STEPS 365

Week 27

Posted on July 10, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 8^th. July 2015 – 27/52 – Pleinmont to Pembroke Bay

It was a dullish morning as Clive S and I set off from Pleinmont, with a cross wind and the tide coming in for a mid-day high tide. We had not been started very long when Sue D joined us, having been dropped off by her daughter in her car. The fishing boats anchored off were up and down like yo-yos as the strong incoming tide battered them around. We kept very much to the sea wall along the road, which gave us some protection from the wind.

We made very good time all the way around to Richmond Corner and then proceeded towards Vazon Bay along the grey coastal path. There were plenty of swimmers in full wet suits at Vazon as the tide was rattling in at a fair pace, providing some good waves for them to jump through. The weather changed dramatically at Albecq and we quickly scurried to put on our waterproof jackets as we began to get wet with sea mist and rain mixed in. Fortunately it was only for a short spell and by the time we were heading towards Cobo the sun and blue sky were with us, and things were looking a lot brighter.

The coastal views were brilliant as we bordered around Grand Rocque and Port Soif; with the beautiful colour of the sea, the pink and blue granite rocks, and the glistening sandy beaches it really was an artist’s paradise in conditions as good as this.

The sea birds were out in plenty, feeding off the strong incoming tide as it hit the shore and it appeared there were some rich pickings for the little egrets, seagulls and other varieties of sea birds that were on the shoreline. Kestrels were also visible with that oh so familiar hovering that is their common trademark. On the way around to Rousse Tower there is a large rock which today was full of black sea birds which none of us were sure about as to whether they were shags or cormorants, but never the less they were obviously having a good feeding day today. There were plenty of people around the bays today, with visitors and locals who all use this now well-established coastal path.

Rousse Kiosk has now become a ‘must’ stopping point on our walks, and both Clive and I can honestly say we have yet to taste a better crab sandwich anywhere on the Island – Philippa, they are just to die for! Sue left us at Rousse after we had been fed and watered, and Clive and I carried on and around L’Ancresse Common, and back in to Pembroke Bay, our finishing point.

The weather was getting better all the time, and there was no sign whatsoever of rain as we arrived at our destination, with Clive taking the decision to finish his walk off with a swim in the bay. Despite the early weather conditions today, this was yet another enjoyable walk with some stunning views around the coast.

Whilst waiting for the bus I was greatly touched by a couple of families who had just got out of two English registered cars: one of the children tapped the back of my legs and handed me some coins for Autism Guernsey – a great way to finish off this 11 mile stretch of walking!

PS – Why don’t you take a look at Rousse Kiosk’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rousse-kiosk/103687149672006?fref=ts ? They are on Twitter as well – @RousseKiosk

Thank you to Sarah Snell for the use of her photos – of Port Soif and of the view across the Grande Havre from the Houmet Inn.

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Autism Guernsey, Charity walk, Donate, Guernsey, Island, Kiosk, sea | Leave a comment

Week 26 – it’s all counting down from now on!

Posted on July 8, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 1^st July – 26/52 – Icart Point to Pleinmont

This is the halfway mark of my 52 walks around the island, on what could possibly be my warmest walking conditions this year. I knew Clive S was coming but there was a question mark about Anne S, so when I arrived it was good to see Anne was there; although she was unable to commit to walking the full length she would walk to Petit Bot with us, then turn around and head back into St Martin’s.

The weather was rather dull to start off with, but still quite warm, with the prospect of the temperature constantly rising as the morning progressed. Not a lot of fellow walkers were around this morning, but we did meet the odd one or two as we made our way along towards Petit Bot.

I was talking about coming along the same route last week as I had extended my previous Wednesday walk rather than finishing at Icart, as it was my intention to cut inland through a route I had previously been on numerous occasions with Club Bons Amis, but to my astonishment I was confronted with a farmer’s electric fence preventing me with any access. The denied route actually takes you back into the road route coming up from Petit Bot and winding back into St Martin’s.

The sun was trying hard to break through as we made our way up the lung busting steps out of Petit Bot valley and I just had to stop at the top and take on fluid to replace that leaving my body at a rapid rate in the hot conditions. On we went, and through to Le Gouffre where we were seeing more people out on the cliff path; many visitors and locals were keen to use the cafe facilities on such a lovely day.

