
Typical south coast of Guernsey coastline | John Millen
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The release of
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, the cinematic version of Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow's bestselling novel about life in Guernsey after the Second World War, has put Guernsey and the other Channel Islands on the map for a lot of keen travellers, walkers and cyclists. Nathalie dusted off her camera, put her walking boots on and travelled to the tiny British isle off the coast of France to see if it lived up to the hype. As her photos illustrate, it did.
St Peter Port harbour, the starting point of our walk to Petit Bot Bay
Blue Bell Wood with sunlight filtering through the trees
I’ve often heard about bluebell woods in the outskirts of London, for example, that people travel to at weekends…but part of me always wondered why. This was a magical wood and other than the odd dog walker and runner I had it more or less to myself. It’s a perfect place to seek shelter from the sun and listen to the birds or enjoy a picnic while you're walking in Guernsey.
Marble Bay - when you glimpse water like this for the first time on a hike, you know it's going to be special!
What I love about this walk is that around every corner there’s a different view
Exploring a German bunker on a self-guided walking tour of Guernsey
I got chills when I went inside this German bunker. Before visiting Guernsey I didn't know that the islands were occupied during World War II. The children being evacuated and coming back 5 years later is one of the main reasons there was a shift from French to English language on the island - when that generation eventually returned they had lost their French and picked up many English traits.
A loop hole tower and the stunning cliffs captured in the photo hour
Nathalie at the southeastern point of the island, in front of the iconic Pea Stacks
The Pea Stacks in Guernsey - when I asked a friend where she thought I was based on this photo she guessed NZ!
First glimpse of Fermain Bay through the trees
There are so many tempting green benches on this walk - it’s worth stopping to appreciate the views every now & then
The stunning island of Herm, only 25 minutes by ferry from the mainland
After the good workout my legs got on the mainland the day before, a relatively flat and short circular walk was just what the doctor ordered for today's edition of walking in Guernsey.
An old tomb from 10,000 years ago during the Mesolithic period on the island of Herm
One of the many beautiful beaches on the island of Herm
I was a little early in the season for beach weather in Herm but that didn’t take anything away from the beaches themselves. There are great sweeping bays and small coves to be spotted on this short circular walk of the island. If you are lucky there’s also the chance to see Puffins and seals. As the north part of the island is quite exposed, I would recommend tying back long hair for this day unless you're a fan of the windswept look.
Topping off a perfect day with a meal at an old fisherman's pub
I had time to fit in a pub lunch and try a local brew at the Mermaid Tavern, originally a fisherman’s pub. The weather had turned so we had a roaring fire but outside there is a massive beer garden for those sunny days. Real Ale and cider festivals are held twice a year in this quirky, friendly pub.
The ferry back to Herm... as you can see it’s quite choppy, but the captain made us feel safe the whole time
This tiny prison on the island of Sark is still in use
The little barrel-roofed two-celled prison on Sark must be one of the world’s smallest prisons still used today. The prison is still used to hold inebriated seasonal workers or, occasionally, to sober up merrymaking visitors.
The famous view of La Coupee, which separates Greater Sark from Little Sark
Longue point - my favourite spot on the island of Sark
Amazing vistas along the Sark coast line and out to Brecqhou Island, which is owned by the Barclay Brothers (owners of the UK's Telegraph Group). While it was quiet as the season was just getting underway, the locals and fellow travellers were all super friendly, so if you have a smile on your face you will be guaranteed to have lots of interesting chats.
Lone photogenic blue chair in a sheep field on the island of Sark - couldn't resist doubling back for a photo!
Fresh Pollock & chips and cider after a big day exploring Sark… I could have easily spent an extra night here
Experience the amazing islands of Guernsey for yourself on this self-guided walking tour..