STEPS 365

Wednesday 11^th November 2015 – 45/52 – St. Peter Port to Icart.

Making my way from the bus terminus in St Peter Port to the start of the walk at the Aquarium steps this morning, I took the opportunity to observe the tremendous work the La Vallette Challenge team (all volunteers) have done in transforming this area and returning it as far as possible to how it originally looked, many years ago. What a start they have made already in removing tons of green material from overgrown areas and rejuvenating the unused, decaying bathing pools and changing areas! How
fantastic this will be when finished; it will not only benefit the Guernsey public but will be enjoyed by visitors as well.

Clive was with me this morning as we set off in cloudy but very mild weather conditions – a great morning for the walk today, more like early Spring than an early November day. We went up through Bluebell Wood and on to Fermain Bay where, despite the mild weather, we had the whole Bay to ourselves as there was no kiosk open and no one on the beach, not even a dog walker. When we reached the viewing point and bench after climbing out of the Bay there was a couple with a dog there, but for such a mild morning I thought we would have seen more people out and about. It was just lovely walking from here through to Jerbourg Point as the views across to the other islands are superb and you are also well sheltered; we could even see France.

That long pull up those steep steps at St. Martin’s Point was really hard work today and I was relieved to reach the car park! Two cars only were parked in the large car park, indicating how few holiday-makers are here at this time of the year. There had been very little wind as we approached the Jerbourg area but you always seem to get some as you walk around and re-join the cliff path and head towards the German bunkers. Views out to sea were great today and it was a fabulous angled view down to Petit Port with the tide well out and the lovely expanse of sandy beach exposed. With such good viewing conditions we could clearly see the alternative path up the cliff side out of Petit Port, exiting on the upper cliff path route, although when we eventually arrived at this point it did appear very narrow and you would probably need a good stick to hold back the prickly bushes.

It was pleasant walking round to Moulin Huet in the mild conditions, but disappointing that there were no other walkers taking advantage of them. We did a bit of a detour today at Moulin Huet, taking the upper path route via the toilets and car park and then walking up one side of the valley in the direction of the Pottery and then moving across the road and heading back on the path at the other side; the reason for this was that Anne, who would have walked with us this morning, was unavailable as she was going to be involved with the Floral Guernsey St Martin’s group, who were out in the valley planting crocuses this morning, and I thought we might just see them as we passed through. Fortunately, this was the case, and Anne was there with other volunteers planting the bulbs. There is fantastic work done throughout the year by this group of volunteers, who not only do this work in Moulin Huet but throughout the Parish of St Martin’s.

Re-joining the cliff path we made our way through to Saints Bay taking the opportunity to go down the newly established path to the Saint’s Bay kiosk; I had done it once but Clive had not been on this route. There are 77 steps in total on this new path, but it is a welcome addition for cliff path runners/walkers. The downside, of course is that you have a very steep incline to navigate to rejoin the road at the top, although my understanding is that a further extension to this new path is hoped to be created to go up past the Martello Tower and exit on to the road which goes down to Saints Harbour.

Having now re-joined the original cliff path we quickly made our way to the top of the valley and onwards to our finishing point at Icart Point. It is very unusual not to meet someone on our way around to Icart, but in keeping with the rest of today’s walk, we saw not one person – even the car park at Icart was empty! It was a great walk today despite this, however, and we finished in a record time at 12.45.

Many thanks to Sarah Snell Photography for the use of her photograph of St. Martin’s Point – https://www.facebook.com/sarahsnellphotography?fref=ts

Wednesday 14^th October 2015 – 41/52 St. Peter Port to Icart Point
It was a dry and sunny morning as we set off up the steps by the Aquarium and onwards to the lower tier of Fort George. Clive S joined me this morning, this being his favourite leg of the 4 walks that take us all around the coast of Guernsey. Whilst on our way through Bluebell Wood we came across a gentleman whom I had spoken to at the bathing pools earlier, who was busy working out suitable walks for a group of 49 walkers who were coming to the island in August next year – always good to hear of walkers wanting to enjoy what Guernsey has to offer!

