Guernsey dairy products are known for their exceptional quality and freshness. Famous among locals, the Guernsey Dairy Ice Cream is a must-try for anyone visiting.
Made from a delicate blend of Guernsey cream and full cream milk, this delicacy can be found at various kiosks, stores and eateries across our Islands.
Guernsey Dairy has recently put together some exciting walking routes that allow you to explore landmarks, cliffs and beaches and visit kiosks serving Guernsey Ice Cream along the way.
The route is split into 7 walks for you to enjoy:
Forts of the North
This route explores Guernsey's intriguing military past, starting at Vale Castle and finishing at the beautiful L'Ancresse and Pembroke Bays, with multiple opportunities for refreshments (including Guernsey Dairy ice cream) along the way.
Vale Castle was originally built in 1370 during the English Civil War and was used for military intent until World War II.
Shortly after the castle, you can enjoy refreshments at Woodies, before reaching the traditional fishing harbour of Bordeaux.
Continuing Northwest along the coast will take you past the Beaucette Marina which was once a quarry in the 19th century.
Further along, you can find two quaint beach kiosks nestled in L'Ancresse and Pembroke Bays. L'Ancresse Kiosk will be your first opportunity to try some delicious Guernsey Dairy ice cream. In the middle of the bays, you can find The Beach House, which also serves Guernsey Dairy products.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 6.2 km - approximately 71.4 metres elevation gain. Roughly 2hrs.
- Starting Point: Vale Castle
- Key Points of Interest: Woodies, L'Ancresse Kiosk, Pembroke Kiosk
Dolmens, Monks and Martello Towers
This route takes you from the soft white sand of adjoining bays Chouet and Ladies Bay to Grande Havre, with opportunities for refreshments along the way.
Great for families, this walk starts near another excellent Woodies beach kiosk. Heading Southwest will take you past the crystal-clear water, rock climbing, and rock pooling of Chouet and Ladies Bay towards Vale Church.
Behind the bay is the L'Ancresse Common where you can discover La Varde Dolman - one of the most impressive megalithic structures on Guernsey. Other relics of Guernsey's past can be found dotted around the common, including World War II fortifications and Martello Towers. See how many you can find on route!
Continuing along the coast will get you to Grande Havre and Vale Pond, the last persisting evidence that Guernsey was once two islands divided by a saltwater channel.
Opposite the Vale Pond is the L'Islet Kiosk: a local family-run cafe, selling lots of hot and cold food, excellent barista-style coffees and Guernsey Dairy ice cream.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1.4 km - approximately 15.8 metres elevation gain. Roughly 1hr.
- Starting Point: Woodies, Chouet & Ladies Bay
- Key Points of Interest: Woodies, L'Islet Kiosk
From Pier Jumping to White Sandy Beaches to Surf Breaking
This route will take you around the pink granite coastline of Port Grat and Port Soif down to the sun-kissed white sand of Grandes Rocques.
Your walk begins with the impressive loophole tower at Rousse Headland. This tower was originally constructed to defend the island against the threat of a French invasion but is now a great place for kids to play.
Near the beginning of the route, you can find the Rousse Kiosk - a family-run favourite serving cakes, hot food and drinks with a friendly smile. This kiosk overlooks the Rousse Pier, where, when the tide rises, you can jump right into the water of the bay.
Continue southwest until you reach the surfers' paradise Portinfer where you'll uncover the Surfside Kiosk at Port Soif. This is a beautiful beach kiosk and tea garden where you can enjoy coffee and some freshly made scones with authentic Guernsey cream.
Continuing around the coastline will bring you to the sun-kissed white sands of Grandes Rocques and its friendly beach kiosk. Here, there are outdoor benches where you can enjoy your food and drink, or you can opt to sit on the sandy beach just metres away.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4.4 km - approximately 35.9 metres elevation gain. Roughly 1.5hrs.
- Starting Point: Rousse Headland
- Key Points of Interest: Rousse Kiosk, Surfside Kiosk at Port Soif, Grandes Rocques Kiosk
Beach Lover's Paradise and Pine Forests
This route will take you through Cobo Bay, Le Guet Pine Forest and Vazon Bay, finishing towards Richmond, with multiple local Kiosks along the way.
Enjoy the soft white sand and clear blue waters of Cobo Bay - one of Guernsey's livelier beaches - before grabbing a bite to eat and drink at Mim's Kiosk. This kiosk goes out of its way to use local suppliers for its delicious hot food and artisan pop-up pizza parlour.
Shortly after Mim's, you'll stumble across Le Guet Pine Forest where you can enjoy scenic views surrounded by century-old Monterey pine trees.
Continuing along the coastal path to Vazon, you will find the Fort Hommet Gun Casemate Bunker, resting atop the headland. It consists of a restored gun constructed by the occupying German forces between 1940 and 1945, and is one of 21 'Fortress' bunkers built in Guernsey as part of the Atlantic Wall.
Heading down from the fort, you'll be presented with the paradise of Vazon Bay where you can find a surf school and Vistas Beach Cafe.
