STEPS 365

Catching up – Week 4

Posted on March 26, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 25th March 2015 4/52 St Peter Port to Pembroke Bay

This leg was outstanding from January; I completed it today, but in reverse.

Looking across from Town towards Bulwer Avenue I realised what I had let myself in for by doing a double leg walk today: the distance appears much further when you are on your own and have just recently come in the opposite direction! Some compensation was the fact that it was getting warmer, and once I had got into a good walking pattern again I was able to eat up the distance quite quickly. The tide was receding quickly and exposing the sand and rocks and people were taking the opportunity to run and walk along sand as opposed to using the coastal or tarmac pathways.

There was plenty of work activity to observe in and around Bulwer Avenue and likewise as I wound my way through the Bridge area again. I love seeing the boats being spruced up for the coming season, it is wonderfully colourful in this busy area of St Sampson’s.

Woodie’s Kiosk at Bordeaux was a welcome sight, as I was grateful for a drink and toilet break and it was of great psychological advantage as I was quite confident of finishing from here, despite the fact I was tiring physically from taking on this additional leg on the same day. Bordeaux Harbour is a superb spot, whether the tide is in or out, and I couldn’t help admiring the wonderful view as I passed by the spot.

The popular walk along the coastal path at Petils Bay is very well used by many walkers and is well provided with seats that give the onlooker a marvellously wide view out to sea and beyond, with Herm and Jethou just across the Roads.

Heading inland was a huge bonus to me as I not only got out of the wind but I was able to observe fully the character of this quiet but most interesting rural area heading up the Guernsey north-east coast. I came across one field where the owner was cutting the large grass field with his tractor – the smell was sensational and reminded me very much that early Spring was upon us.

On through Beaucette Marina, and I was back out onto the coastal path which gave me a quick glimpse of my finishing point at Pembroke Bay. Invariably the sight of the finishing line after a hard day’s walking is a great boost and I somehow found the additional gear I needed as I quickly moved back over the ground I had already covered earlier the same day.

In contrast to this morning the tide appeared miles out when I eventually walked the homeward stretch to Pembroke Bay, but the glistening sands and sea were a pleasant and satisfying sight as I eventually reached my car in Pembroke Bay car park, some 4 hours 20 minutes after setting off at 10am this morning.

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

Week 12

Posted on March 26, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 25th March 2015 12/52 Pembroke to St. Peter Port

It was very unpredictable weather this morning as I arrived at Pembroke Bay, knowing that I was likely to be doing this leg on my own and that, if conditions suited and my legs were up to it, I would be coming back again from St Peter Port to complete the 4/52 leg, which was still outstanding.

As I started solo at 10am the tide was well in and the waves were crashing up against the sea wall. Up above there was a fair mixture of black and white clouds, but the sun kept breaking through and the moderate northerly wind was in my face.

There are always plenty of dog walkers around this area and towards Fort le Marchant, and today was no exception. Despite the unpredictability of the weather the view out to sea provided a real spectacle with the waves crashing in and the constantly changing colour in the sea provided by the moving cloud patterns. The coastal path in and around Fontenelle Bay still has part of it covered by pebbles that were washed up in last year’s storms.

Fort Doyle is a prominent landmark as you turn the corner and head towards the picturesque Beaucette Marina, and then inland to wind your way through the country lanes until you emerge again on the coastal path around Petils Bay.

It was great to see the States Works Department staff repairing the badly damaged areas on the coastal path at Hommet as I passed this landmark and headed towards the Bordeaux kiosk and toilets. Despite the exposed position – the wind was relatively strong here – the viewing point is superb and, provided there is a parking spot available, you do not even have to get out of your vehicle to enjoy the panoramic view across to the other islands.

There is a lovely coastal path from here around to the industrial St Sampson’s North Side, with the backdrop of Vale Castle next to the road. I quite enjoy the walk into the Bridge area and around from the North Side to the South Side: there is always plenty to see in this busy area of the Island. On and through to Bulwer Avenue and the wide sweeping circular route to St Peter Port with its constantly busy traffic, but compensated by the stunning sea views, more so when the tide is in, although on this occasion was going out. The wind was still quite cold at this stage but the clouds’ pattern was still very similar to when I started.

It was a great relief to get into St Peter Port; I finished this leg in just over 2 hours and after a toilet and drinks break I made the decision to go back and do the walk all over again and get back on schedule by completing the outstanding 4/52 leg that I was unable to do earlier in the year.