With the dry walking conditions and the sunlight sending shafts through the foliage, it was, as always, a
delight to walk this section through to Fermain Bay. There were some people down at the Bay when we arrived and the staff in the Kiosk were busy getting ready to open. Having climbed on out of the Bay we took time to look out from the viewing spot at the top; Alderney and the coast of France were visible today, very much indicative of the good weather conditions we were enjoying.

There is just so much to see on this coastal path – I can see why Clive says it is his favourite. Despite the fact that both of us have, over the years, walked this route many, many times, I just never get fed up of doing it over and over again.

On through Marble Bay and the Pine Forest and onwards to Jerbourg Point and the climb to the top up those steep steps at St. Martin’s Point: I have now counted the steps and, including the set at the bottom, there are 273 to negotiate! Many of the really fit runners think nothing of running up and down them a couple of times a week, just as part of their training schedule. No kiosk open now, but to my relief the toilets were open.

The walk around to La Moye Battery and on to Petit Port is always a pleasant walk and is popular with local dog walkers and groups of walkers as you can walk around it in a
circular route and the views are quite spectacular. The Pea Stacks looked superb today, with the sun showing off the varying colours and shades of the granite and the sea shimmering in the midday sunshine. It never fails to amaze me how different this Renoir favourite looks when you see it from the many different vantage points along this cliff path route.

Onwards we went, and round to Moulin Huet where, surprisingly, there were not many people about. Once again you have to negotiate a lot of steep steps until you reach the top opposite the now empty Bon Port Hotel. There is an alternative route via the car park and toilets, which, although it does have steps, is not so steep. My particular preference is the steeper route as the views are quite stunning.

We had a quick water break at the viewing point at the top near the memorial stone to Alan Ingrouille and then onwards to Saints Bay. The St Martin’s Douzaine have done a lot more work on the new path down towards the Kiosk and it is now quite visible off the cliff path. Climbing out of Saints Bay also highlights the zig-zagging path winding its way down to the Kiosk, as you look back across Saints valley.

The weather today had been a real bonus and even when we turned to head into Icart there was no strong wind and the sun was still shining brightly. We arrived around 1pm, which is about par for Clive and me. Although we finish the walk at Icart we both still have quite a way to walk to get back to our respective homes, but on a day like today, that was no hardship whatsoever.

Wednesday 30^th September 2015 – 39/52 – Pleinmont to Pembroke Bay

I was really expecting a strong head wind today but what I got were ideal walking conditions. Taking into consideration that it was the last day of September, when it dawned a beautiful, clear sunny morning I could not have believe how good it was. The added bonus was the sharpness of all of the colours, it felt akin to having a top of the range HD television, everything just sparkled!

I was doing the leg solo today as sadly none of my walking colleagues were available, but it did give me the opportunity to crack on as I was keen to get back early on the bus in order to join my Club Bon Amis colleagues at Petit Port, doing some sand art.

I quickly got into a good walking rhythm as I passed the Cup and Saucer. There had been a high tide this morning and it was just gently going back out again as I passed. Approaching L’Eree there were lots of seabirds working amongst the huge swathes of seaweed being washed up, no doubt hoping for some rich pickings. I was interested to see a group of children, mainly in wet suits and green, high vis skull caps in the sea off L’Eree, and on enquiring from one of the adult members learned that it was a Year 5 group from the local Hougette School, who were having one of a series of sea swimming lessons. It was great to see them in the sea at this time of the year – they were really enjoying themselves out there.

Moving on through Perelle and onto Richmond Corner I was quite taken aback on the public road when the driver of a huge tractor with a cutting machine on the back started waving his hands at me. Totally bemused by the driver’s actions, I watched as he pulled up by the side of the road, and I approached him. To my utter surprise he told me he wanted to make a contribution to my charity as he had a family member with autism and promptly but a £10 note in my collecting box! The genersity of Guernsey people never fails to amaze me, it really does make all of these walks well worth the effort.

As I turned onto the coastal path heading towards the Richmond Kiosk the wind did increase but the sun was still shining brightly, and there was no indication that these glorious conditions would change. I bumped into Mrs G briefly at the Kiosk but was quickly on my way heading towards Vistas Kiosk. There were lots of people out and about in the area, no doubt taking advantage of the weather and Cobo was very similar; with the golden sand now exposed it looked a real picture as I passed through.

