The Best Green Lane Walks in Jersey: Explore Quiet Trails and Coastal Beauty
For anyone visiting the beautiful Channel Island of Jersey, there is plenty to see and do, regardless of whether you are visiting for a brief weekend or a long stay. You will always be spoiled for choice when it comes to what to add into your Jersey itinerary and there is something to entertain, educate and satisfy every type of traveller. Whether you are a lover of the great outdoors, wanting to explore on foot, take in the scenery and visit the beaches, or you are a history buff who would thrive on discovering the island’s museums and historic sites, there is something to do in Jersey for you.
What are Jersey’s Green Lanes?
First introduced in St Peter in 1994, Jersey’s Green Lanes were designed to create safe country routes to explore. Vehicles are restricted to access only and a maximum speed limit of 15mph with priority given to pedestrians, cyclists and horses. They are some of the safest and most relaxing trails to explore, a major asset to the island, providing a vital part of Jersey’s walking and cycling infrastructure whilst also being an attraction to tourists. The island’s Green Lanes now cover ten of the twelve parishes and create a 48 mile network. Constantly growing, plans are in place to extend the network into the two remaining parishes.
1. St Martin’s Green Loop
A moderate route of almost three and a half miles that is suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs, St Martin’s Green Loop takes walkers through the north-east corner of the parish of St Martin. Also ideal for casual walkers and families, this route passes through the island’s traditional farmland and the open fields that showcase the rural character and background of the parish. A great route to take on year-round, it looks particularly breathtaking in the shoulder seasons when the wildflowers bloom in spring and the foliage takes on a new colour palette in the autumn. Due to its ease, it can be one of the more popular routes but you are guaranteed to enjoy a relaxing stroll regardless and the opportunity to soak up Jersey’s breathtaking countryside.
2. St Ouen Circular Route
Showcasing the rural heart of Jersey’s west coast parish, the St Ouen Circular Route is a delightful stroll covering over three miles. Winding through quiet country lanes and open farmland, this walk is a leafy contrast to the dramatic surf and sands that St Ouen is renowned for. During your exploration, you will catch glimpses of rural parish life as you wander past stone farmhouses and meet grazing Jersey cows, a testament to the agricultural heritage of the island.
The walk can be enjoyed in any season but the new flowers of spring and the colours of autumn are particularly breathtaking. It is also a route that is incredible to explore on a crisp, frosty day, however, it is important to tread carefully as certain sections of the route can be a little slippery on these colder days. This route features some gentle climbs creating a slightly more moderate route while still being beginner-friendly but there are also the occasional set of steps meaning that some of the route is not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
3. Portelet Walk
A rewarding circular route on Jersey’s southern coast, the Portelet Walk combines the island’s quiet country lanes with some dramatic coastal scenery. A moderately challenging walk of around 5km, this route features uneven paths, steps and some steeper sections that make it less suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and complete beginners but perfect for active walkers.
The route winds through Noirmont and Portelet Commons, both offering sweeping views of St Aubin’s Bay to the east and St Brelade’s Bay to the west as you stroll through paths of rich heather. However, the highlight is the descent to Portelet Bay with its glistening turquoise waters, golden sands and Portelet Tower that sits on a tidal islet just off the coast. From up on the commons, the sight of the Martello Tower surrounded by the English Channel is one of Jersey’s most iconic coastal scenes. A walk that truly showcases the best of Jersey including its beaches, countryside and history, the Portelet Walk is a Green Lane route that is a must when in Jersey.
4. Devil’s Hole to Bonne Nuit
From one of the island’s most dramatic and eerie spots to one of the most charming and tranquil locations, this route shows every facade of Jersey. Combining rugged clifftop views with quiet Green Lanes before a quiet harbour finish, a walk from Devil’s Hole to Bonne Nuit offers it all. The starting point of Devil’s Hole is one of the most fascinating spots to visit in Jersey. A natural cliffside crater and coastal attraction, Devil’s Hole is the result of a cave collapsing due to sea erosion and features a blowhole that crashes waves into the crater. A spectacular sight at high tide, the crater stretches 100 feet across and plunges 200 feet down.
