Wednesday 9^th September 2015 – 36/52 – Pembroke to St. Peter Port.

It was a lovely morning as we arrived at Pembroke Bay today, with sunshine but a strong northerly wind blowing across the sand as the tide was low and the sea well out. I am always amazed at the seagulls, who sit in their hundreds on the glittering sand, all facing in the direction of the wind. Lovely to have my son Andy with me again and to be joined by Clive and his 17 year-old grandson, Max, who was joining us for the very first time on this series of 52 weekly walks this year.

We set off at a good pace, and it wasn’t long before we were heading towards the shooting range at Fort Le Marchant, a very popular spot for both local dog walkers and tourists alike. I must admit I have never gone right up to the fortification as the coastal path bears off to the right and heads inland. Whilst on this stretch I was mindful of the kestrel hovering in exactly the same area as I had seen the bird just recently, when I did the “catch-up” leg in the reverse direction; I’m sure I heard him saying “Are you back around my patch again? I only saw you recently coming in the opposite direction!”.

Fort Doyle area was lovely today in the sunny conditions, but, boy, the wind can really whistle round that area when we have more stormy weather than today. Beaucette Marina appeared somewhat becalmed today with not a lot of activity going on.

Once you get into the country lanes off the Marina the shelter from the wind is quite marked, and it really is a lovely area to walk through as there is plenty to see: it is quite rural, the views at certain points are superb, and it is just so peaceful. There are fields, some allotments and active greenhouses, and I am always amused by the Golden Guernsey billy goat who is usually sat majestically perched high on a pedestal, showing off his beautiful coat and magnificent pair of horns.

The straight walk along from the fish farm to the car parking area that was originally the refuse tip is very popular: I imagine a lot of locals not only enjoy the walk but take advantage of the swathes of bramble bushes that have plenty of fruit on them currently.We took the opportunity to have a break at the Bordeaux Kiosk and a welcome cup of coffee, although Max’s preference was an ice cream. On the coastal path around Vale Castle Max, who loves aeroplanes, took the opportunity to point out the Aurigny Dornier that was practising manoeuvres with another aircraft for the Battle of Britain air show tomorrow in the skies above Guernsey.

As we made our way through the north and south sides of St Sampson’s the weather was just getting better and better: the sun was shining brightly and the wind that we had experienced when we left Pembroke Bay had completely calmed. There were big tailbacks of traffic at the Red Lion where there are traffic lights, although with the traffic problems there are currently in this area, many take an alternative route.

The remainder of the walk along the front was very pleasant, and we eventually hit town just before 12.30 mid-day, all enjoying the pleasant conditions we had to walk in today.

From a personal point of view I am pleased to say that this was the completion of my ninth time around the island, and even more pleasing is the fact that I have paid into Autism Guernsey 365 project a further £200, making my total to date £800. Many thanks to all who have supported us in this very worthwhile project.

Thank you to Visit Guernsey for the use of the picture of the islands from Bordeaux.