Jersey is incredibly easy to explore on foot, with a wide range of diverse terrain within 45 square miles. The landscape varies from shaded woodland valleys, gorse-covered clifftop panoramas, quiet shrub-lined green lanes, twisting and turning reservoir ambles and long dramatic beach walks. If you pick the right walking route, you can experience most of these in just one day during your Jersey holiday. Whether you’re starting out in the north, south-east or west of the island, Jersey has everything a rambler could want!
Self-Guided Walks
Taking to the Island on your own to explore is so easy. Find any trail and use the green lanes to wander through every bit of scenery Jersey has to offer. You can explore the lanes surrounded by farmland and catch a glimpse of the beautiful Jersey cows, or perhaps the dramatic beaches of the north coast to explore some secret caves! It’s very hard to get lost in Jersey, so just keep walking until you find a public bus stop, of which there are many or most friendly locals who will be happy to point you in the right direction. If at any point you feel it’s time for a little rest, then the cosy atmosphere of our country pubs offers the perfect respite. A pint of local ale, some fresh seafood or just a quick sit by the fire and you can be on your way once more to explore the next section of our beautiful Island.
Guided Walking Tours in Jersey
Jersey’s skilled guides will take you on a thrilling journey through war, occupation, swaggering pirates, ghosts and exploration. A guided walk is available to suit all interests. They will lead you out at low tide to uncover the seabed and show you how to forage for wild food pulled from the land and sea around you. Be ready to hear our Island story shared and get a glimpse of what makes Jersey the place we love. Jersey’s guides will craft a unique walking experience just for you, custom-made for everyone from solo wanderers to large groups. If you really want to understand the Island more whilst getting first-hand experience, this should be top of your list.
Jersey’s Countryside Map
From Jersey’s distinct ecological and environmental sites of special interest to our web of green lanes, Jersey’s countryside map invites you to discover our various natural landscapes and walk them for yourself. This is a fantastic and handy way to learn about specific footpaths, cycle tracks and bridle paths and keep you informed about locations near you that are worth visiting.
The Jersey National Park
The Jersey National Park is an island treasure. With such a huge variety of scenery, flora, fauna, history and cultural heritage crammed into the Park, you are spoilt for choice. Discover our unique landscape past and present as you observe and absorb your surroundings through the seasons. Between October and March each year, hundreds of wading birds congregate along the shoreline with Brent geese being in particularly good numbers. Little egrets, normally from Africa and the Mediterranean, frequent much of the park’s rocky shoreline. For the keen birdwatcher, the National Trust Wetland Centre in the heart of St Ouen’s Bay is a ‘must visit’.
The North of the Island
The north of the Island always seems the wildest section of terrain. Miles of uninterrupted cliff paths, steep climbs and deep descents into perfect hidden bays. This is the part of the Island that you’ll find some of the finest walking. The huge scale of the cliffs and views seems to juxtapose the small size of the island and gives a true breath of fresh air as you experience this gorse-carpeted wonderland.
The East of the Island
The East of Jersey offers a mix of landscapes, from steep green fields that tumble down towards the coast paired with giant expanses of beach, where the enormous tidal movements of Jersey are most apparent. By the end of the day, your shoes can be covered in mud, gravel, sand and grass. This is a spectacularly diverse part of the island that is just waiting to be explored.
The South of the Island
The South submits some of the best seaside views the Island has to offer. With a dedicated pedestrianised walking path all along Jersey’s St. Aubin’s Bay and then on inland towards Corbière Lighthouse. This is an easy way to view the majesty of Jersey’s Elizabeth Castle and acts as a gentle connection between the West of the Island and Jersey’s central town of St. Helier.
The West of the Island
To feel a world away, the West coast of Jersey boasts the five-mile expanse of St. Ouen’s Bay. The walks here reward you with the most beautiful sunsets paired with a large expanse of sand dunes as well as the famous surfing beach. The Atlantic waves pull into Jersey’s western edge along with the Coastal National Park. This is a walker’s paradise, filled with wildlife, sweeping paths and striking views.
Find Out More
The Jersey Evening Post with the support of The Insurance Emporium has compiled a list of 24 scenic Island walking routes, covering all 12 parishes, for you to enjoy.