Look out for the medieval font set in the wall on
the right, recalling the 16th century Reformation when anything
pagan or linked to Catholicism was ejected from the churches and
thrown into the countryside.
Turn right along La Ruette de la Ville 脿
l'Eveque, then left at the T-junction and first right into La Rue
du Feuguerel. This is a long lane with some magnificent country
houses. Cross over the main road into La Rue des Peupliers - now
the parish of St John - then right again at the T-junction (Le Chemin
de Herupe). There is often a fine herd of Jersey cows to be seen
in the fields near here.
The next turning to take is La Rue du Pont, after
some distance. This pretty lane has some magnificent pine trees
and an old Jersey 'Cod House' (1753). These were country homes of
sea merchants who made their fortunes in cod fishing, smuggling
and privateering in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Cross into La Rue des Courts Champs, and turn right
at Les Issues, the house with the fine dressed granite fa莽ade,
then left into La Rue des Bois. Turn left at the end of this lane,
passing the Billy Butlin Memorial Hall, then next right (La Rue
des Clicquards).
At the crossroads is a cottage where cabbages are
grown for making into walking sticks! Turn left and follow the lane
to St John's Parish Church. Here there are shops, the Parish Hall
where the Conn茅table and the parish secretary are based,
the primary school and The St John, a lively pub with excellent
food and locally brewed beers - for the thirsty bell-ringers from
the church across the road (unlike most in the Island, St John's
parish church has a full set of bells).
2. From St John distance 3.5 miles
The route returns through the shops, and along the
same lane. Turn left after some distance, into La Rue de Blaize
and left again at the T-junction (La Rue de Fremont). Continue to
the coast (a wonderful view of Bonne Nuit Bay to the right) and
onto Fremont Point. Turn right along the cliff path. There are magnificent
views of the offshore reefs from here: the Paternosters to the west,
the Dirouilles and Ecrehous to the east. Descend the steep wooden
steps.
Turn left down to the bay. Bonne Nuit Bay is reputed
to have been a centre of smuggling activity in former times. The
name reflects the calmness of the water in the bay - the open sea
outside is known as 'malrepos' or 'bad rest'. There are refreshment
and toilet opportunities in the little harbour.
Walk now up the Les Nouvelles Charrieres, one of
the military roads put in by General Don, Governor during the Napoleonic
Wars. Take the cliff-path a little way up the hill, signed to Bouley
Bay. Keep to the upper path above the 19th century La Crete Fort,
the present Governor's weekend cottage. Turn right at the cross-path
to reach the car park on the cliff-top above Giffard Bay.
Back now in the parish of Trinity (note the Millennium
Stone in the car park), the walk continues towards the radar station
and radio masts, on the highest point in the island (113 metres).
Fork next right along La Rue de la Petite Lande,
then straight across into La Rue du Nord. This is a long lane. Notice
the 1769 marriage stone on the house called Les Ormes on the left
and the views to the sea to the right.
Turn right at the T-junction (La Rue de Cambrai),
then right again onto the main road and first left into La Rue de
la Bergerie. Fork right along La Rue des Fontaines, right again
at the T-junction and immediately left into La Rue du Presbytere.
Trinity Parish Church is on the right. Turn left at the AA box to
return to the Trinity Arms.
