Wednesday 28^th October 2015 – 43/52 – Pleinmont to Pembroke Bay

Having caught the No 91 bus from St Martin’s to Pleinmont to meet up with my other walking colleagues on this leg, I was pleased to see very pleasant weather conditions in the west of the island for our walk today, and also that there were tourists on the bus who were taking the opportunity to walk at this time of the year. With it being half term we also had my valued walking buddy Clive’s two teenage grandsons with us, Henry and Max, as well as a tennis colleague of mine, Mike, and his friend, Angus, three of them walking with us for the first time, Max having done one previous walk.

Heading off towards Fort Grey, left, you really could not have had better walking conditions than those we had today: the sun was shining brightly and temperatures were around 15 degrees, with minimal wind. There was clear evidence on the road of the spring tides Guernsey is having currently, as there was plenty of seaweed and smaller pebbles scattered across the surface. We had started at a brisk pace and did not take long to reach L’Eree. The tide was receding fast and exposing the large swathes of seaweed left on the beaches, that is oh, so familiar in this area of the coast.

There was plenty of bird life around the Colin Best Nature Reserve, although the large geese were very much predominant. On we went, and around to Perelle, and there was clear evidence of residents clearing up from last night’s high tide, and “battening down the hatches”, as they prepare for another ‘over the sea wall’ tide this evening. Below, Perelle at low tide:

The curving sweep of Vazon Bay looked glorious this morning, with the sun shining brightly, and the large area of sand providing opportunities for families, walkers and dog walkers to do what they enjoy doing best at the seaside. Many people
and children were out and about today in such favourable weather conditions. I was disappointed to see the Richmond Kiosk closed but Vistas at Vazon was doing a roaring trade as we passed there.

There was much debate with my walking colleagues as to which is the actual ‘Lion Rock ‘ as we rounded Albecq: there is so much to admire in that area as the colours and shades are just superb. I have included a recent photograph of what I believe is the Lion Rock – rather a distant shot – and an old watercolour of the rock, looking much more dramatic, painted in 1904 by one Henry B. Wimbush and entitled “Lion Rock, Cobo, Guernsey”. If anyone knows more, or if this is incorrect, please let us know!

Cobo was its usual busy self again with many families out and about in the area. I was delighted that Clive’s wife, Angela, was able to join us at Cobo, although both Mike and Angus ended their walk here, due to prior commitments they both had in the afternoon. Both being accomplished walkers and brimming with local knowledge, I was very grateful for them joining us for the first time and for their donation to the Autism 365 project.

We continued around to Port Soif, left, which Clive remarked looked today as though someone had pulled the plug out, with the tide mark so low exposing the rocky seabed at the mouth of the Bay and the pristine sand at the top, which makes it ideal for swimmers at high tide times. Angela and grandson Henry stopped here, leaving Clive, Max and me to continue to Pembroke Bay and the finishing line.

Max was leading from the front at this point and setting a good pace for Clive and me as we walked on in the glorious, warm sunshine along the coastal path that was busier today, with it being half term. On around to Portinfer, which has been described in guide books as “where rough seas occur”, which over the years have caused many a shipwreck, today not being a good example as the tide was well out, then to Les Pecqueries next. Today was a fabulous opportunity to explore the many rock pools in this area.

We continued around the bays heading towards the very distinctive landmark of Rousse Tower, and Max was very keen to keep going and maintain his pace on the last part of this 11 mile walk. Walking around to the kiosk area opposite Vale Pond, cutting inland before turning again and heading towards Les Amarreurs Harbour, I really struggled to believe we were nearly at the end of October, the weather was so good. On we went to Ladies Bay and L’Ancresse Common – there was plenty of family activity in and around this popular area. Right, Rousse jetty to Ladies’ Bay and Chouet.

After clearing the golfing area of the common we headed across the road and on to the Golf Club area, eventually arriving at the Pembroke Kiosk, completing the leg of the walk in a very respectable time of 3 hours 25 minutes. Today was a great walk, in ideal conditions. I very much appreciated the company of the additional walkers, and full marks and appreciation to Clive’s two grandsons, Henry and Max, who walked so well today.

I returned home on the 92 bus, and it was an absolute delight to view again the beautiful coastline that we had just walked along.

The significance of the completion of this 43/52 leg is that I am now down to single figures (9/52 walks remain) for this Autism365 Challenge!

We have now included pictures taken from the Guernsey Press on Thursday – thank you so much for the article by Juliet Pouteaux, with photograph by Steve Sarre – it really helps to get the message out there!