After walking back past a sinister statue of the devil that is along the path to Devil’s Hole, the route then heads east towards Bonne Nuit. Weaving inland along the quiet Green Lanes, the trail also highlights rural Jersey, passing through open farmland, fields, hedgerows and farmhouses. The walk covers approximately 12 miles, making it a full day adventure suited to experienced walkers with the addition of varied terrain. After multiple miles of countryside, walkers then begin a descent into Bonne Nuit, named after the sleeping boats in the idyllic harbour. The coastal landscape here is nothing short of exquisite and with the bay sheltered by cliffs, it is a spot that is safe for a refreshing swim after a long walk.
An incredible long-distance walk on the island, the route can be explored at any time and offers exceptional scenery all year round but some sections can be muddy and slippery through the winter months.
5. St Brelade’s Countryside
The walk showcases a quieter side to one of the island’s busiest and most popular parishes. A route that is inland from the coast, you can expect to walk through peaceful lanes and wooded valleys as you explore St Brelade’s network of Green Lanes bordered by tall hedgerows. In the autumn months, these lanes are simply breathtaking as the hedgerows create a gold canopy surrounding the lanes. In addition to the old granite farmhouses that you can see scattered across the island, another example of Jersey’s rural and agricultural routes along this route are the fields planted with Jersey Royals. Many of the paths here are shaded, making them ideal to explore on a warm, sunny day. You can walk for miles on the Green Lanes in St Brelade’s countryside, hopping on and off the route at multiple points. The gentle inclines also make it accessible to most walkers.
6. Grouville to St Saviour
The Grouville to St Saviour route is a charming inland walk that connects two of Jersey’s most characterful parishes. Blending farmland, wooded valleys and historic landmarks with a good dose of coastal scenery in certain sections, a walk from parish to parish is an exceptional way to get to know Jersey’s great outdoors. You can start the walk at either end, depending which suits you better, and explore the peaceful Green Lanes bordered by high hedgerows and open potato fields. However, it is recommended to walk towards Grouville for occasional glimpses of the Royal Bay of Grouville as you get closer to the parish. Inland the landscape is more varied with gentle inclines through leafy corridors before opening onto stretches of rolling countryside. The route passes close to both parish commons and old granite farmhouses, giving a sense of Jersey’s deep agricultural roots. Small valleys along the route also reveal views across the island and towards the coast. Although there are multiple paths to take, they are all roughly 4 – 5 miles and can be completed in two to three hours at a leisurely pace. If you choose to walk towards Grouville, you can also enjoy an afternoon on the beach or a refreshing swim at Long Beach.
7. St Lawrence Green Lanes Route
A gentle countryside circuit that showcases the parish’s rural charm through a network of quiet lanes and leafy passages, the St Lawrence Green Lanes route is a great way to discover this lesser explored parish. At around 2.5 miles, it is one of the shorter Green Lane loops that the island has to offer, making it ideal for a short relaxed stroll, a family outing with little legs in tow or a cycle ride at an easy pace. With no steep climbs, it is accessible for most and a great introduction to one of Jersey’s most characterful parishes. The route weaves through classic Jersey farmland with fields of planted Jersey Royals and grazing cows. The scenery along the charming lanes is idyllic and in spring and summer, wildflowers spill over the verges and butterflies are really common here. In the autumn months the trees form a golden canopy overhead and crisp, warm leaves create the best scenery of the year.
With Jersey renowned for its coastal spots and St Lawrence a parish that is mostly inland, it is one that often gets overlooked and exploring the Green Lanes is a great way to discover this traditional Jersey parish.
8. Rozel Countryside
A tranquil circular route that takes in the quieter, rural side of Jersey’s north east coast, the Green Lanes of Rozel are a great way to explore coast and country. In either direction, the route starts at Rozel Bay itself, a charming harbour with colourful cottages and fishing boats bobbing on the water. After admiring the quaint beauty of this beautiful bay, the route then climbs inland onto the network of Green Lanes. These lanes go between open farmland and narrow tree-lined lanes that are alive with colour over the spring and summer months as vibrant wildflowers blossom. Occasional clearings provide glimpses back to the coast with stunning views of the glistening waters and views that stretch to France on a clear day.
The walk is moderate with a length of just 4 miles and gentle inclines that are not too demanding. It is a great route year round with plenty of shelter to escape the sun’s summer rays and winter’s cold winds. The blend of harbour charm and rural calm on this route makes this Rozel route one of Jersey’s most rewarding walking routes.
