People come to The Islands of Guernsey for many reasons, but there is no greater pleasure than exploring the Islands on foot, breathing in the fresh sea air and taking in the dramatic landscapes at your own pace. Walking has long been the ideal activity for both locals and visitors alike across all of the Islands of Guernsey. From small walks on peaceful country lanes to long and challenging rambles along striking cliff paths, you could spend hours walking and enjoying the views each island has to offer. There are many ways to enjoy a walk around The Islands during your Guernsey holiday.
Guided Tours
The Islands of Guernsey are filled with some incredibly informed guides that are ready to share their Island knowledge with you. Each guide has their own speciality, so you can pick which part of Guernsey you’d most like to learn about. They’ll share interesting facts about the Islands, stories of our history and go over the geographical stand-outs that can be found on foot. From April to September a rota of Guided Walks is offered on a daily basis by these Accredited Guides. Guides are also available throughout the year for a variety of walks, as well as tailor-made walks on an ‘on demand’ basis. Our guides can’t wait to show you all of their favourite places on The Islands of Guernsey.
Guernsey’s Walking Festivals
Each Spring and Autumn, The Islands of Guernsey host a walking festival to inspire both locals and visitors alike to go out, enjoy the great outdoors and uncover new and unexplored routes. The Autumn Walking Festival begins on Saturday 11th and runs through until Sunday 26th September 2021. Every kind of walk is covered, whether you want a serene stroll with the family or a more full-on long hike which allows for impressive sightseeing. All ages are catered for as well as all interests and abilities as part of the festival. There is also always the opportunity to leave the Island of Guernsey to explore her sister islands. Sark and Herm also offer walking experiences during the festival and shouldn’t be missed!
Self-Guided Walks
If you prefer to go it alone, Guernsey offers what they call ‘Tasty Walks’. These are a selection of 20 self-guided walks which really show off everything that Guernsey does best – it’s fabulous scenery and amazing food! Whether you’re exploring the striking south coast cliff paths, the breath-taking sweeping bays of the west coast or learning about the history of St. Peter Port, you’ll realise just how much Guernsey has to offer despite being on 25 square miles. You can look at a selection of guided walks on Visit Guernsey’s Walking Routes page, and pick your ideal length of walk, from approximately one hour to over 2.5 hours. There is also a guide of how easy, moderate and hard each walk is, which is the perfect way to make sure you get the exact route for you. Some of our favourite self-guided walks include ‘Witches, Castles & Famous French Writers’ & ‘Secret Coves, Winding Paths & Renoir’s Favourite Bay’.
Ruettes Tranquilles
Throughout Guernsey, there are designated quiet lanes with a recommended speed limit of only 15mph. Pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders maintain a right of way on these picturesque roads, which makes them a lovely way to explore the countryside of Guernsey. These are known as the ‘Ruettes Tranquilles’, roughly translating to ‘tranquil road’ and form a rural route across the Island. Each road is signposted and makes for a relaxing stroll especially during spring when flowers burst forth from hedgerows on either side or in autumn when crisp brightly coloured leaves carpet the road ahead.
Walking the other Islands
Once Guernsey itself has been fully explored, hop across to neighbouring Sark or Herm and continue the journey of discovery there. A coastal path loops right around Herm and can be completed in a leisurely 2-3 hours including regularly stops to gaze at the breath-taking view. Over on Sark there’s further to roam, but no visit would be complete without a vertiginous stroll across La Coupee, a narrow ridge towering 80 above the sea below and linking Little Sark and Great Sark together.