The real hard work and difficult terrain starts immediately after passing through Corbiere car park and you know psychologically there is ‘no gain without pain’ as you tackle the steep steps that are a permanent feature all the way through to Les Tielles. In my experience to date I know I just have to adopt a very positive attitude to this stretch, although in today’s hotter conditions it really was energy sapping as we both worked hard to get into a good walking rhythm.

Les Tielles is always a most welcome sight as you know the remainder of the walk is less physically demanding; the stronger winds, can of course, be yet another challenge at times on the more exposed Pleinmont Point. The sun had broken through fully now and it was getting very warm as we progressed along the top with that great view of the lighthouse out to sea. We decided to take a different route down into Portelet Bay today and took the path down through the shaded bushes/trees that eventually brings you out on to the road path heading towards the kiosk.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable walk again today despite the hotter conditions: one of those days when you think to yourself “Where else would I like to be today?” and you just keep answering “Nowhere else, just Guernsey, out here on the cliff paths”. The views and colours were stunning, although we did not see many birds of prey, which is unusual.

We were both tired and ready for a sit down by the time we reached the Portelet Kiosk, just short of three and a half hours after starting at Icart Point at 10am.

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Autism Guernsey, Charity walk, Cliff paths, Donate, Guernsey, Island, sea | Leave a comment

24th June 2015 – more steps, different slopes!

Posted on June 26, 2015 by angebg

Having walked up the steps at St. Martin’s Point only this morning I was somewhat concerned and embarrassed by the amount of overgrowth of vegetation that at times was almost covering the steps at various points. This set of steps is one of the most popular areas for both locals and visitors to walk and needs regular maintenance to keep it clear. The gradient is quite steep and when you are unsure underfoot it is easy to stumble, which I had done as I reached the top this morning.

It was a lovely evening, and there were plenty of people around when I quickly set about cutting back the overgrown vegetation, working my way down, from top to bottom. I took the opportunity to put my bucket and collecting can out for contributions to Autism Guernsey 365, should people wish to contribute.

I always enjoy the interactions with locals and visitors and I am always grateful for any contributions people make, either financially or in verbal comments, and I must admit I was really grateful for this lady who not only left me some money but left me this lovely note:

Eventually I managed some 50 steps and I was pleased to see the difference my work had made to the clearing of the concrete steps.

(The above comments are no more than Eric deserves – he spends so much time out there, doing this work for the good of all cliff path users, as well as for the benefit of Autism Guernsey).

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Autism Guernsey, Autism365, Charity walk, Cliff paths, Donate, Guernsey, Island, sea | Leave a comment

Week 25

Posted on June 26, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 25th June, 2015 – 25/52 – St. Peter Port to Icart Point

I met Anne S at the bus stop in St Martin’s and we travelled down together to the bus terminus in St. Peter Port. Conditions today were superb, with the sun shining, little or no wind and dry conditions on the cliff paths. Clive S was waiting for us at the Aquarium and was looking forward to one of his favourite walks on the South Coast.

There is now no sign of any bluebells left in Bluebell Wood and it is hard to visualise the carpet of blue and white which covered the area recently, as we passed on through on our way to Fermain Bay. The view above the Bay is just stunning from the top of the cliff path and with the sun shining brightly on both the sea and the beach, it is hardly surprising that Fermain is such a popular bay with both locals and visitors.

Walking through the wooded areas and on to the Pine Forest was lovely with the shafts of bright sunlight providing a beautiful backdrop for walking along this stretch. Jerbourg Point provided Clive with an opportunity to walk down towards the fog horn station as both Anne and I struggled up the long set of steps towards the car park at the point. Clive soon caught us up as he quickly “burnt up” the steps, which in all honesty were embarrassingly overgrown across the path towards the top.

Anne left us at this point as she was limited with her time today due to a meeting in the early afternoon, but it was great to have her company up to this point. I had pointed out that we had not seen any birds of prey today but almost on cue there was a kestrel hovering on the seaward side as we headed off around the point. Moving on and around to Petit Port, the bay below was great viewing on this bright, sunny day and it really would have been a great day to have had a walk down the 300+ steps to the beach at the bottom.

The walk around to Moulin Huet was very pleasant and on reaching the bay we took the lower steps to climb up out of the bay and up above to the still empty Bon Port Hotel. Saints Bay was also looking good in the afternoon sunshine and we were anxious to see the work that has already been done on recreating a previously overgrown path that will come down off the cliff path and snake down to the Saints Kiosk at the bottom of the bay.

