Wednesday 25th March 2015  12/52  Pembroke to St. Peter Port

It was very unpredictable weather this morning as I arrived at Pembroke Bay, knowing that I was likely to be doing this leg on my own and that, if conditions suited and my legs were up to it, I would be coming back again from St Peter Port to complete the 4/52 leg, which was still outstanding.

As I started solo at 10am the tide was well in and the waves were crashing up against the sea wall. Up above there was a fair mixture of black and white clouds, but the sun kept breaking through and the moderate northerly wind was in my face.

There are always plenty of dog walkers around this area and towards Fort le Marchant, and today was no exception. Despite the unpredictability of the weather the view out to sea provided a real spectacle with the waves crashing in and the constantly changing colour in the sea provided by the moving cloud patterns. The coastal path in and around Fontenelle Bay still has part of it covered by pebbles that were washed up in last year’s storms.

Fort Doyle is a prominent landmark as you turn the corner and head towards the picturesque Beaucette Marina, and then inland to wind your way through the country lanes until you emerge again on the coastal path around Petils Bay.

It was great to see the States Works Department staff repairing the badly damaged areas on the coastal path at Hommet as I passed this landmark and headed towards the Bordeaux kiosk and toilets. Despite the exposed position – the wind was relatively strong here – the viewing point is superb and, provided there is a parking spot available, you do not even have to get out of your vehicle to enjoy the panoramic view across to the other islands.

There is a lovely coastal path from here around to the industrial St Sampson’s North Side, with the backdrop of Vale Castle next to the road. I quite enjoy the walk into the Bridge area and around from the North Side to the South Side: there is always plenty to see in this busy area of the Island. On and through to Bulwer Avenue and the wide sweeping circular route to St Peter Port with its constantly busy traffic, but compensated by the stunning sea views, more so when the tide is in, although on this occasion was going out. The wind was still quite cold at this stage but the clouds’ pattern was still very similar to when I started.

It was a great relief to get into St Peter Port; I finished this leg in just over 2 hours and after a toilet and drinks break I made the decision to go back and do the walk all over again and get back on schedule by completing the outstanding 4/52 leg that I was unable to do earlier in the year.