As I turned to go on towards the Port Soif area, and took the opportunity to have a quick drink and a look at the time, I realised that I was making good time and should achieve my objective of catching an earlier bus back home. The rocks around Grandes Rocques and Port Soif are just spectacular, and today, in the bright sunshine, it was just fabulous to see them glistening with the different variations of colour within them.

I thought I was making good time, but there was a lady some 50 yards ahead of me power walking, and there was no way I could have kept pace with her, at the speed she was going!

Dog walkers/walkers, runners, cyclists, swimmers and motorists using the coastal car parks, you meet them all out here on the coastal path.

Although I was doing well with my time, my next big decision was could I stop at my favourite kiosk – Rousse – for my customary crab sandwich, or would that prevent me catching the earlier bus? I settled for the compromise of calling in for my favourites but putting them in my rucksack to eat, hopefully, on the earlier bus. Next time round this way will probably be the last time to stop at the Kiosk as Philippa closes down over the winter period.

The tide was well on its way out now, but, as when we were in this area yesterday, it would have been possible to walk across from Rousse to Amarreurs Harbour due to the very low tide. I was disappointed to find the Male toilets were closed at Amarreurs: despite the fact that the children’s playground is currently out of action there are still plenty of people around who would appreciate the facility being open.

Ladies Bay looked an absolute picture today, the huge swathe of pristine golden sand glistening in the mid-day sunshine. There were plenty of golfers around as well; who wouldn’t want to be out on a day like today? I was sticking to the coastal path route and headed off towards L’Ancresse Common and my final destination, Pembroke Bay.

With my bus due at 4 minutes past 1 I made the stand at 1255, just sufficient time to demolish my super crab sandwiches, before the bus arrived.

By the way, I did manage to catch up with my colleagues at Petit Port, and I thought you might just be interested in what we got up to on one of Guernsey’s most beautiful beaches on the south coast of the island. (See photographs)

Wednesday 23rd. September, 2015 – 38/52 – Icart Point to Pleinmont

It was a lovely sunny morning for our start today, and I was delighted to have my son, Andy, with Anne S and me for this tough leg towards the west coast of the island. Anne, who usually only joins us for part of this leg, would leave us at Corbiere, and we would then carry on until the end at the Pleinmont Kiosk. Already at this time of the morning there were a few walkers around and visitors who tend to sit in their cars in the large car park at Icart and take in the view or get out and have a stroll out onto the cliff path.

Anne was keen to check her slow-worm hides, which are just off the cliff path, shortly after we started, but to no avail as she found none in either hide. The views this morning out to sea and along the cliffs were just wonderful and sometimes I just stand in awe of such scenes as we progress along the path towards Petit Bot.

Climbing out of Petit Bot valley is always a challenge, but this morning very much compensated for by the superb view of the bay on the left hand side as you climb up to the viewing point at the top. You certainly need a breather when you reach the top, and the opportunity to take on some water and fuel!

Once through the next area above Petit Bot you actually come onto a wide open path and off to the left is a small magazine, which we took the opportunity of visiting today. The building is locked up but there has been a lot of work done in clearing the area around it and there is an additional path that leads to a very nice viewing area.

Onwards we strode in the lovely warm weather and it wasn’t long before we were climbing down the steep cliff path steps towards the turning for Le Gouffre. We did meet a couple of elderly twitchers climbing up and there was some debate as to whether the large bird hovering above was a buzzard or not? If it was it was probably the same large bird we had seen earlier on our walk at Icart. Le Gouffre Cafe was closed when we got there and the decorators were there giving it a bit of a makeover. Climbing out of the valley we quickly moved through to the  ‘snail house’ and onto the National Trust land area beyond.

I was greatly concerned when, on our way towards La Corbiere, Anne slipped on the crumbling shale of the cliff path and took a nasty tumble. Fortunately she only sustained minor cuts and grazes, and after treatment from a first aid kit she was carrying in her bag, we were back on our way. It really did emphasise just how easily falls of this nature can happen and how prepared as walkers you need to be. Anne assured us she was okay to carry on, on her own, from Corbiere as both Andy and myself headed for Pleinmont.

