The South Coast Cliff Paths

The south coast of Guernsey is fringed by dramatic cliffs, and the network of well-kept paths that traces them offers some of the most beautiful coastal walking in the Channel Islands. Winding for miles from St Peter Port around the island's southern edge, the trails climb and dip past towering headlands, secret wooded valleys tumbling to the sea, and hidden coves with tiny sheltered beaches reached by steep steps. In spring and summer the cliff tops are ablaze with wildflowers and alive with seabirds, and sweeping views open across the water to the neighbouring islands and, on a clear day, to France. Green, wild and beautifully maintained, these cliff paths are a walker's delight.

The landscape

• The cliff-top paths - the winding trails above the sea.
• The hidden coves - the secret beaches in the cliffs.
• The wildflowers - the flower-clad headlands in spring.
• The sea views - the vistas to the neighbouring islands.

When to go

April to September brings the mildest, driest weather and long days for walking, with wildflowers and seabirds at their finest in late spring and early summer; the paths are lovely and quieter in early autumn too. Clear days offer the best views across to the other islands and France.

Practical notes

The cliff paths involve plenty of climbing steps and undulating trails, and the hidden coves are reached by steep descents, so reasonable fitness and good footwear help. As some of the most beautiful and dramatic coastal walking in the Channel Islands, past flower-clad headlands and hidden coves, though, Guernsey's south coast cliff paths are a genuine delight.

Nearby

The capital St Peter Port and the beaches of the coast lie along the trails.