Spring-Summer Pure Jersey Part 1 with adverts:jersey Cover AW

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Walking on the Moon Calamities are, thankfully, very rare due to plentiful warning notices and an immense local respect for this tidal phenomenon. That didn’t stop two ladies out horse riding in the bay who, despite years of local knowledge, were suddenly enveloped in sea fog as the tide turned and nightfall approached. Luckily, they came upon Seymour Tower and rode their panicstricken horses up the granite steps. All survived, but not without a complex rescue mission as the horses weren’t inclined to leave the tower at low tide. When we set off it soon became obvious that walking in a straight line to Seymour Tower is impossible. From the shoreline at La Roque picking out a route looked straightforward enough, but the reality was very different. Our guide took us on a winding route through gullies and pools, some still knee-deep in water, picking his way though a complex, confusing maze of rocks and reefs. Down here it was all too easy to see how you could be cut off by an advancing tide as it swiftly filled one gully after another. We walked across rocks still glistening wet and poked around in rock pools brightened by red granite, scallop shells and varieties of slippery seaweed. Derek stopped from time to time to explain everything from the mating habits of limpets to the history 16 pureJersey behind the occasional letter ‘P’ found on rocks (it denoted the ancient fishing and seaweed-collecting rights of the Payne family). When we reached the rescue beacon, 20ft above us there was seaweed snagged on its supporting cables, a stark reminder of the forces at work here every 12 hours. We were soon approaching Seymour Tower. Home sweet home for tonight at least. The tower, which sleeps 10, mightn’t boast all mod cons but it came with essential safety equipment including a radio transceiver, flares and lanterns, plus a range of basic amenities: a chemical toilet, gas cooker, crockery and cutlery, and lighting powered by two solar panels on the roof. Estate agents would describe the accommodation as having ‘rustic charm’ but it was a far cry from the comfort of the Samarès Coast Hotel and its attentive staff who were my hosts for the ‘mainland’ portion of my stay in Jersey. But the views were more dramatic, the company excellent and the food wholesome. All supplies must be taken with you along with a sleeping bag and toiletries. We managed splendidly, concocting a wonderful evening meal of stuffed red peppers with Derek’s home-grown Jersey Royal potatoes, followed by an assortment of cakes and biscuits plus a few bottles of beer. VIEW FROM SEYMOUR TOWER HOME COMFORTS AT SEYMOUR SEYMOUR TOWER And who needs a TV when the early evening’s entertainment was provided by the encroaching tide washing over our footprints until, at around 7pm, it reached almost to the top of the steps to the tower? As darkness fell it was time to retreat inside to enjoy the rich camaraderie that such experiences tend to foster. Upstairs were the bunk beds for when the evening’s tales of local history and childhood adventures finally dried up or eyelids got too heavy. But there was one last surprise. Thirty minutes before the witching hour Derek set off back towards the shore in the dark. His mission? To escort daughter Krista over to the tower during the night’s low tide, laden with bacon, eggs, mushrooms and fresh tomatoes for breakfast. When they appeared half an hour or so after midnight Derek called me down to the shingle bank below. Pitch black and my night vision being slow to attune, I couldn’t see a thing. Then, suddenly, I picked up a tiny phosphorescent glow, almost like a permanent soft blue spark. Then another, and another. Five minutes later, my eyes now adjusted to the dark, I could see that I was surrounded by the tiny flickering blue-white lights of bioluminescent plankton as if the wet shingle were lit up for Christmas. Jerseyfile: Walking Moonwalk from the Mainland Andy Stansfield went moonwalking to Seymour Tower with Jersey Walk Adventures. For the full programme of walks please see the website. Tel 01534 853138 or 07797 853033 www.jerseywalkadventures.co.uk Back on dry land he stayed at Samarès Coast Hotel, Coast Road, St Clement, Jersey JE2 6FF. It’s an attractive, airy hotel with two swimming pools, a spa pool and prize-winning gardens. Tel 01534 873006 www.morvanhotels.com Morvan Hotels Morvan Hotels is Jersey’s most diverse hotel group. Six quality hotels offer you a choice of indoor leisure facilities, superb award-winning gardens, seafront or town centre locations, Victorian town house, more contemporary or traditional Jersey granite architecture, hotels or self-catering apartments – the choice is truly yours. Locally owned and run by the Morvan family, long established hoteliers, whose hotels have a proven record for friendly professional hospitality and also hold an ‘Investor in People’ award. Real-time on-line booking available and special internet rates. Visit: www.morvanhotels.com Best Western Royal Hotel Monterey Hotel Samarès Coast Hotel and Apartments Fort d’Auvergne Hotel Uplands Hotel and Apartments Norfolk Lodge Hotel Rouge Bouillon House St Helier Jersey JE2 3ZB Tel 01534 873006 Fax 01534 768804 email: bookings@morvanhotels.com www.morvanhotels.com SEYMOUR TOWER UNDER MOONLIGHT
