Running the length of Jersey's coastline, the 48-mile Jersey Tidal Trail winds through the island's most dramatic scenery.
Small enough to explore on foot, yet large enough to offer an inspiring mix of genteel beaches, medieval castles and offshore reefs, Jersey is primed for an active outdoor escape. Lying off the coast of northern France, it's also home to some of the world's biggest tides, with the island almost doubling in size once the water retreats. This means that hiking the 48-mile coastal path -- named the Jersey Tidal Trail -- is never the same twice. Heading clockwise from St. Helier, the route wraps around the entirety of Jersey's edges, lying largely within Jersey National Park. The full route takes just four days to complete, each stage with its own personality and secrets. Here's how to walk its course, one step at a time.
Starting from St. Helier, day one is a 12-mile Jersey pick-n-mix. First up, the sweeping curve of St. Aubin's Bay, where the 16th-century battlements of Elizabeth Castle loom offshore. Swinging round to St. Aubin's itself, the vibrant port town is full of good places to eat (the Muddy Duck's locally caught seafood is well worth stopping for). There's an unfurling of superb sands around the headland, from the broad, golden beach of St. Brelade's to the cliff-backed waters of Beauport Bay -- accessible only via steep steps. Upon reaching the island's southwest, keep an eye out for La Corbière Lighthouse, which is perched atop a tidal island out at sea. From here, grab a Jersey Dairy ice cream to power you to the finish line in La Pulente. Put your feet up with a stay at the swish Atlantic Hotel, or take a bus back to St. Brelade's, where the history-seeped St. Brelade's Bay Hotel is a comfortable choice.
Backed by rolling green fields, St. Ouen's Bay stretches almost the entire length of Jersey's west coast, making up the majority of this 11-mile stint. From La Pulente, walk along the sand (or pavement, depending on the tide) to the National Trust Wetland Centre, where you can scan for marsh harriers in St. Ouen's Pond. Fuel up at El Tico Beach Cantina before climbing to Plémont Point at the northern end of the bay, passing through the 14-century Grosnez Castle and remnants of German strongholds along the way. Below is Jersey's most spectacular beach, a hollow cove that only exists at low tide, hugged by rewilding heath. With views to Guernsey and Sark, descend the wooded slopes to Grève de Lecq, where Le Moulin de Lecq -- a former watermill -- serves delicious pub grub. Stay at The Prince of Wales Hotel or at the Greve de Lecq Barracks, a unique heritage stay suitably located for exploring the north coast.
This leg is Jersey at its wildest -- a 15-mile roller coaster of craggy cliffs, undeveloped inlets, bracken and gorse. From Grève de Lecq, the trail leads past the Île Agois sea stack (where evidence of an Iron Age settlement has been found) and Devil's Hole -- a 200ft deep, wave-crashed crater. From here, take a short detour inland to La Mare Wine Estate to try award-winning wines surrounded by ancient vines. However, following clifftop trails around Sorel Point, towering over the sheltered harbour of Bonne Nuit Bay, may prove more intoxicating than any wine. After snaking through the dense flora of Egypt Woods and emerging at the old smugglers' hangout of Bouley Bay, take the time to enjoy legendary crab sandwiches at Mad Mary's Beach Cafe. From there, it's just a few minutes down the road to Undercliff Guest House, offering stylish accommodation for the night.
Begin your final day in the fishing village of Rozel, grabbing a bacon bap from The Hungry Man before climbing into the woodland for the final 12-mile hike. Once you've crossed Fliquet Bay, passing the 5,000-year-old Le Couperon Domen along the way, head along St. Catherine's Breakwater. It may add a mile, but it offers excellent views of what lies ahead -- Mont Orgueil Castle. Built in the 13 century, the castle's striking facade looms over Gorey Harbour and its labyrinthine interior, waiting to be explored. Beyond, the trail traces Grouville Bay via a succession of 18th-century towers, rounding Jersey's southernmost point at La Rocque. Laden with oyster beds, it's here that the island's tidal range is at its most extreme, which dictates how much walking can now be done on sand. Once past the rockpools of Green Island Beach and the Havre des Pas Bathing Pool, St. Helier reappears. To celebrate, raise a toast in the traditional Lamplighter pub -- a magnificent micro-adventure complete.