Guernsey, in the English Channel, sits 30 miles from the north coast of France and 70 miles from the south coast of England, self-governing but maintaining its loyalty to the British Crown.
After spending a few days there, I quickly found out that this was a remarkable hiking and walking destination. It had never appeared on my radar before but how, I do not know, as you can be there from London in 45 minutes. Yes, it is very calm and beautiful, has a warmer climate than the UK and once there you will see why many spend most of their time outdoors.
White sandy beaches and bays, turquoise sea. Clifftop walks and inland wanders. Forget the busy commercialism of many destinations, you can often find you have have a beach to yourself or walk the coast meeting only a handful of other people. One of the beauties of its island location.
Even in just one day I got to see the sunrise in the east, walk a few miles of coast and then sit to watch the sunset in Cobo Bay. Along the way seeing some things that seldom give appearance in such abundance. Flowers everywhere, swirling seas below the cliffs and beach upon quiet white sanded beach.
Within an hour you can even catch a ferry to the smaller islands of Herm or Sark. No cars there, just even more beautiful wildness, history to learn and miles to gain underfoot with joy. The coast is perfect for the adrenalin filled sport of coasteering with Outdoor Guernsey, something I took on and got to see the cliffs from a whole new perspective.
Accommodation on Guernsey can be found in all forms from luxury to guest house and camping. Just take a look here for a wide range of examples.
No matter how small you think these islands are I must admit even after 5 days I had not even scratched the surface in exploring and appreciating them. I look forward to my return.
For more of the wonderful sights that can be seen here please take a look at the photos below.
After spending a few days there, I quickly found out that this was a remarkable hiking and walking destination. It had never appeared on my radar before but how, I do not know, as you can be there from London in 45 minutes. Yes, it is very calm and beautiful, has a warmer climate than the UK and once there you will see why many spend most of their time outdoors.
Follow Paul Steele on Twitter: www.twitter.com/paul_steele
|
Post a Comment
-Susan Fogwell Huff Post Travel Blogger
I'm particularly captivated with the photo and caption that read: "The sunrise to the east. Due to the size of the island it is more than possible to see both sunrise and sunset in the same day and to walk between the two." That's fascinating, and something that would be a wonderful goal reached.
I love the paths, the flowers, the beach, the water...This provided a welcome break in my business day. Cheers! Kaarina
Thanks.