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

Week 11

Posted on March 24, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 18th March 11/52 Pleinmont to Pembroke

Oops! – sorry for the delay in posting! Administrator fail – and the Man will be doing another one tomorrow …

Despite the sun trying its hardest to get through the clouds there was a strong and chilly north easterly wind directly in our faces as we set off from Pleinmont car park, and by the end we felt it would have been much easier doing it the other way round! Anne S and Clive S were with me once again as we took to the sand to move along from Portelet Harbour to Fort Grey. The tide was well out so it was a pleasant sight to see the large expanse of glistening sand stretching down to the gentle lapping waves. The difficulty with walking on the sand is finding a suitable track of smooth sand and avoiding the many rock pools, also, particularly on this side of the island, the piles of seaweed that not only build up along the foreshore but have a very distinct odour to them!

We quickly came upon Rocquaine Bay and then on to L’Eree Bay where the bay sweeps around to the headland and looks out to Lihou Island. We went down past the shingle bank and around to Perelle Bay where we were hoping for some respite from the wind as we headed on following the main road and around to Richmond Corner, but this was not to be.

On reaching Vazon Bay we were able to move onto the established coastal path; it is a very pleasant walk as you follow the long sweeping bay on the way around to Fort Hommet. Vazon Bay is always a popular place for locals and for holidaymakers, be it summer or winter, whether they are walking around the area, doing water sports or just going for a cup of tea or coffee or an ice cream in the cafe. Moving around from the Fort Hommet Headland to Albecq not only brings the fabulous sea views of Cobo but on a day like today, the glorious red granite that glistens with the sun shining down on it.

It was interesting to pass the now completed residential building complex at Cobo, which I must say, now that it is virtually completed and people are moving in, looks a lot more “at home” in its surroundings than when I saw it earlier in the year.

Anne decided to call it a day at Grande Rocques and got the bus back home from there, so we all had a refreshment break prior to Clive and me moving on to Pembroke. although sunny, it was still difficult to get away from the strong wind.

Both Port Soif and Portinfer are great beaches to walk around on the coastal path and the sea views just continue all along the coast and around to Rousse Headland and Le Grand Havre. It was good to see the Rousse Kiosk open for the season, one of the most popular cafes on the coastal path. There is just so much to observe on this part of the walk; regardless of whether the tide is in or out, there is something for everyone to see.

We headed towards Ladies Bay on the last leg of this walk and on to L’Ancresse Common where the golfers were out in their numbers, despite the wind – which I’m sure is nothing new to these hardy sportsmen and women.

One thing I have become since commencing these walks is very familiar with the bus timetables, and with this in mind it very much determined the pace as we headed towards our finishing point at Pembroke Bay. Clive S had been checking our distance travelled today with his watch and we had walked 11 miles today on this leg. Whilst waiting for the bus we watched a kite surfer at Pembroke Bay who was reaching some fantastic speeds with the strong winds, but, boy, the pull on his arms must have been difficult to control! Amazing and exciting to watch!

It was quite relaxing to catch the No 92 bus back home, as we went back over the route we had just walked and we didn’t have to change in town.

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

Week 10

Posted on March 13, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 11th March 10/52 Icart to Pleinmont

I met Anne S off the 81 bus and we walked down to Icart Point to start our scheduled cliff path walk at 10.00. Clive S also joined us shortly after we arrived, and I was very grateful that both of them had decided to join me for this most demanding section of the cliff path walk to Pleinmont; Anne said that she would not be walking all the way but would probably leave us at Corbiere.

The wind was quite strong as we set off in the grey, murky conditions, and although the sea was relatively calm, the visibility out to sea was poor. The sea birds were taking the opportunity to hang in the windy conditions over the craggy cliffs, and the landscape was brightened up by a variety of Spring flowers that were evident alongside the paths and hedgerows.

The stretch towards Petit Bot becomes much more difficult to negotiate as the paths wind around the cliffs and the descent becomes more evident. Petit Bot is always a challenge, as whichever way you are walking you have to go down one side of the valley and climb back out of the other side, both very steep. There is a great view when you eventually reach the top but it is likely you will have to take time to get your breath back when you reach there. We did take the opportunity to have a breather near the top and strip off a layer of clothing as well.

The cliff path takes you inland at this point and you lose the sea view as you turn and go along the rough track road. Once through the wooded area you turn again and quickly come back onto the coastal path that eventually winds its way down to Le Gouffre. This is a lovely walk down the cliff path, with a glorious view of the surrounding area and the sea.

