One of the biggest Channel Islands, Jersey is an ideal destination for cyclists looking for beautiful natural scenery and eco-friendly transport alternatives. One of Jersey’s distinctive highlights is its plethora of “Green Lanes,” designated for walkers, cyclists, and horses. They’re marked by special signs and are away from the main roads, usually following scenic beaches and peaceful countryside roads.
Condor Ferry
St. Brelade’s Bay
It’s a green way to travel that helps me reduce my carbon footprint while minimizing the amount of noise pollution. Also, I choose to make my journey to the island green and take the train from Poole and then the swift Condor Ferry to St. Helier. While the island is just five miles in length and nine miles across it’s not flat, and biking can be difficult. Therefore, the best answer is an electric bike that is perfectly capable of tackling the hills that are steep.
Route 1, Circular Island Tour
The most straightforward way to discover this island is to travel along the coast through the entire island. Route 1 is well-marked and is a beautiful coastal landscape charming villages, as well as lush roads. I started my journey at St. Helier, in the direction of anti-clockwise, and cycle west on the cycle path that follows the bay. At first, it’s flat. However, in St Aubin, I climb uphill, and take an abandoned railway track until The Corbiere Lighthouse.
St. Ouens Bay
Channel Islands Military Museum
Corbiere Lighthouse
This is where I turn the corner and continue north on the smooth expanse that is St. Ouen’s Bay. I make a stop at the Channel Islands Military Museum, located in an old WW2 bunker, then cut into the inland area at L’Etacq. It’s a long climb that is steep north-east, before falling down to the beach in Greve de Lecq. It is striking to see the contrast of flat long sandy beaches to the west and south, and the deep, wooded coves of the north are stunning.
Rozel
Mont Orgueil Castle
From here, the path turns in the direction of the interior, yet it follows the coast, passing the towns in Sorel, St John and Trinity before heading back down to the sea in the charming fishing village of Rozel. This is where I eat lunch before continuing on an exhilarating climb that takes me back to the ocean in Fliquet along with St Catherine’s Breakwater. In the distance, I be able to see the distinctive design that is Mont Orgueil Castle, overlooking the port of Gorey It’s well worth stopping here for a quick visit.
I’m home now and am turning west, going by the small village of Grouville before returning to St. Helier. It’s taken me the majority of the day to cycle 50 miles without the added benefit of a e-bike, it would be a struggle. At the point of completion it looks like the battery is going to fail but I’m about to return.
Routes 4 and 3, Jersey Zoo and Elizabeth Castle
Flamingos
Lemur
Gorilla
I’m looking forward to visiting Jersey Zoo so I take Route 4 North from St Aubin’s Bay into the middle of Jersey Island. Then I cross Route 3, the central island route. I then connect with its feeder Route 3a, to the Zoo located at Les Augres Manor, near the village of Trinity. The park covers 32 acres of parkland that is landscaped and water-gardens, and is dedicated to the conservation of animals.
It is home to over 1,400 mammals including birds, reptiles, amphibians, as well as more than 130 threatened species. Sumatran orang-utans Andean bears, and Montserrat orioles, which were rescued from the smoldering volcano, reside in lush, open environments that closely mimic their natural habitats. Madagascar lemurs as well as tiny lion and tamarinds from Brazil are free to roam in the woods jumping between the branches. Other exhibits include a stroll through an aviary, and the cloud forest, which houses otters coatis, howler monkeys, and.
Elizabeth Castle
Elizabeth Castle Causeway
This all aligns with my goal of sustainable travel. And, when I return I take a westerly route following Route 3 to reach the coast at St. Ouen’s Bay and continue on my coast route from yesterday’s journey in the opposite direction. In St. Helier, there’s plenty of time to take the amphibious trip up to Elizabeth Castle in the bay. It was constructed in the 16th century, and was constructed to improve the defenses of Mont Orgueil and named after Elizabeth 1. The tide is out following my visit, so I return on the causeway back towards St Helier.
Jersey is a serious environmentalist. They are constantly trying for ways to be sustainable and harmonious with their environment. They’re working towards to become a carbon-neutral island in 2030. They urge you to remove the trash and plastics off the beaches. You can exchange a bucket full to get a free hot beverage.
St. Brelade’s Bay
For me I’ll take my time by returning home by taking Condor Ferries back to the UK mainland, before taking the train back. It’s a little longer than flying, but it’s an easier option to travel. I’m feeling somewhat smug, believing that I’m doing my part to help save the earth.
Factfile
Go: Condor Ferries operates Condor Liberation, a trimaran that is just four hours from and to Poole. They also offer a range of packages of holidays that include condor break packages.
Lakeys Bike Hire Jersey located in St Helier offers a range of bikes, including e-bikes that are state-of-the-art.
