reason. Because of the entrance to the harbour you have to come inland at this point and wind your way through many of the country lanes, before you eventually arrive near to La Rochelle Road, where Anne left us in order to catch a bus back into town for her meeting.

Clive and I carried on through the lanes until we were able to rejoin the coastal path around by the fish farm, which eventually takes you around to Hommet and then on to Bordeaux Harbour. I just love the fabulous view you are able to get from here of the other islands, Herm, Jethou and Sark, although today was just not the best of days for seeing that outstanding view at its best. We stopped for a watering/toilet break at the kiosk and then continued on along the coastal path that curves around the Vale Castle and eventually brings you to the heart of Guernsey’s more industrial area in and around St Sampsons.

I quite enjoy the gentle walk through Northside and then Southside as you see so many different settings yet you are also able to constantly see the sea.

The horseshoe walk from Richmond Corner back into St Peter Port always has a lot to offer whether you are walking, running or driving around that coastal area, and it was made even more pleasant by the fact that the air temperature had improved greatly from the colder conditions that had prevailed earlier in the day.

Our arrival in town fitted nicely with the bus timetable and we were able to get back home on time, a stark comparison with the chaos that ensued in the morning gridlock of traffic!