A walk along Jersey's north coast: Rozel to Devil's Hole,
October 20th, 2001
It's Saturday morning, the weather forecast is good, so it's on with the walking boots, and down to the bus station to catch the 10.20 am No.3 bus to Rozel Bay.
Off the bus and into the pub? The Rozel Bay Hotel does great lunches and have my favourite pints -Directors and 6X - on draught. Other temptations are close by …
The Hungry Man café is on the left of the pier. Very good bacon sandwiches. But it's too late for breakfast and too early for lunch. It's time to do some walking.
There is a good path along the north coast with plenty of seats for the weary traveller. That's Bouley Bay down there, and another half an hour brings fresh temptations …
The Black Dog pub is open, even though the Water's Edge Hotel is closed until April next year. Standing thirstily outside, I listen to the clink of glasses but don't go in, honest. Around the corner is the beach cafe
All day breakfast costs just £4.25. English breakfast, tea, toast and marmalade. And what pleasant surroundings in which to eat it.
This is Giffard Bay, one of the best stretches of the north coast between Bouley Bay and Bonnuit. It takes me nearly two hours, including a nap just here, so I arrive in Bonnuit just in time for
English cream tea (tea, scone, jam, and lashings of whipped cream) at Bonnuit Beach café costs just £2.25.
The heather is still in flower here and there, though it's best in August. The yellow gorse is in bloom all year round. I saw lots of butterflies and the occasional rabbit.
The coast path joins the road for the last few miles. The big quarry viewed from Sorel point is not a thing of beauty. In the future it might be possible to create a deep water harbour here.
My journey's end, Devil's Hole. The No.7 bus stop is conveniently situated outside the Priory Inn, St Mary. Having arrived half an hour before the last bus back to St Helier (6.23 pm, not on Sundays)
I rest my weary legs in the friendliest of Island pubs. The beer is good, too. This is the first pint of “The Reverend James”, or is it the second?
