Channel Island Walks by Paddy Dillon
Small and often very busy, but also beautiful and abounding in interest, the Channel Islands are an intriguing walking destination. Jersey and Guernsey seem outwardly British, but are in fact an ancient remnant of the Duchy of Normandy, with Norman-French place names very much in evidence. For British visitors, it's like being at home and abroad at the same time. French visitors, however, find it a quintessentially British experience! Walkers will find magnificent cliff and coastal paths, wooded valleys and quiet country. Flowers will be noticed everywhere and there is a rich bird life. There are castles, churches, ancient monuments and fortifications to visit, as well as a host of other attractions. There are efficient and frequent bus services around Jersey and Guernsey with easy onward access to the small islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm. This guidebook describes 47 short one-day walking routes on the islands and explains how to complete coastal walks around all of them. The walks are a mixed bunch, short and straightforward, chosen to reflect the diversity of the landscapes and seascapes of the islands. The routes are structured to take account of scenic merit, food, drink and other facilities, as well as embracing the history, heritage and wildlife of each location. Where walks are close together the routes could be combined to create longer tours.