We took the opportunity to use the loo at the Le Gouffre Cafe, but felt obliged to purchase a bottle of water under the circumstances. Once above the cafe the terrain somewhat flattens out and you have an easier time as you head inland again and around the ‘Snail House’ at the Bigard and on towards the National Trust area that eventually brings you out at the car park at La Corbiere.

Anne left us at this point and headed inland to catch a bus – the whole route is very convenient for heading inland and catching a bus, albeit that you need to know the roads and the bus timetables!

From Corbiere and all the way towards Les Tielles car park is most physically demanding as you wind your way up and down the steep paths: beautiful coastal scenery, but, boy, does it work those leg muscles! How on earth some people run up and down these tracks I just don’t know!

Our arrival at Pleinmont was very much determined by the winter bus timetable which means there is only one bus an hour to aim for. Fortunately the weather was getting better as we progressed and I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was little wind up on the exposed Pleinmont Headland; usually it is quite windy up on the top. Turning the corner and being able to see Fort Grey is always a relief as it is a sign that the finishing point is not very far away. The Fairy Ring (a few locals call it the Fairy Circle) is actually the end of the cliff path, but there is a good 15/20 minutes walk further until you actually reach the Pleinmont bus stop near the car park at the Imperial Hotel.
Both Clive and I had a sweat on when we eventually finished as we had to hurry, but we were grateful that we could catch our intended bus home and not have to hang around for another hour.

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

Week 9

Posted on March 8, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 4th March 2015. 9/52. St Peter Port to Icart

It was a beautiful morning for the start of my walk today and I was fortunate to have my walking colleague Clive P along with me, despite the fact he was just recovering from a bad cold.

I knew the first part to Fermain Bay would be quite muddy in places, having been along there only last Sunday, and it was probably due to this that we met few fellow walkers on the route, despite the fact that the sunshine was streaming through the trees and the exposed views were beautiful, showing off the blue of the sea. It was very quiet at Fermain, despite the cafe being open, and the manager there was taking the opportunity to do some DIY. Fermain Bay with the tide out, seen from the elevated viewing positions, is really one of the best sights on the east side of the island, and we make no apology for using the same picture 2 posts running!

The morning weather was just getting better and better, and with the protection from the wind it really was glorious walking from Fermain through to St Martin’s Point. The Pine Forest, though, is sadly looking somewhat weather beaten with numerous trees either just lying there where they have fallen or leaning in either direction, ready to fall. St Martin’s Point gives you a wide panoramic view but then, of course, you have to make the trek up the 225 steps – or was that 215? – and by the time I reached the top I was puffing and blowing! No kiosk was open at Jerbourg, but at least the toilet facilities were open there.

On and around by the Peastacks and the German bunker and then around to the set of steps looking directly across to Moulin Huet and downwards to the expansive sandy beach at Petit Port. I sincerely hope the States of Guernsey find the money to stabilise the rock face by the steps here, as to be able to get down to a beach like this is a joy for everyone.

The sun continued to shine as we made our way around to Moulin Huet, taking the steeper path down to the Bay. We then had to climb the steep steps back out and on to the top near to the now empty Bon Port Hotel; there is a great panoramic view from this point. Onwards then to Saints Bay, before climbing out on the opposite side. It was good to look back at the viewing point near the top as we were able to see the proposed cliff path down to Saints Bay which the St Martin’s Douzaine are looking to re-open. There is a very popular circular route for walkers and runners alike here which takes you around the headland to Icart, down the road to Saints Bay Hotel and back onto the cliff path.

Although our leg of this walk finished at Icart, we both still had to continue walking through the country lanes roads to get back to our respective homes, but it really had been very enjoyable in the favourable weather conditions.

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

Catching up with Week 5!

Posted on March 1, 2015 by angebg

Sunday March 1st 2015

Today I took advantage of both the weather and the fact that I would be the only walker this morning and I would be able to do a ‘missed’ walk from 5/52. I chose to do it anti-clockwise as opposed to clockwise – all of the walks are in the clockwise direction around the island on the scheduled 2015 programme. The Pea Stacks

On initially setting off from Icart Point on my way to St Peter Port I was thinking I had probably made the wrong decision, as the wind was very strong and the sea in front of me was throwing up a multitude of white horses, but on turning around the headland I immediately got out of the windy conditions and, with the sun shining brightly, it was a beautiful Springlike morning as I headed towards Saints Bay. It is a glorious view as you look down to Saints Bay and towards the Pea Stacks and I was not at all surprised to see people out running and walking, and one gentleman heading towards Saints walking his horse. It was also lovely to see the spring flowers coming through, daffodils and primroses being prominent.