I must make an effort to try and count all of the steps you climb on this leg before the year is out because this really is the tough part of this walk as you are either climbing up or down them on this stretch towards Les Tielles. Personally I just like to attack it, but I am also mindful of just how beautiful these valleys and sea views are, although accepting in different weather conditions they can be quite daunting.

After a quick drinks/energy bar break at the car park at Les Tielles we were on to the last leg of the walk towards Pleinmont Point. The weather was just getting better and better as we set off again, although I was well aware that the wind might possibly be much stronger up on Pleinmont Point as we approached that area.

I was delighted to be able to have Andy with me today: not only was it a nice walk for a father and son to do together, but as Andy was leaving the island tomorrow it would be the last chance for some time for him to see the natural beauty of the island on such a beautiful day as it was today. Additionally, with today’s walk and the whole year project of 52 weekly walks being about raising money for Autism Guernsey, and Andy being the person responsible for setting it up in the island, it seemed a most appropriate way to finish his 3 year spell here in Guernsey.

The wind certainly was much stronger as we moved through Pleinmont Point but once we reached the other side and came down towards the Fairy Ring it became much calmer.

It was a lovely walk in towards the finishing line at Pleinmont Kiosk along the vehicle-free road, which is such a popular short walk for a whole variety of local and visiting walkers.

We arrived at the Kiosk around 2.15 pm, and were welcomed there with a nice cup of tea and a lovely crab sandwich, thank you Mrs G!

Wednesday 16^th September 2015 – 37/52 – St. Peter Port to Icart Point.

I joined my walking buddy Anne S on the 09.33 bus to town and headed towards our starting point at The Aquarium. It was not a good start to the day as I gazed out and across to the other islands – the visibility was poor, with low dark clouds and sea mist/fog in the distance.

We set off up the Aquarium steps in the hope that, as stated by the forecasters, the day would gradually improve. There was certainly an autumnal feel to the day as we got onto the cliff path going towards Bluebell Wood, with its muddy paths and slippery conditions. Irrespective of the weather I was delighted to be sling-free for the walk today – mind you I was very conscious of where I was putting my feet!

Fermain Bay was our first stop for a toilet break and a quick drink. The Kiosk was just opening as we arrived but the footfall today was rather different from the summer, when it is usually busy with visitors to this beautiful place. The climb out of the valley was quite testing and we both needed a breather as we got to the viewing space that looks back over and across the bay.

It was great to see a couple of other walkers as we reached Marble Bay, and then on to the Pine Forest, which was looking somewhat bedraggled, with lots of trees leaning over, and dead trees lying on the Forest floor. On towards St Martin’s Point the weather, which had improved since we started, was now starting to look decidedly gloomy again.

The climb up the long steps to the top of St. Martin’s Point is hard work and we were both ready for a breather when we eventually hit the top. We met a smashing bunch of walkers from Cheshire here as well: they were all stopping at the Blue Horizon and we had a good chat with them and they also very kindly donated to our charity today.

Heading along towards the German Bunker the weather started to take a turn for the worse, and although initially it was only spitting on, the sea mist was rolling in quickly and by the time we were heading towards Petit Port the rain was getting heavier. Alas, you just have to keep going in these conditions; my concern was for Anne who, like me, had not expected any rain for the walk. As we headed past Petit Port and on to Moulin Huet the heavens opened and we were absolutely drenched. Anne understandably decided to head inland, to the lanes of St Martin’s and eventually home, at this point, while I battled away along the cliff path and eventually got some respite in the shelter of the trees along the path to Moulin Huet

I decided to take the upper path through Moulin Huet, and by the time I got to the viewing point above the bay and near to Bon Port Hotel the rain had stopped and there was blue sky breaking through.

Nevertheless I was absolutely soaked, but it was certainly much pleasanter walking and viewing in these improved conditions. I didn’t meet anyone from here right through Saints Bay and on to Icart, despite the fact that it really was getting out to be a sunny afternoon.

As I approached the finishing line I was thinking to myself that, unusually, I had not seen a kestreltoday, when lo and behold, within 100 yards of the finishing line, up from the craggy cliffs flew a kestrel and hovered above me to salute my finish!

What a relief it was to get home and have a hot shower after getting such a soaking.

My heartfelt thanks to Anne for accompanying me today and my apologies for your soaking as well; we and the regular forecasters somewhat miscalculated today’s walk weather.