Jersey Guided Walking with Sightseeing

You're welcome to check in at the Somerville Hotel from 3pm onwards. Your HF walking leader will be on hand from 6:30pm, when we’ll gather to give you a warm welcome and explain the plan of action before dinner.

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Descent: 265 feet (80m)

Above the stunning backdrop of St Ouen’s Bay sits Val de la Mare Arboretum. We’ll start our day by exploring this collection of rare and endangered tree species before heading through an area once known as the Forgotten Forest. We’ll continue our walk to the Jersey Wetlands Centre. Home to a diverse array of birdlife, this is an excellent place for spotting marsh harriers so be sure to bring your binoculars!

From the Wetlands Centre we continue along the coast to Jersey Pearl and the Channel Islands Military Museum. We’ve time here to visit one or both of the attractions. Jersey Pearl is free to visit, the military museum, should you wish to visit, is payable locally (approx. £8).

Distance: 3.5 miles (5km) 

Ascent: minimal

Optional: 4 miles (6km) walk to the hotel from Elizabeth Castle

One of the 10 oldest buildings in the world, the neolithic burial mound of La Hogue Bie (entrance included) is ours to explore this morning. La Hogue’s ancient chamber, once a sacred place for ceremonies, was built to align with the rising sun at the spring and summer equinox. There’s also a medieval chapel and a fabulous archaeology museum on site which is home to the world’s biggest coin hoard, found in a field on the island, in 2012.  

Today’s walk is through the parish of St Saviour, passing the Millenium Stone. The route will take us down into St Helier where, if the tide is out, we can walk the causeway (out and back is approx 1.5 miles) over to the island for a visit to Elizabeth Castle (entrance included). If the tide is in, we’ll catch the amphibious boat over to the island.

 We’ll learn about the castle’s links to Sir Walter Raleigh, King Charles II, and the Battle of Jersey, all whilst enjoying scenic views over the bay.

There’s the option to walk back to the hotel along the promenade, or to catch one of the many public transport options.

Relax and enjoy the pool at the Somerville, or head off and explore independently, the choice is yours.

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Ascent: 260 feet (80m)

Of all the must-see sights on the island, the Jersey War Tunnels & underground hospital are undoubtedly the most memorable. Learn about the German occupation of the island and the impact it had on the islanders through a collection of exhibits telling stories of the resistance and Jersey’s eventual liberation. Please note - the tunnels are cool, please pack a fleece or a jacket, whatever the weather outside. Entrance included.

This afternoon, we’ll explore one of Jersey’s most picturesque valleys, walking by the island's only surviving (working) watermill - Le Moulin de Quétivel. A beautiful setting surrounded by water meadows.

The final stop on our walk today is St Mathew’s Glass church to admire its dazzling collection of René Lalique glass.

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Ascent: 610 feet (190m)

 This morning, a winding path takes us down to Devil’s Hole, an impressive and strangely eerie blowhole that has been eroded into Jersey’s coastline over millennia. Our walk then takes us on to Sorel Point, passing secluded coves and jagged cliffs, before turning inland and taking us to La Mare Wine Estate. 

 We’ll enjoy a “Tour and Tasting Experience” (entrance included) and get to wander through the rose and herb gardens as well as the vineyards and apple orchards. The estate produces more than just wines, so even if you’re not a wine lover, there’s plenty there to learn and explore, in a beautiful setting.

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Ascent: 233 feet (70m)

The peaceful wooded paths of St Catherine’s lead us to the atmospheric site of Dolmen de Faldouët, one of the best-preserved passage tombs in the world. From there, we continue our walk to the pretty harbour of Gorey, where the striking medieval Mont Orgueil Castle (entrance included) towers above the harbour. There are steps up to the castle, but the climb is worth it – it offers some of the best views in Jersey and a fascinating history.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.