I walked right down to the bottom of Moulin Huet, once again coming across numerous runners and walkers out in the glorious sunshine. It was nice to be walking down the steps as opposed to be climbing out of the valley, which I know from years of experience of climbing up them is really hard work.

Onwards to Petit P View Petit Port to Icart ort with its huge expanse of glorious sandy beach exposed with the low tide and then a big climb out over the other side, which is somewhat physically demanding but has views to die for across the bay to Moulin Huet and the surrounding area.

I eventually reached the end of the peninsula and turned in towards Jerbourg Point and the coastal path that takes you all the way into St Peter Port. The car park at Jerbourg is a popular place for locals and visitors alike and there were plenty of people and cars when I arrived there.

I went on down the long stretch of steps to the area near the St Martin’s Point Lighthouse where I turned to make my way through the Pine Forest, Marble Bay and then onto one of my favourite stopping places, the seat above Fermain Bay, which has a superb view of the surrounding area, and on a day like today is stunning.

It was great to see the first day of the season at the Fermain Bay kiosk and a goodly number of people taking advantage of the facility. Equally impressive is the view from the other side of Fermain Bay, which on a day like today was just as impressive. The path from Fermain Bay towards the steps at the top of the Aquarium steps was rather muddy in many places and you really need to have suitable footwear to wade your way through certain areas. Apart from this seasonal problem you can’t fail to be impressed with the views across to the other islands which are possible at numerous vantage points.

My final destination was at the bottom of the Aquarium steps, although I still needed to walk somewhat further to the bus terminus in St Peter Port. It was a great feeling to finish this particular leg of my walking programme and in such good walking conditions.

I thoroughly enjoyed the walk, the views and the people I met this morning.

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

Week 8

Posted on March 1, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 25th February, 2015 8/52 – Pembroke Bay to St. Peter Port.

It was not the best of starts to this walk as reaching the proposed Pembroke Bay starting point from St Martin’s was something of a nightmare on the CT Plus buses. No fault of theirs I must add: it is just a nightmare at key times due to the one way system of traffic that is with us for some 6 weeks due to roadworks along St. Peter Port seafront! We eventually arrived at Pembroke just before the 10am start. Anne S joined me again today, but, due to a meeting later, she was only going to walk to Bordeaux. Clive S, who unfortunately had thought we had started the walk, eventually saw us and came back to the starting point.

Grey skies were the order of the day, which unfortunately somewhat dulled that beautiful blue colour we so much love to see when looking out at the sea. Plenty of dog walkers were out despite the weather – the dogs were certainly keen to be out and about around the Fort Le Marchant area. Walking conditions were fine as we wound our way around to Fontenelle Bay and on to Fort Doyle, before turning due south and heading to Beaucette Marina. I think the actual location of the Marina is somewhat remote and that it is not a place many islanders regularly visit, unless of course they have a boat there or frequent the Yacht Club or the Marina Restaurant. It is nice to see the boats that are anchored up there and there are always people in and around the area for whatever reason. Because of the entrance to the harbour you have to come inland at this point and wind your way through many of the country lanes, before you eventually arrive near to La Rochelle Road, where Anne left us in order to catch a bus back into town for her meeting.

Clive and I carried on through the lanes until we were able to rejoin the coastal path around by the fish farm, which eventually takes you around to Hommet and then on to Bordeaux Harbour. I just love the fabulous view you are able to get from here of the other islands, Herm, Jethou and Sark, although today was just not the best of days for seeing that outstanding view at its best. We stopped for a watering/toilet break at the kiosk and then continued on along the coastal path that curves around the Vale Castle and eventually brings you to the heart of Guernsey’s more industrial area in and around St Sampsons.

I quite enjoy the gentle walk through Northside and then Southside as you see so many different settings yet you are also able to constantly see the sea.

The horseshoe walk from Richmond Corner back into St Peter Port always has a lot to offer whether you are walking, running or driving around that coastal area, and it was made even more pleasant by the fact that the air temperature had improved greatly from the colder conditions that had prevailed earlier in the day.

Our arrival in town fitted nicely with the bus timetable and we were able to get back home on time, a stark comparison with the chaos that ensued in the morning gridlock of traffic!

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

Week 7

Posted on February 19, 2015 by angebg

Wednesday 18th February, 2015 7/52 – Pleinmont to Pembroke.

