Turn left at the next T-junction into La Rue des
Marais which becomes La Hougue Mauger, then right into La Rue de
la Hougue Mauger. A "Hougue" was a hill or mound built
over a stone-age dolmen of which several examples still remain.
The walk now passes La Mare Vineyards, (open to
the public - entry fee). Turn up La Rue du Champ Durell immediately
before and alongside the vineyards. Turn left at La Falaize Farm.
The Priory Inn is on the left, a welcome opportunity
for some refreshment. The St Mary Millennium Stone is located here,
excavated locally and erected in each parish in the year 2000. (A
visit to The Devil's Hole requires a detour down a very steep hill!)
Take the cliff path after the pub and follow this
to Sorel Point. The Islands of Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Jethou can
usually be seen, and even Alderney on a very clear day.
The path descends into Mourier Valley. Notice the
patchwork of small fields created when sheep were grazed here to
provide wool for the knitting industry. At one time everyone knitted.
In 1609 it was made illegal for women to knit during the harvest!
Turn right at Sorel Point, where motocross races
take place. The St John Millennium Stone is here - the quarries
are a short distance along the coast. Turn up the hill and fork
right along La Rue de Sorel, then first left into La Rue du Grand
Mourier, and left again at the T-junction after some distance.
The lane joins the coast road, built by local labour
during the war. Les Fontaines Tavern is on the left. A charming
country pub oozing character, this 16th century farmhouse inn offers
real ales and good food and a chance perhaps to hear Jersey French
being spoken. The doorways are very low - mind your head as you
enter!
Head back inland from the pub and fork first left
along La Rue des Landes. Turn right after some distance (T-junction),
and first left past the cemetery (Sir Billy Butlin is buried here).
Cross over the main road with care into La Rue de
la Gombrette, then first right into La Rue des Chasses. At the end
of this lane turn right (Le Neuf Chemin becomes La Rue de Bel Air).
'Mon Plaisir', the farm-house on the right, has two marriage stones
in the front wall and an apple crusher, palm trees and pig-sties
in the garden!
