Autumn spectacular on the island of Guernsey

Autumn spectacular on the island of Guernsey – From September 3 to 18, the Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival offers visitors a choice of over 50 morning, afternoon and evening guided walks to explore the islands and learn from local experts about their history and attractions.

Organised by Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides the walks range from rambles through the island’s interior scenic landscape to exploring the rugged coastal paths.

Prices start from £7 per person per walk and are led by Guernsey’s gold and silver accredited guides each extremely knowledgeable in the area and each with a different set of expertise. The walks vary in difficulty and length (ranging from one to six hours) and are suitable for all ages and abilities.

Take your pick from:

Coast to Coast – East to West, September 11  

The guide takes visitors across the length of the island from Jerbourg in the south-eastern tip to Lihou Island in the west, passing quiet green lanes and Ruettes Tranquilles – Guernsey’s famous network of rural roads. The walk is an all-day ramble exploring lesser known areas and discovering the rural side of Guernsey life.

Price: £15, Ability level: Ramble, Length: 11 miles, Guide: Carla Bauer

Ready or Not, September 6

This walk explores the island’s 18th and 20th century fortifications, traversing Houmet headland through the eyes of Captain Basset who was overseeing fortification of the headland at the end of the 18th Century under the threat of invasion from the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. The guide will also consider the occupation through the eyes of Paul Piniel, a conscripted soldier in the German Army during Guernsey’s occupation in WWII.

Price: £8, Ability level: Amble, Length: 1.5 miles, Guide: Eric Grimsley

Where the Sea No Longer Reaches, September 11

The guide invites visitors to uncover what Georgian troop movements, leprosy, burial chambers, German railway and labour camps, salt extraction, the Battle of Hastings, rabbits and carp have in common in a circular walk that traces the old western shoreline of the Braye du Valle before the two Islands of Guernsey were joined in 1805. The walk also includes the La Garenne d’Anneville nature reserve, complimentary refreshments, and the chance to try Gache Melee desert with Guernsey cream.

Price: £8, Ability level: Medium, Length: 4 miles, Guide: Malcom Cleal

St Saviour’s Ifs and Buttes, September 13

The guide will lead the group across the borders of the parishes of St Saviour and the Castel, encountering some stunning views along with an old archery ground, German defences from the island’s WWII occupation, a fief court seat, St Saviour`s Church and more. ‘Ifs & Buttes’ are Guernsey French for Yew trees and archery grounds.

Price: £8, Ability level: Able, Length: 3 ½ miles, Guide: Andy Walker

Herm Above & Beyond, September 5 and 10

Herm Island resident Lesley Bailey will lead a walk around the northern part of Herm, visiting areas not normally accessible to the public. The walk offers the chance to hear stories about life on Herm, past and present and enjoy the views looking back to Guernsey and out to sea.

Price: £8, Ability level: Ramble, Guide: Lesley Bailey

Pre-booking is advised to guarantee a place. For more information on accredited guides and individual walks please visit www.guernseyguidedtours.com. Guided tours are available all year around either scheduled or on request, see website and individual Guides’ profiles for further details.