It was lovely finishing off our leg today at Icart Point and reflecting on a great day’s walking.

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Autism Guernsey, Autism365, Charity walk, Cliff paths, Donate, Guernsey, Island, Kiosk, sea | Leave a comment

Weekend of 20th and 21st June – Steps

Posted on June 26, 2015 by angebg

(This is Eric’s work – Ange was at work, and so hubby has done most of the hard work on the steps in the past few months!)

After a recent walk around the steps in the Moulin Huet area, I decided that although we had already cleaned them up once, they badly needed doing again.Like the Forth Railway Bridge, at this time of the year, you almost have to start again immediately due to the growth in vegetation that takes place.

To make matters worse the growth encroaches on the steps and makes it difficult for regular walkers to use them and some of the gorse bushes and thistles that grow very strongly can easily catch a passer by with their needles. Fortunately I was able to take my cordless hedge cutters with me to attack the overgrown areas as well as the usual other implements I would normally take with me.

On Saturday I tackled the steps coming up from Moulin Huet which to be quite honest were nearly at the stage of being impassable with a numbers of areas where the overgrowth was encroaching extensively across the concrete steps. Eventually I had cleared all the path steps leading up past the garden area of the Moulin Huet café and onto the plateau above.

The next job was to have a go at the next set of steps that lead up to the halfway point of the climb out of the bay. Unfortunately these were just as bad in terms of being over grown, the majority of the overgrowth being bracken. Despite the thickness the electric cutter was most helpful in cutting the vegetation. I eventually finished off my days work with clearing the steps at the top of the halfway point.

Sunday morning I set aside to clean the length of the cliff path steps that lead onto the path that takes you up to the now empty Bon Port Hotel. It was hard work throughout the morning but I was delighted with the finished product, which numbered some 70 odd steps in total. Despite being a steep set of steps I find it is very popular walking for both tourists and locals alike.

I also took the opportunity to sweep the path steps that lead through the centre of the valley, fortunately these were not necessarily overgrown, but just full of dead leaves and accumulated dirt which were a lot easier to sweep off.

Overall we have now not only cleaned all of the steps around Moulin Huet twice but have also done a lot of work on the steps at Saints Bay, which I must say, look much the better for having a makeover.

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Week 24

Posted on June 26, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 17th June 2015 – 24/52 – Pembroke Bay to St. Peter Port

Arriving at Pembroke Bay on a dull morning, I was greeted with the tide quite a way out and relatively small waves gently lapping over the clear sand. Previously the wind had been very strong, and with the tide well in, the waves were crashing over the concrete wall.Both Clive and Sue joined me today, so it was nice to see them again and pick up on their travels, which had prevented them walking the previous week.

The forecast was for the weather to gradually improve and for the sun to break through, but there was little sign of this happening as we set off towards the rifle range at Fort Le Marchant. It is amazing how different the sea and the coastal area looks in dullish light, although the walking was much easier without a strong headwind holding us back. We were going at a quickish rate today as all three of us are of a similar pace, and it was not long before we were heading inland after clearing Beaucette Marina. I always enjoy walking through the quiet country lanes which appear to be so peaceful and tranquil, and it takes you back in time to what life was like living in Guernsey when there were few vehicles on these narrow country lanes.

The view of all of the other islands was rather dark and dull today, with not a lot of shipping or boats out in the Little Russell. Bordeaux Kiosk was a welcome site and we stopped for a toilet break and a nice cup of coffee. There were plenty of people around the Kiosk, it certainly gives the impression of having a good, local customer base. St Sampson’s was next, with the usual mix of industrial workers, boats people and regular shoppers as we trundled from North to Southside along the always busy urban roads.

The new garage/housing project being built on the once derelict site along the front near the Halfway is progressing well, the contractors no doubt wanting to get the new buildings wind and watertight whilst the good weather is here. Additionally, we were very interested in the work going on to lay the new outfall pipe out to sea, the site now a hive of activity both at sea and on the shoreline. This is a big project which is so important to the future of Guernsey’s infrastructure.

On the way into St. Peter Port the sun started to break through and it looked as though it would turn out to be a lovely afternoon for everyone. It was great to see the finance sector workers using their lunch break to have a game of boules near the large roundabout.

