10 Great Winter Walks in Jersey National Park You Need to Try
When it comes to Jersey tourism, there is no doubt that summer is the most popular time of year. With the island renowned for its picture-perfect scenery and mild climate that welcomes hot summer days, Jersey is an extremely popular summertime holiday destination, particularly for families. However, Jersey has so much to offer year-round, and the winter months can be some of the most breathtaking. A popular spot for walking holidays, the winter months are a great time to discover Jersey on foot. More comfortable temperatures for exploration without the same intense chill that the UK experiences, the island offers some incredible winter walks, especially through Jersey National Park.
Where is Jersey National Park?
Covering 30 miles of the Jersey coastline, the Jersey National Park is a collection of breathtaking areas, renowned for their natural beauty. The perfect combination of countryside trails and coastal tracks, Jersey National Park is a mixture of public and private land that boasts the untouched beauty of the island. It covers the vast majority of the north, east and west coasts, along with a small section of the island’s southern coastline in the parish of St Brelade too.
The History of Jersey National Park
It was 2009 when the National Trust for Jersey organised a peaceful protest attended by over 7000 Jersey locals. With the impending threat to Jersey’s natural countryside by proposed developments, a human chain was formed from Le Braye to L’Etacq, making a statement against unnecessary coastal developments. Officially endorsed by the States of Jersey two years later, the Jersey National Park was born, a beautiful area that is now regulated. A staggering 2145 hectares of countryside, Jersey National Park is home to some of the most exquisite walks on the island.
Best Winter Walks in Jersey National Park
Considered to be nature’s playground, Jersey National Park is a collection of stunning island hotspots where the countryside is truly magnificent. Offering some of the most scenic trails, a collection of historic hotspots and a habitat for local wildlife, the national park is where you will find some of Jersey’s greatest winter walks.
Val de la Mare Reservoir
One of the island’s most popular spots for wildlife and birdwatching, Val de la Mare Reservoir is a picturesque island spot that boasts a network of scenic trails and pathways. While the full circuit is 2.8 miles with gorgeous viewpoints, there are shorter routes that you can also enjoy. Wildlife can be viewed from multiple locations and regular visitors include herons, owls and other birdlife. Once you reach the dam, stop to admire the expansive view of St Ouen’s Bay before you with the reservoir as your backdrop.
Dunes at Les Mielles
Overlooking the majesty of St Ouen’s Bay, the sand dunes of Les Mielles are an island favourite. With wide open spaces and a peaceful atmosphere, the dunes are a place of solitude, especially during the winter months when they are quieter. Offering changing scenery as the seasons switch, there is always something new to see when exploring the dunes at Les Mielles, with the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic adding a sense of wildness to the area. Wintering birds can be observed during this time, with Les Mielles as an incredible spot for wildlife watching. With a mix of sandy trails, boardwalks and grassy pathways, the dunes are also suitable for walkers of all abilities.
St John Coastal Stroll
If you are looking for a family-friendly winter walk in Jersey, a coastal stroll in St John is perfect for little legs and beginners. A 4.5km circular route from Les Platons car park, the walk is moderate and safe for exploring with children. A cliff path route with the historic La Crete Fort along the way, this walk is the ideal blend of nature and history. Admire the beauty of the rugged north coast that captivates with an icy twinkle during the winter time.
Bouley Bay
The Bouley Bay circular walk is a great way to explore the coastline between Bouley Bay and the idyllic Bonne Nuit while also heading further inland to admire the beauty of Egypt Woods. A moderate walk starting from the bay, a crisp winter stroll just shy of 4 miles will introduce you to the beauty of Mother Nature here in Jersey. Arguably one of the most scenic and invigorating winter walks on the island, you will fully be immersed in all of Jersey’s facades from the crashing waves of the bay to the charming midway point of Bonne Nuit and its quaint fishing harbour. The magical Egypt Woods turn into an enchanted forest in wintertime with glistening bare branches, icy leaves and moss-covered trees that appear to have stepped from a storybook. After encountering red squirrels and woodland birds in the forest, heading back towards the coast and Bouley Bay is a great chance for birdwatching.