Jerseyfile: Walking St Peter’s Country Inn The Rozel Bar and Restaurant Old Smugglers’ Inn Trinity Arms Old Court House Inn Pub Walks In Jersey it’s easy to combine great walking with good food. A wealth of pubs, cafés and restaurants means that walkers can enjoy a pint and a tasty snack – or something more substantial – right across the island. Succulent seafood and home-grown vegetables are on menus everywhere. Here are a few tasty places to eat to tempt your appetite when out and about. For the full picture go to: www.jersey.com/food Old Court House Inn, St Aubin Serves a variety of dishes, with the emphasis on fresh fish and seafood. Outstanding harbourfront location. Tel 01534 746433 Old Smugglers’ Inn, Quaisne, St Brelade Converted fishermen’s cottages dating back to the 17th century. Popular local hostelry serving good pub food and fine ales. Tel 01534 741510 The Rozel Bar and Restaurant, St Martin Traditional family pub offering a warm welcome. Tasty menu with daily specials served in the bar or restaurant. In summer the alfresco terrace and beer garden come into their own. Tel 01534 863438 St Peter’s Country Inn, St Peter Traditional pub and restaurant serving home-made food. Good selection of drinks including real ales. Daily specials. Tel 01534 485319 Trinity Arms, Trinity Rural pub serving traditional pub food. Food served all year round on weekday evenings. All age groups welcome. Tel 01534 864691 18 pureJersey The Island on Foot Jersey was made for walkers – and it suits all kinds of walking, from a gentle stroll along the sands to the rugged challenge of breezy clifftops and rocky coves. For such a small island there’s astonishing variety – heath-covered cliffs with huge views across to the other Channel Islands, sloping sand bays, secluded harbours and that strange ‘moonscape’ of low-tide rocks and gullies. It’s easy to find your way around the island. There are beautiful footpaths all along the coast ideal for short walks, as well as an ‘Around Island’ walk of 48 miles. This usually takes two or three days and can be completed on a self-guided basis with the aid of the Ordnance Survey Walking Map for Jersey. Guides are also available. Inland Jersey also extends a big invitation to walkers. The island’s famous ‘Green LA CORBIÈRE HEADLAND ON THE SOUTH WEST COAST Lanes’, a 50-mile network of idyllic country roads, are specially designated to preserve their tranquil nature and have a speed limit of 15mph with priority given to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. You’ll find them in all but two of Jersey’s 12 parishes – they’re easy to identify on the map and by the distinctive ‘Green Lane’ road sign. Guided Walks for 2008 Jersey Tourism’s series of escorted walking tours take in some of the island’s unique history and heritage in the company of experienced Blue Badge guides. The Jersey ‘Flag Walk’ Inspired by the red diagonal cross on the Jersey flag, the ‘Flag Walk’ appeals to walkers of all ages and abilities. It’s a series of four one-day escorted walks diagonally across the island from corner to corner discovering some of Jersey’s best-kept secrets. Available May– September. Jersey Maritime Trail St Helier’s salty history is revealed on this trail through the capital’s working harbours, marinas, promenades and gardens. Free guide available from Jersey Tourism. After Dark… Ghost Walks Keep your wits about you during this spine-chilling evening looking into Jersey’s sinister past. Your Ghost Host tells many terrifying tales in his redoubtable repertoire. But whatever happens, don’t look behind you! Available May–December. Gentle Wanders ‘Gentle Wanders’ cater for walkers with pushchairs or wheelchair users. Sites around the island have been assessed on ease of access and 14 ‘Wanders’ have been created, including those at Rozel Woods in St Martin, Les Grands Vaux reservoir in St Saviour and Les Landes maritime heathland in St Ouen. The ‘Gentle Wanders’ guide is available from Jersey Tourism for a small donation to charity. Stepping Out with the National Trust for Jersey A year-long programme of free guided walks celebrates the island’s glorious coastline and rich natural history. Walks usually last around two hours. Please dress with an eye to the season and the weather. Sensible footwear essential, binoculars recommended! Everyone welcome. For more details: Tel 01534 483193 www.nationaltrustjersey.org.je Somerville Hotel Benefiting from a multi million pound investment, the sumptuous four star Somerville Hotel caters for those lucky enough to be in Jersey on business but also retains a welcoming country house atmosphere. Nestling on the hill above the picturesque St Aubin’s Village, the Somerville is popular with guests who appreciate its discreet location and emphasis on indulgence and style. All bedrooms and facilities are furnished to the highest standards and the well-reputed hotel enjoys an outdoor heated swimming pool in abundant gardens. The village below is host to a fabulous range of bistros and restaurants and the Somerville’s own restaurant, Tides, enjoys two AA rosettes. Where to Go for Walking Information For further details on all of the walks and special events listed on these pages please contact Jersey Tourism. Tel 01534 448877 email: info@jersey.com www.jersey.com/walking (website also contains detailed descriptions of other coastal and countryside walks) Somerville Hotel Mont du Boulevard St Aubin Jersey JE3 8AD Tel 01534 491980 Fax 01534 746621 email: somerville@dolanhotels.com www.somervillejersey.com
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Page 3 and 4: Island Snapshots Here’s an overvi
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Page 7 and 8: Jerseyfile: The Art of Life - Good
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Page 17 and 18: Festival Island 2008 Throughout the
Page 19 and 20: All at Sea WATCHING THE WILDLIFE LA
Page 21 and 22: Jerseyfile: Activity Island Surfing
Page 23 and 24: The Car-Free Challenge GRÈVE DE LE
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