From Village to Castle and back again
A Jersey Uncovered Tour
From an article written by Kary Day, and published in the Jersey Evening Post, May 2016.
This circular walk begins at Longbeach car park to take you on a time travelling adventure through Jersey History with spectacular views, especially on a clear day. The route does contain a flight of steep steps, but it is possible to bypass these, and head to the footpath behind the restaurant the “Crab Shack”.
Bus Route: No 1 and 1a
Time: 90 to 120 minutes
Distance Approximately 2 miles
Hills and Steps Yes
Refreshments and toilet facilities can be found at Gorey Harbour, and at Longbeach.
Head firstly to the top of the dune to find the Grouville Millenium stone and admire the view. Initiated by La Société Jersiaise the stones are a sort of modern megalithic network
The next stop is the historical blue house at the edge of the car park. The Pump House of the Jersey Eastern Railway, alongside the Station House, survive today as private residences.
Carefully cross the road, and stroll past part of Grouville Common into the village. The common once offered a base for militia exercises, horse racing and was a famous location for duels.
Bear right at the junction by CostCutter, wander through the historical village and turn left into Old Road to admire the neat rows of tiny fishermen’s cottages. Look out for the sandstone plaque dated 1823 talking of forgiveness and vengeance.
Take the cut through on the left into New Road and turn left again, stroll back to rejoin the main village road by the Old Bank House Hotel; a building with an interesting history.
Bear right past Gouray Cottage. Look out for the worn plaque of Caen stone depicting the arms of William III. A little further along is Gouray Lodge the former home of Sir Tomkyns Hilgrove Turner (Lieut-Gov from 1814 – 16), a man famous for delivering the Rosetta Stone from Egypt to the British Museum.
Passing the footpath leading to Gouray Church, follow the road up to join Gorey Hill. Carefully cross the road. Alongside the house named Bay View, climb the granite steps to the footpath high above the sloping Cotils.
At the top of Mont de la Guerande turn left and follow the signs to the Dolmen at Faldouet signposted “La Pouquelaye de Faldouet”. Take a moment to soak up the atmosphere and beauty of a 6000 year old Neolithic passage grave.
Returning back the way you came on the left you will see “Old Cadet House”, once a Royal Naval training school, the gates of which bear two marvellous canon sculptures.
This track past Old Cadet House takes you to the headland of Mont St Nicholas, and the Martello Tower. Built in 1837 Victoria Tower is the only tower in the Island to have a moat. Pause for a great photographic opportunity.
Retrace your steps, rejoin the green lane, turn left past the Pilot House to follow the footpath alongside the cotils heading down to the Castle. Then take the footpath to the harbour to soak up the atmosphere of an ancient port, once the home of several shipyards.
Head back to Longbeach car park along the wonderful promenade, the legacy of the old Jersey Eastern Railway, ran from 25th May 1891 to 21st June 1929. Look out for the memorial which resembles the keel of a ship, and includes the names of some of the larger vessels built in the Gorey shipyards between 1820 and 1885.