Having reached our finishing point Sue caught the bus back home but Clive and myself, after a short break, decided to take advantage of the now glorious weather and walk back to our respective home bases, through Fort George, St Martin’s and in Clive’s case, the Forest.

It was great to have the company of both Sue and Clive today.

Thanks go to the Guernsey Weather Fox for use of his photograph of Pembroke Bay. Follow on http://www.guernseyweatherfox.com or Guernsey Weather Fox on Facebook.

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Autism Guernsey, Autism365, Charity walk, Donate, Guernsey, Island, Kiosk, sea | Leave a comment

Steps galore!

Posted on June 17, 2015 by angebg

Sunday 14^th. June 2015

It was a beautiful sunny day in Guernsey and so, following the recent torrential rain we have had, which tends to make cleaning easier, I took the opportunity to do the steps that go up westward from the road to Saint’s Bay and out at the top near to Saint’s Bay Hotel.

I had already done a number of them last week and considering the time it took me to do them, I knew I had my work cut out as I hoped to finish them off today. All of the steps had soil and weeds encroaching on them and with all this I set about the task of giving them a good clean.

As it was Sunday morning, with good weather, I thought it likely there would be a number of people coming past, and that was the case throughout the morning. I had runners, local walkers, foreign walkers from Holland, Belgium, Germany and the UK coming by and taking the time to chat and thank me for cleaning up the paths. One of the runners was particularly complementary as he ran past and emphasised how grateful he was for the work I was doing.

The area not only has steps but a longish stretch of concrete path and soak-away channels that were also blocked; all of these needed work to clear the encroaching vegetation and silt. I had to keep hydrated regularly as the sun was quite hot in the sheltered areas.

I am pleased to say that I managed to complete the 42 steps, concrete paths and the associated soak-aways during the morning session, and once the exposed concrete areas are dry the people who use the cliff paths regularly will benefit from their make-over.

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Autism Guernsey, Cliff paths, Guernsey, Island, sea | Leave a comment

Week 23

Posted on June 17, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 10th June 2015 – 23/52 – Pleinmont to Pembroke Bay

I approached Pleinmont with some trepidation this morning as it was likely I would be doing the leg on my own and there was a very strong headwind to contend with. 10 o’clock came, and, as expected, I was going solo this morning.

Already as I approached Fort Grey I had a good feel for just how difficult the conditions would be. There were few people around the beaches due to the strong winds and even the regular dog walkers appeared to be missing. Fortunately I was able to get into a good walking rhythm despite the wind pushing me back, and before I knew it I had cleared L’Eree and Richmond Corner and was off the public road and onto the established coastal path. Phew, if I thought conditions had been bad since I started they were just about to get even tougher as the sand began to blow into my face, and it was not going to get any better in the exposed bay! I did observe a hardy couple well wrapped up walking along the beach, but it appeared they were taking 2 steps forward and 1 back; even the sea birds were somewhat short in numbers in the difficult conditions. I felt sorry for the workmen who were busy pointing the sea wall: they appeared fully exposed to the windy conditions.

Eventually I reached Vistas at Vazon, which appeared quite busy with visitors and locals looking for shelter and a warming drink, but I had no intention of stopping and made my way around to Cobo Bay, which was deserted, but looked magnificent, with its pristine white sandy beach and spectacular rock outcrops. The wind was still blowing strongly but a few hardy souls were braving the conditions and walking on the beach as I approached Grandes Rocques. The kiosk was deserted, in total contrast to when it is a warm sunny day. Heading on to Port Soif I thought I might get some respite from the headwind but it wasn’t to be.

As I progressed along the coastal path, which runs very near to the public roadway, I became aware that there was a back up of traffic on both sides. Fearing that there might be an RTA, I became even more concerned when I saw 3 adults on their knees in the road. To my relief they were rescuing a live duck which had got stuck in a drain cover!

Other walkers were few and far between, but on the path to the Rousse Tower and the headland I met a delightful couple on holiday from Yorkshire who were lovely to talk to and also very kindly gave me a £10 donation for the Autism Guernsey 365 challenge!

It was great to get to Rousse Kiosk and having pre-warned Philippa that I was coming I thoroughly enjoyed the crab sandwich she had waiting for me. It was gratifying to reach the Kiosk by 1230 despite the strong wind, and having been fed and watered I was all ready for the last leg on to Pembroke Bay.