What a wonderful February morning it was to do this leg from Pleinmont Point to Pembroke Bay. As it was half term I had two school children with their mum as well as Anne S from Les Bons Amis to accompany me on the long journey. Portelt and the Headland

In view of the very low tide, combined with the sunny weather, we decided to walk on the beaches wherever possible, as opposed to taking the road or pavement as I would normally do. This added to the overall time of the leg but as no one was in a rush it was well worth the extra effort. All along the route the sandy beaches and glistening granite rocks looked magnificent, and this was reflected in the number of people and children who were out and about either walking, running or playing: just lovely to see at this time of the year.

Richmond Corner was our first stop for a watering break then we headed on to the Vazon Road and that beautiful sweep of Vazon Bay which is so popular with both locals and tourists as they pursue their own interests.

The weather was still bright and sunny as we approached Cobo Bay, the glorious sand looking pristine in the winter sunshine. Walking on the beach at Cobo always makes me think of fish and chips and sitting by the sea wall eating them! Saline Bay was our next stop for a drink and some refreshments – just wonderful seating on the rocks and watching the world go by – and Anne P decided to leave us at this point.

An additional technical help was an Iphone app that one of the youngsters had, which was able to give us an accurate reading of the number of miles we were actually doing on our walk today.

As we headed towards Port Soif and Portinfer it was great to walk on the established coastal path, which is well used by walkers and cyclists alike. Although heading north the conditions were still very good and we were able to make good progress as we headed towards the Rousse Headland and round to the delightful Grand Havre Bay. Interestingly you can see the Millenium Stone from quite some distance, but this is misleading – the reality is somewhat different, as it took some time to eventually reach the play area at the Amarreurs!

On this occasion we chose to finish our walk by taking the road around to Pembroke Bay via Mont Cuet, eventually finishing some 4 hours 20 minutes after starting from Pleinmont and having completed 12.5 miles.

We were very grateful for the ideal weather conditions, which helped to make this a really enjoyable walk, and it was great to have the company of two other adults and a 12 and 14 year old with me as well.

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

Week 6 – Back in the groove…

Posted on February 13, 2015 by angebg

11th February 2015 6/52 – Icart to Pleinmont

Great to be back again on the cliff paths after having been on the mainland for nearly two weeks and subsequently having to postpone my 4/52 and 5/52 walks. Both of these walks will be re-scheduled into my 2015 walking programme which in turn will mean I will have to do two walks in a week at some point!

The weather was kind to me for my start at Icart with very little wind and somewhat milder temperatures. I could see the sun was shining brightly over Jersey but here in Guernsey it was rather more dull. There were no takers for my offer to join me today, so I set off on my own for this stamina-sapping leg, which I knew would drain me physically after my postponements of the last two legs of my challenge meant that I had not done any cliff-walking for 3 weeks.

Arriving at Petit Bot I was pleased to see the road had re-opened after extensive work by the States Water Board, but by the time I had climbed back out of the bay I could feel my body screaming for some respite from the steep climb. The still conditions were ideal for listening to the birds and watching the coastline with its clear blue water.

On the way to Le Gouffre I met a couple from Chandlers Ford who were here on a break and were taking the opportunity to walk some of the cliff path, which they were very much enjoying.

Having climbed out of Le Gouffre I stopped at the viewing bench for a drink and took off a layer of clothes due to the mild conditions. I always find it somewhat confusing from this point on as, if you do not know the track, you appear to be heading inland, but then have to turn sharply to the left to get back on the cliff path heading towards La Corbiere. Having arrived there I knew the path was going to get more physically demanding from now on, and sure enough I was feeling very stretched by the time I arrived at La Prevote Watch House.

Fortunately there were no changes in weather conditions, but I really had to prepare myself physically/mentally to complete that stretch from Le Prevote to Les Tielles, which is unquestionably the most physically demanding stretch of coastal pathway anywhere around the island. Arriving at Les Tielles was like heaven as I knew the rest of the walk, although still a challenge, was well within my range.

Invariably there was some wind on the Pleinmont Headland but this was nowhere near as strong as the wind I had encountered on my previous leg in January. I very much enjoy walking around the Headland: there is just so much to see before you eventually see the Fairy Ring and then the homeward view of Portelet Bay and Fort Grey.

I really did feel physically shattered by the end of the 3 hours 25 minutes it took me for the leg to be completed and I was never so pleased to see a CT Plus bus to take me back to my St Martins home!

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

Postponed again 5/52

Posted on February 3, 2015 by angebg

Sorry, the Autism 365 challenge walk will not take place again tomorrow as we will not be back from the mainland following a family bereavement.

Posted in Guernsey, Walking | Tagged Autism365 | Leave a comment