7 Outdoor Activities to Try when you Visit Guernsey
With a wild landscape of rugged cliffs, woodland and verdant countryside, Guernsey is well suited to the outdoor lifestyle, with activities like hiking, cycling and kayaking offering a great way to get out and explore; kayak around the base of these dramatic cliffs, hike along the cliff-top trails and abseil down the island’s rock faces. Best of all, this can all be done while staying in the comfort of The Government House Hotel and The Duke of Richmond. Take a look at our favourite outdoor activities and experience the best of island life next time you visit Guernsey.
KAYAKING
While the sea views afforded by the island’s cliff-tops and bays are certainly spectacular, take the chance to paddle out a little to see it all from a different perspective. Set out in a kayak from various points along the south coast to see the coves and rocky outcrops in a way you’ve never seen them before. Joining Outdoor Guernsey on an excursion makes exploration easy with tours of the most scenic and historically important sites.
SCUBA DIVING
After getting to know the coastline on the water’s surface, go a step further by seeing what lies beneath. Due to Guernsey’s exceptionally clear waters and abundance of ship wrecks off the coast, diving has become popular here, with a number of diving schools set up on the island, including Island Divers Guernsey.
SURFING
Visitors to Guernsey are sometimes surprised by the surfing opportunities that the island offers. Guernsey Surf School is situated at Vazon Bay, one of Guernsey’s popular surf beaches and one that’s suitable for beginners. Here, instructors take classes out into the waves, either as a group or one-to-one. Experienced surfers find Portinfer and Perelle give them the challenge they’re looking for.
COASTEERING
As one of the most exhilarating activities on offer, coasteering encompasses traversing, scrambling, jumping and swimming, as participants make their way along the coast. With a wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid, as well as the assistance of a qualified instructor, those taking part have the chance to jump from the rocks and swim through the waves.
CLIMBING AND ABSEILING
Another activity for adventure seekers is rock climbing, which naturally comes hand-in-hand with abseiling. With its rugged coastline, Guernsey is the ideal setting for both sports, affording climbers unrivalled views out to sea. The Climbing & Abseiling Tours with Outdoor Guernsey enable visitors of all abilities to be a part of the action, with more difficult rock faces for experienced climbers.
HIKING
Over 28 miles of cliff-top trails mean visitors can easily make their way along the scenic coastline. And by setting out on a hike with the free Walking Map of Guernsey, they have access to as many as 16 trails. Visit Guernsey has also created a series of self-guided Tasty Walks, which focus on the food along each trail; audio guides with TV personality James Strawbridge can be downloaded from the Visit Guernsey site.
CYCLING
Guernsey is made for cycling; not only can people make their way along the island’s country lanes, they can also take on more challenging coastal tracks and seek out peaceful bridleways. Visitors can pick up a bike from Guernsey Cycle Hire, who also offer a guide to the island’s cycle routes, or they can join a tour with Outdoor Guernsey, taking in monuments, forts and bunkers along the way.
After tackling the waves, coastal paths and cliff-faces, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite, so what better way to unwind than by savouring the local cuisine and fine wine at The Government House Hotel, and The Duke of Richmond.