Jersey, Channel Islands: A Green Holiday.
Travel sustainably by taking the train and swift ferry, then cycling across the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands.
Jersey, commonly known as the Bailiwick of Jersey,is a British island in the English Channel.it is a self-governing British Crown Dependency off the coast of northwestern France.It is the biggest of the Channel Islands, located 14 miles (23 km) from Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula.[18] The Bailiwick of Jersey includes the main island of Jersey as well as other uninhabited islets and rocks.
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is a sanctuary for bikers seeking natural beauty as well as sustainable travel alternatives. One of the island’s distinguishing characteristics is its network of “Green Lanes,” which are intended for bikers, pedestrians, and horseback riders. They are identified with specific signs and are located away from major highways, frequently following scenic coastline trails and quiet country lanes.
It’s a green travel experience, a method for me to reduce my carbon footprint and reduce noise pollution. Even better, I choose to get to the island in an ecologically responsible manner by taking the railway to Poole and then the quick Condor Ferry to St. Helier. Even though the island is just 5 miles long and 9 miles broad, it is not very level, making riding difficult. So the solution is an e-bike, which is fully capable of climbing difficult slopes.
Circular Island Tour, Route 1
The most straightforward approach to exploring the island is to follow the shoreline all the way around. Route 1 is well-marked and offers scenic seaside scenery, attractive towns, and lush alleys. I set off from St. Helier in an anti-clockwise orientation, pedaling west along the bay’s bike path. So far, the terrain has been flat, but around St Aubin, I begin to rise and follow an old railway route to the Corbiere Lighthouse.
I round the bend and continue north along the flat length of St. Ouen’s Bay. I visit the Channel Islands Military Museum, which is situated in a WW2 bunker, before heading inland to L’Etacq. This is a rather steep rise to the northeast, followed by a descent to the coast at Grève de Lecq. The contrast between the south and west’s vast flat sandy beaches and the north’s forested deep coves is stunning.
The route then heads inland while still following the coast, going through the communities of Sorel, St John, and Trinity before dropping to the sea at the charming coastal village of Rozel. I pause for lunch here before continuing on an amazing descent back down to the sea at Fliquet and St Catherine’s Breakwater. I can see the unique shape of Mont Orgueil Castle in the distance, overlooking the harbour of Gorey, and it’s worth a little halt here.
I’m currently heading home, going west and passing through Grouville before returning to St. Helier. It took me most of the day and 50 miles to complete, and it would have been difficult without the assistance of an e-bike. In fact, in the end, it appears like the battery is ready to fail, but I just about make it back.
Routes 4 and 3, as well as the Jersey Zoo and Elizabeth Castle
I want to go to Jersey Zoo, so I take Route 4 north from St Aubin’s Bay towards the island’s heart. I connect with Highway 3, the core island highway, and then take Route 3a to the Zoo at Les Augrès Manor, near Trinity. The park is dedicated to animal protection and is set on 32 acres of beautiful parks and water gardens.
It is home to around 1,400 animals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as more than 130 endangered species. Rescued Sumatran orangutans, Andean bears, and Montserrat orioles now live in lush, expansive settings that nearly resemble their original habitats. Lemurs from Madagascar and little lion tamarinds from Brazil walk free in the forest, jumping between the trees. Other attractive things include a tour and a cloud forest with otters, coatis, and howler monkeys.
It all fits with my goal of sustainable travel, and on the way back, I take path 3 west to St. Ouen’s Bay, then take my coastal path from yesterday in the other direction. There’s just enough time at St. Helier to take the amphibious excursion to Elizabeth Castle in the harbor. It was erected in the 16th century to replace the fortifications at Mont Orgueil and was named after Elizabeth I. After my visit, the tide has gone out, so I walk back down the causeway to St Helier.
Jersey is concerned about the environment. They claim to be continuously on the lookout for new methods to live responsibly and in tune with their island environment. They have a lofty goal of becoming a carbon-neutral island by 2030. They urge you to collect plastic and trash from the beaches, and a full bucket is worth a complimentary hot drink.
As for me, I’ll be doing my part by catching Condor Ferries back to the UK mainland and then the train home. It takes a little longer than flying, but it is unquestionably a more peaceful mode of transportation. And I may feel a little smug, knowing that I’m doing my part to help rescue the earth.