St Catherine’s Breakwater
Offering a refreshing and accessible winter walk within Jersey National Park, St Catherine’s Breakwater is a decent spot for walkers of all abilities. Also suitable for wheelchairs and prams, this easy route is fully accessible, allowing everyone to soak up the beauty of this section of Jersey coastline. Whether you are seeking a short, invigorating stroll or a longer coastal hike, this area provides a blend of natural beauty, serene landscapes and historical interest. Constructed in 1847 as part of a planned naval station, the breakwater stands as a testament to Jersey’s maritime history. Though the full harbour was never completed, the existing structure remains a prominent feature of the island’s extensive coastal defense system.The breakwater itself is an out and back trail of less than a mile or can be combined with longer coastal exploration. Views from here stretch to France on clear winter days while the winter light only enhances the dramatic seascape.
Gorey
Gorey is one of the island’s most idyllic locations, a quaint fishing harbour with a classic seaside vibe and overlooked by the imposing Mont Orgueil Castle. Nestled on Jersey’s east coast, a stroll around Gorey offers a captivating winter walk that boasts historical significance, coastal beauty and village charm. A popular spot during the summer months, the winter months are much more relaxed and peaceful, the perfect time to explore on foot. Pass by the colourful cottages and fishing boats in the harbour as you wander up to Gorey Pier and soak in the island’s maritime ambiance. You can enjoy a two mile circular route on pathways that feature moderate inclines and take in the best of Gorey. Alternatively, you can extend your explorations on a route north that hugs the coast the whole way, passing by Archirondel and Anne Port, eventually reaching St Catherine’s Breakwater.
Plemont Bay to Corbiere Lighthouse
The walk from Plemont Bay to Corbiere Lighthouse is one of Jersey National Park’s most rewarding winter routes. Offering a blend of dramatic scenery, rich wildlife and historical attraction, this stretch along the island’s rugged northwest coast is especially captivating in the off-season. During the winter months, the landscape feels wild, windswept and wonderfully quiet. A popular route during the peak tourism season, the winter months boast an air of tranquillity. Along the way, you will encounter Grosnez Castle, a 14th-century ruin perched on a cliff edge, and a collection of German fortifications from World War II. Also passing by the peaceful Petit Port and a number of quaint cafes, the walk ends at Corbiere Lighthouse where, if you time it right, you can catch one of the early winter sunsets that are arguably some of the best of the year.
La Corbiere to Portelet Bay
Spanning approximately 5.8 miles, this coastal trail offers dramatic landscapes, showcases rich biodiversity and has a sense of peaceful seclusion, the ideal route for a winter adventure on foot. Beginning at the iconic La Corbiere Lighthouse with crashing waves from the winter tides in the backdrop, the route navigates scenic and dramatic cliff paths that offer sweeping views to neighbouring Channel Islands and the coast of France on crisp, clear, winter days. Passing by St Brelade’s Bay, famous for its golden sands and turquoise waters, the route concludes at the charming Portelet Bay, a tranquil cove that can be accessed by staircase and is beautifully quiet during the winter months.
Le Braye Slipway to L’Etacq
An easy walk of 4 miles, this route is a great way to see the Les Mielles Nature Reserve in the Jersey National Park, including Rocco Tower. Heading inland, away from the coast, explore the flat landscape of La Rue de la Mare to soak up the countryside. This easy flat walk is a great option for the winter months when conditions can get a little slippery and icy. You can also finish with a walk along the sands of St Ouen’s Bay and enjoy the crisp sea breeze that this time of year offers.
Sorel Point to Devil’s Hole
The walk from Sorel Point to Devil’s Hole is a captivating winter route along Jersey’s dramatic landscapes on the rugged north coast. This is the walk that offers it all from picturesque sea views, country trails, rich wildlife and even a touch of local folklore. Join the cliff path heading west from Sorel Point to enjoy the winter scenery as you travel to the island’s hidden gem of Devil’s Hole. Managed by the National Trust for Jersey, Devil’s Hole is a natural crater that has been eroded into the island’s coastline. Passing a sinister statue, reach the eerie blowhole that is impressive to see with a viewing platform to look over the 100 ft wide and 200 ft drop, a geological marvel that is striking to see.
