Wednesday 3^rd November 2015 – 44/52 – Pembroke Bay to St. Peter Port.

The weather was rather dark and dismal as I arrived at Pembroke Bay, although there was very little wind, which is unusual in this area. I knew neither Clive nor Anne were coming today as both were off the island, but I waited until 10am, just in case anybody else might turn up, but no one did.

There were plenty of dogs and their owners walking along the beach today as I headed off in the direction of Fort Doyle, passing first the hole in the anti-tank wall that is a local hot topic at the moment. The Environment Department are saying they do not have the money to do repairs and in the long term the area should be restored to sandbanks and dunes whilst the local historians are saying it is an important part of the Occupation history and should be restored. No doubt the arguments for and against will rumble on for some while yet.

You quickly come up to the view of Fort Le Marchant, which seems out on a limb, and the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are quite prominent, presumably indicating the relevant firing ranges for the shooters.

Heading back inland from the Fort the path was closed off due to a huge digger attacking the large shingle bank around the Fontenelle Bay area. The heavy storms last year brought the shingle up and covered the actual footpath, and it has remained like this ever since, but hopefully that path will re-emerge once the shingle has been pushed further down the shoreline by the digger. Having to do a detour at this point turned out to be quite fortuitous as I met a former work colleague of my wife, Lyn O, who very kindly put a donation into my collecting box.

I was soon around to Fort Doyle, above and the Beaucette Marina area and heading inland to the quiet and tranquil lanes in this area. It was starting to spit with rain and the clouds were getting heavier, everywhere had a very grey look about it.

I had a quick look in the quarry as I passed, and saw a huge koi carp swimming around and a group of ducks on the water. Walking in this area is so peaceful, with very few people or vehicles. Onwards to the footpath that takes you around to Bordeaux Harbour and also gives you a fantastic view across to Herm, Sark and Jethou, although today was not ideal for taking photographs. There were loads of seabirds scavenging on the beach here as I walked around the road and on towards the Kiosk. I never fail to see the huge boxer dog here, usually sitting on a seat, but today he was out walking the grass verges with his owner. I took a quick toilet break here and topped up on my fluids before quickly heading off towards St Sampson’s

The skies were now much darker and the rain was heavier as I rounded the Vale Castle and headed inland towards the main shopping area; there were plenty of people about, and the usual busy traffic in this area. I was very grateful to a young mum, with her youngster in a buggy, who stopped me and made a donation into the collecting box. I eventually passed through Southside, feeling rather wet and bedraggled now, and on to Richmond Corner. I was delighted to see the new petrol station open in this area, I’m sure it will do well. When you consider that all we saw for many years was a collection of rusty pipes rising from the ground in this area, what has replaced it is a huge improvement.

The new outfall pipe at the Red Lion area is nearly finished as well, with just the completion of an out building to do. Across the road local contractors are also putting the finishing touches to the new flats that have been created here. I increased my pace somewhat as I passed through here as the weather was not improving. It was nice to see a group of oyster catchers foraging amongst the seaweed as I headed into St Peter Port.

I arrived in town around 10 past 12, which is about par for this leg when I am doing it solo.

That is the 11th circumnavigation of the island completed, 44 of 52, and I am now left with a further 8 walks to do before the end of 2015, with my current fund raising effort for Autism Guernsey standing at £1,030.