Walk 5002 - printer friendly version

Le Grand Etacquerel to Devil's Hole Walk

Author - Jersey Tourism

Length - 6.5 miles / 10.6 km

Ascent - 0 feet / 0 metres

Grade - moderate

This heather-clad coastal route is one of the most exhilarating walks in the Island. Taking around four hours it involves some steep sections and some steps. Like many coastal footpaths the path has many ascents and descents.

Begin at Le Grand Etacquerel reached by using bus route 12a from St Helier. Follow the road Le Mont du Vallette around the headland. After a short distance there is a signpost on the left and the footpath ascends the cliff by some steps. Follow the cliff path using the waymarks as a guide. Along the way you will see several sites of interest, notably a historic settlement known as the Pinacle and the ruins of Grosnez Castle. The Pinacle rock is about 200 feet high and rises sheer from the sea. We know that from the Neolithic to the Iron Age four separate races chose this uninviting place as their home.

Although the name Grosnez may mean 'the big nose', it is more likely to be 'nes', old Norse for headland. This gaunt ruined castle is believed to have been built in the 14th Century and probably provided a refuge to which farmers hurried their wives and cattle whenever the church bells gave warning that the French had landed during the Hundred Years War. On a clear day you will see the other Channel Islands, including Alderney from this headland.

From Grosnez, follow the cliff path to Plèmont (Grève au Lanchon). It is worthwhile stopping at Plèmont beach with its red-gold sand and caves, but watch out for the many steps. Continue eastwards along the coastal path. There are more steps again but also plenty of places to take a break and perhaps stop for a picnic.

The footpath enters a lane at Bas du Lecq. At the T-junction turn left into La Rue du Moulin and proceed down La Charrière Huet to Grève de Lecq. If you wish you can return to St Helier from here using bus route 9.

If you decide to continue then follow the footpath signs up Le Chemin du Câtel towards Crabbè. Follow the cliff path, taking care when the red flag is flying, as this means shooting is taking place on the nearby rifle range. You will pass lle Agois, a small islet separated by a deep gorge. The remains of circular prehistoric huts are still visible on the top. Continue walking until you get to Devil's Hole, a spectacular blow hole well worth a visit. Bus route 7 takes you back to St Helier.

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