With winter comes the chance to enjoy the crisp, fresh air, and Guernsey offers a variety of beautiful scenic routes that are perfect for family explorations. From gentle paths for toddlers to more adventurous trails, these walks highlight the beauty of the Bailiwick’s diverse landscape.
St Saviours Reservoir Millennium Walk
This is a popular destination and one of our favourite family-friendly destinations. It circles the reservoir, providing stunning water views while being an easy, relaxing walk for families with children of all ages. The well-maintained path is easily navigated by toddlers (though can be a little muddy when wet) but do watch out for tree roots as you go. The walk offers children a chance to learn about the island’s water system while spotting ducks and other birds near the water’s edge. When you’re done, why not head down to Vista’s at Vazon Bay for a hot drink and a stroll along the beach?
Not suitable for buggies but easily navigated with a baby carrier.
Distance: 1.7 mile round trip
Time: 45-60 mins
Silbe Nature Reserve
Another firm favourite in the IslandFamilies household is Silbe Nature Reserve. In contrast to the reservoir, it’s far less popular; a hidden gem of a walk where several footpaths run through the picturesque valley. Little ones can explore the diverse woodland and enjoy the stream running through the centre. We love this walk all year round but there’s something particularly fun when it’s a little damp and overgrown. As you leave, swing by nearby Guernsey Golden Goats and feed the nanny goats for £1 or purchase some of their tasty cheese.
Again, not suitable for buggies. We’ve done it with a baby carrier, just be mindful of some steep areas and uneven ground.
Distance: 1 mile loop
Time: 30-45 mins
Les Verdes Quarry Nature Walk
If your youngsters are enamoured with diggers, tractors or big machines in general, Les Vardes Quarry Nature Walk is the one for you. The trail circumnavigates the 200-year-old working quarry boasting incredible views of the work, a fascinating sight to behold. The paths are mostly flat with some rocky areas and gentle inclines so sturdy footwear is probably best. The walk’s punctuated by an Animal Adventure Trail of wooden sculptures depicting your favourite Wind in the Willows characters and a beautiful whispering bench, and finishes in a grassy patch with a picnic bench and amazing views across the north of the island. If you visit when the quarry is open, you might be lucky enough to catch the big blue tractors picking up their load.
Not pushchair friendly but we have done it with a baby carrier and a toddler on shoulders.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 45-60 minutes
Port Soif Nature Trail
If you’ve got little people who won’t/can’t walk too far or don’t fancy walking with a baby carrier, Port Soif Nature Trail is perfect. Designed with the needs of disabled people in mind, the trail is flat, gravelled, and well maintained. The trail winds around the football fields at La Mare, past a pond and small marshland – an important conservation area and fantastic starter walk for younger explorers. If you’re looking for something a little longer, wander the Portinfer Dunes Nature Reserve behind it – small people will love clambering on the pebble beach and climbing on the pier.
Buggy friendly.
Distance: 1.1 miles
Time: 45-60 minutes
Herm Island
Don’t forget that the boat service to Herm Island continues all year round, though less frequently and dependent on the weather in winter. If you head south and tackle the coastal cliff paths first, you’ll enjoy amazing vistas of the Bailiwick and France before passing Belvoir Bay and on to gorgeous shell beach. It can take a few hours to make your way around the whole island but once you wrap back towards the harbour you can stop at the Mermaid for a well-deserved pint and hot food.
This article was originally written for publication in issue 38 of Aurigny’s En Voyage magazine. You can view the full issue here.
All information in this article was correct at the time of print – Dec 2024