Fully refreshed, you can continue on to Richmond Kiosk, a popular stop for locals selling hot and cold food overlooking the beach.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 3.2 km - approximately 31.6 metres elevation gain. Roughly 1hr.
- Starting Point: Mim's Kiosk, Cobo Bay
- Key Points of Interest: Mim's Kiosk, Vistas Beach Cafe, Richmond Kiosk
Shipwrecks and Fairies
This route will take you from Fort Grey (which houses an impressive shipwreck museum) south towards the tranquil Portelet Bay and Pleinmont Point where you can find the enchanting Fairy Ring at the headland.
Your journey begins at Fort Grey, known locally as the Cup and Saucer. This Martello Tower was built to defend Rocquaine Bay but now houses the Shipwreck Museum and offers fantastic views of the Hanois Lighthouse.
Near Fort Grey, you can find the Guernsey Pearl which offers a selection of delicious food and drink - including, of course, Guernsey Dairy ice cream.
Heading south will take you through Portelet Bay towards Pleinmont Point, where you can discover the Fairy Ring. In local folklore, the site is associated with fairies, witches and elves.
You can either continue to the top of Pleinmont and come back down the road or simply retrace your steps for a well-earned ice cream at Portelet Kiosk.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4.4 km - approximately 137.4 metres elevation gain. Roughly 1.5hrs.
- Starting Point: Fort Grey, Rocquaine Bay
- Key Points of Interest: Guernsey Pearl, Portelet Kiosk
Cliff Paths, Hidden Coves and Stunning Bays
For those adventurous types, this route follows the south coast cliff path from Petit Bot to Town and is truly breathtaking.
Begin your walk at the sheltered cove of Petit Bot. After taking in the cliffs and exploring the numerous rock pools unveiled at low tide, head up the bay to the Petit Bot Tea Room where you can treat yourself to drinks, snacks and - of course - ice cream!
Just around the corner, take a moment to enjoy the views across to Moulin Huet and Jerbourg from Icart Point.
A little further along, you'll come across Saints Bay and the taverner style Saints Bay Kiosk which has a liquor license and serves excellent home-cooked food.
Moulin Huet Bay will be your next stop, nestled at the foot of the stunning south coast cliffs in St Martins. This secluded cove acted as inspiration for the Renaissance painter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who fell in love with the bay during a visit in 1883. Just a stone's throw away, you can find the Renoir Tea Garden where he painted the Pea Stacks. Why not recharge in the beautiful tea room gardens before exploring the nearby Renoir Walk and peering through the multiple picture frames along the route?
Further along the south coast hides the idyllic Petit Port Bay which is only accessible by land via over 270 steep steps. Those who choose to take on this challenge will be rewarded with a peaceful bay and breathtaking scenery.
Back on the cliffs, you can head towards the most southeast part of the island, Jerbourg Bay. Here, you can enjoy delicious Guernsey ice cream and a full range of milkshakes from the Jerbourg Kiosk.
Continuing even further along the cliff path, you will come across the beautiful tucked-away Fermain Bay and the nearby Fermain Beach Cafe which is an excellent place to sit and relax whilst enjoying some well-earned refreshments.
Heading from Fermain north towards St Peter Port, you will eventually finish your walk at the La Vallette Bathing Pools. Since 1865, these pools have been a safe, contained area for salt-water swimming. The pools have recently been rejuvenated and have in the past been visited by people of great significance such as 'Les Miserables' writer Victor Hugo. Why not also take a moment to sit and relax in the indoor café which boasts beautiful views across Castle Cornet and Guernsey’s neighbouring islands Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou and Sark.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Length: 12.8 km - approximately 696.6 metres elevation gain. Roughly 2.5hrs+.
- Starting Point: Petit Bot
- Key Points of Interest: Petit Bot Tea Room, Saints Bay Kiosk, Renoir Tea Room, Jerbourg Kiosk, Fermain Beach Cafe, La Vallette Bathing Pools
Guernsey's Historical and Maritime Treasure Trove
This route will take you through arguably one of the prettiest harbours in Europe, from town down to Castle Cornet.
Beginning from the easily accessible bus terminus, walk past our fishing quay towards Castle Cornet.
Along the way, you can stop off at the Fishy Tales kiosk - a favourite with our harbour community. The owner named this conveniently placed kiosk in the 70s when it was brimming with fishermen telling tales, smoking and drinking hot cups of tea. The kiosk also serves buttered Guernsey Gâche, scones and Guernsey Dairy ice cream.
Beyond Fishy Tales, you will reach Castle Cornet, which has guarded St Peter Port Harbour for 800 years. It houses four museums, the Noonday Gun, swathes of historical battlements to explore, and a fantastic cafe with views of our sister islands Herm and Sark.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1 km - approximately 10.4 metres elevation gain. Roughly 1hr.
- Starting Point: St Peter Port Bus Terminus
- Key Points of Interest: Fishy Tales, Castle Cornet
Explore even more routes, history and swim spot recommendations on the VisitGuernsey App.
For the latest bus routes visit buses.gg
For more info on Guernsey Dairy ice cream, visit www.guernseydairy.com