9. Jersey Coast Path
The island’s most spectacular long-distance walking route that circles the entire island’s coastline, the Jersey Coast Path offers some of the most varied and scenic walking on the Channel Islands. Totaling 48 miles, it can be taken on in sections or completed over a series of days as a walking challenge. The terrain and gradient of each section is completely different and while some sections are accessible or suitable for beginners, others should only be taken on by experienced walkers so it is important to check you embark on your walk.
Each stretch reveals a different character of Jersey’s landscape and exploring the full length of the Jersey Coast Path is a great way to get to know the true essence of the island. The north coast is rugged and dramatic with towering cliffs, hidden gems like Bouley Bay and Bonne Nuit and panoramic views across to France. The north coast is the most challenging section, a relatively untouched corner of Jersey with steep climbs and descents but also offers some of the most rewarding scenery. The east coast is a lot gentler with the coastline dotted with fishing harbours such as Rozel Bay and Gorey, plus there is plenty of history to discover such as the medieval fortress of Mont Orgueil Castle.
The south coast is arguably the most accessible section of the Jersey Coast Path with the path passing through bustling areas like St Helier’s waterfront that offer level access and flat terrain. However, you will also encounter the wide sandy beaches at St Aubin’s Bay and rugged clifftops once you are back on the Green Lanes. There are also many historic points along the south coast such as Elizabeth Castle, St Aubin’s Fort and the start of The Railway Path which is Jersey’s old railway line. The west coast is dominated by the vast sweep of St Ouen’s Bay, an open beach stretching for five miles that is famous for exceptional surfing and exquisite sunsets. The Green Lanes along the west coast are a haven for wildlife, particularly seabirds and there are also many heritage sites including bunkers and observation towers from the German Occupation.
The entire Jersey Coast Path is well-marked and easy to navigate, accessible in many places and with cafes, kiosks and pubs dotted along the route for rest stops. Some stretches, particularly on the cliffs or slightly inland, require sturdy footwear and a good level of fitness. Offering a unique perspective of the island with landscapes constantly changing with the tide, the weather and the light, the Jersey Coast Path is a must for walkers in search of both challenge and beauty in Jersey.
10. The Railway Walk
As one of the island’s most accessible and family-friendly trails, The Railway Walk is one of the most popular routes on the island. A 5km walk along Jersey’s old railway line, this route connects St Aubin to La Corbiere. The railway originally opened in the 19th century, running from St Helier to St Aubin before the line was later extended along this section from St Aubin to La Corbiere. While the railway line was extremely popular thanks to connecting seaside resorts, like many small island railways, Jersey’s railway line struggled financially. After much of the line was destroyed by German forces during the occupation in World War II, the railway line was finally closed. The railway route was later transformed into a level pathway, perfect for walking and cycling. Along the route, you will discover multiple remnants of the old railway including bridges and embankments. There are also several war remnants along the 5km path that highlight the significance of how World War II and the German Occupation impacted the island.
The end of the trail has a spectacular finale as the route opens out to phenomenal coastal views featuring La Corbiere Lighthouse, one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. If you arrive at low tide, there is then the option to continue the walk across the causeway to the tidal island that the lighthouse sits on. Alternatively, you can admire the scenic views from the headland.
Not only does the route offer natural beauty and historic fascination, but there are also playgrounds that are ideal if you are out on a family adventure. With one near the start in St Aubin and another further along the route, they are a great opportunity for children to burn some energy or take a break from walking. Cafes and kiosks also line the trail with plenty of options to grab a drink, a bite to eat or an ice cream to break the walk up.
The terrain and gentle gradient are ideal for wheelchairs and pushchairs, making it accessible to all, while cyclists also enjoy a smooth ride along The Railway Walk. It also makes it suitable for a family day out with young children in tow and perfect for those just wanting a casual, relaxing stroll.
The perfect route for crisp autumn walks, frosty winter strolls and vibrant spring explorations, The Railway Walk is one you can take on at any time of year with exceptional scenery to enjoy all year round. The best time to take on this route is definitely in the hours before sunset, when you can enjoy the countryside in golden hour and admire the phenomenal west coast sunset at La Corbiere.
