Wednesday 11th March 10/52 Icart to Pleinmont

I met Anne S off the 81 bus and we walked down to Icart Point to start our scheduled cliff path walk at 10.00. Clive S also joined us shortly after we arrived, and I was very grateful that both of them had decided to join me for this most demanding section of the cliff path walk to Pleinmont; Anne said that she would not be walking all the way but would probably leave us at Corbiere.

The wind was quite strong as we set off in the grey, murky conditions, and although the sea was relatively calm, the visibility out to sea was poor. The sea birds were taking the opportunity to hang in the windy conditions over the craggy cliffs, and the landscape was brightened up by a variety of Spring flowers that were evident alongside the paths and hedgerows.

The stretch towards Petit Bot becomes much more difficult to negotiate as the paths wind around the cliffs and the descent becomes more evident. Petit Bot is always a challenge, as whichever way you are walking you have to go down one side of the valley and climb back out of the other side, both very steep. There is a great view when you eventually reach the top but it is likely you will have to take time to get your breath back when you reach there. We did take the opportunity to have a breather near the top and strip off a layer of clothing as well.

The cliff path takes you inland at this point and you lose the sea view as you turn and go along the rough track road. Once through the wooded area you turn again and quickly come back onto the coastal path that eventually winds its way down to Le Gouffre. This is a lovely walk down the cliff path, with a glorious view of the surrounding area and the sea.

We took the opportunity to use the loo at the Le Gouffre Cafe, but felt obliged to purchase a bottle of water under the circumstances. Once above the cafe the terrain somewhat flattens out and you have an easier time as you head inland again and around the ‘Snail House’ at the Bigard and on towards the National Trust area that eventually brings you out at the car park at La Corbiere.

Anne left us at this point and headed inland to catch a bus – the whole route is very convenient for heading inland and catching a bus, albeit that you need to know the roads and the bus timetables!

From Corbiere and all the way towards Les Tielles car park is most physically demanding as you wind your way up and down the steep paths: beautiful coastal scenery, but, boy, does it work those leg muscles! How on earth some people run up and down these tracks I just don’t know!

Our arrival at Pleinmont was very much determined by the winter bus timetable which means there is only one bus an hour to aim for. Fortunately the weather was getting better as we progressed and I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was little wind up on the exposed Pleinmont Headland; usually it is quite windy up on the top. Turning the corner and being able to see Fort Grey is always a relief as it is a sign that the finishing point is not very far away. The Fairy Ring (a few locals call it the Fairy Circle) is actually the end of the cliff path, but there is a good 15/20 minutes walk further until you actually reach the Pleinmont bus stop near the car park at the Imperial Hotel.
Both Clive and I had a sweat on when we eventually finished as we had to hurry, but we were grateful that we could catch our intended bus home and not have to hang around for another hour.