As I headed inland I at last got some respite from the wind, but I couldn’t help but admire just how good the sea view was with the white horses on the water, the boats bobbing up and down and the differing colours of the sea with the sun and clouds enhancing the variation.

Surprise, surprise – the ice cream seller at Amarreurs was closed, hardly surprising really, as there were no children or adults in the area. I made my way down towards the Roc Salt restaurant with a large amount of seagulls takings shelter in the rocks just near there. Fortunately I now know how to get across the road and through by the Golf Club and then on to the bus stop at Pembroke Bay, which today was a very welcome sight indeed. There was time for a cup of coffee in the Pembroke Kiosk, then I was off on the 92 bus back home to St Martin’s.

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Autism Guernsey, Autism365, Charity walk, Donate, Guernsey, Island, Kiosk, sea | Leave a comment

….More steps!

Posted on June 17, 2015 by angebg

8th. June 2015

I decided to clean some steps today above Saint’s Bay.

I walked down to Saint’s Bay and then up the steep cliff path steps to the top, turning left on the path to Icart. There are 19 steps shortly after you get to the top of the cliff and I was able to give those a good clean. I walked back again towards Saint’s, but instead of going down the cliff path I carried on and took the alternative route through the tree area that re-joins the public road. The steps in this area were badly in need of cleaning despite the fact that the area has been well strimmed. I managed another 6 and hopefully I will be able to have a go at the rest over the weekend.

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Cliff paths | Leave a comment

Week 22 – by guest blogger, Nigel Lewis

Posted on June 5, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 3^rd June 2015 – 22/52 – Icart Point to Pleinmont

If you have ever wondered what Bear Grylls will be like when he draws his pension you will get a pretty good idea if you were to join Eric Graham on the taxing Icart to Pleinmont section of his series of around the Island walks raising money for Autism Guernsey.

As I found out when, together with friends Pauline and Tony, I joined him recently, while the man is no spring chicken he eats up the most rugged of Guernsey’s terrain in a frightening manner. Hottentot Fig

It was a perfect day of blue sky, sunshine and a light breeze. The cliffs offer stunning scenery at all times of the year but the flora and fauna on display in June is particularly impressive. Strands of white Moon Daisies interspersed with clumps of pink Campion and scarlet Foxgloves poking out of startling green bracken. At Les Tielles the vertical faces of the cliffs are hung with curtains of dark green Hottentot Fig with its distinct yellow, pink and red flowers.

Across the paths lines of wood ants carried bits of gorse to add to teeming nests while blue and brown butterflies competed for attention with Six-spotted Burnet Moths.

The bird life was particularly impressive with gulls, finches, stonechats and a number of hunting kestrels. Throughout the walk we repeatedly saw a group of three common buzzards circling overhead. At first I thought they were different birds but soon came to realise they were the same group following us. I can only conclude that from experience they have watched Eric leave less fit mortals panting in his wake, curling into an exhausted ball at the side of the path and promising a ready meal for these airborne scavengers.

Having spent my youth on the cliffs and along their base searching out caves, climbs and fishing spots it was good to relive these tales with my travelling companions. However it is clear that a number of favourite spots for scrambling down to the shore are now gone courtesy of rock falls.

If our intrepid guide Eric has one blind spot it is in relation to the many seats and benches along the route. He never notices them and hurries by oblivious to the fact that they were put there for a purpose. On the rare occasion when we sampled their delights Walking companions a puzzled Eric remained standing anxious to be on with the march.

However, do not let me give you the wrong impression. On completion of the walk at the Portelet Tea Rooms we discovered that we had covered the nine miles of ground in a record time of five and a quarter hours. A record in the sense that it was Eric’s longest time covering this piece of coast which, on his own, he can cheerfully knock off in three and a half hours. This just goes to show how accommodating he can be of those of a slower pace.

If you want to remind yourself just how stunning our cliff scenery is and to do so in excellent company why not join Eric as he continues his walks for the rest of the year…..but watch out for the buzzards.

Nigel Lewis

5 June 2015

Picture of Six-spotted Burnet Moth courtesy of lightcolourshade.blogspot.com

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Autism Guernsey, Charity walk, Cliff paths, Guernsey, Island, Kiosk, sea | Leave a comment