 |
| A Jersey Round Tower. |
By Road
Should you decide to proceed to Seymour slip on the main
road, you will pass behind two of Jersey's 'Round' Towers. These towers
were part of a strategic defence programme to protect the island against
French attack in the late Eighteenth century. There are over 20 towers
of varying designs around the island's coast, although most are either
'Round towers or of the 'Martello' design.
 |
| La Rocque Methodist Church. |
You will also pass by La Rocque Methodist Church on this
route which stands at the junction with La Rue de la Sente Maillard, the
other end of which was passed earlier in the walk.
By Beach
Exploring the beach on the way to Seymour slip, you can take as much or
little time as you wish. It is very tempting to abandon walking in a straight
line and to investigate the rock pools and shoreline, particularly on
a sunny day.
 |
| Rockpools are fun! |
To the north you will have a clear view of Jersey's most
iconic structure: Mont Orgueil, or Gorey Castle as it is more commonly
known. The castle sits at the head of the Royal Bay of Grouville (The
'Royal' was added at the request of Queen Victoria following her visit
to the island in 1859), which stretches form Gorey to La Rocque in the
south.
 |
| A dead crab, washed up on the beach. |
If you venture a sufficient distance form the sea wall,
you should be able to see a line of Jersey Round Towers. The first of
these stands on the headland at La Rocque to the south, the second and
third are incorporated into houses, the fourth has a pale roof and is
to the north of Le Hurel where you joined the beach. Further up the coast
you may be able to discern Fort Henry and Fort William.
The Beach affords opportunities to explore rock pools,
examine seaweeds, worm casts, shells the washed-up shells of crustaceans
such as crabs and lobsters and to get just a little bit wet and sandy.
 |
| Would you believe it, surfing seagulls! |
It's unlikely that you'll venture out onto the beach
without encountering just one or two seagulls. You are most likely to
see Herring gulls which have a grey back and white head and chest plumage.
Some of these birds can be observed behaving more naturally than those
that plague more urban locations, as they can bee seen searching for food
amongst the seaweed and even 'surfing' on the tide!
 |
| Seymour Tower in the Sunshine. |
Perhaps most obvious on this stretch of the coast is
Seymour Tower, named after Sir Henry Seymour Conway, Governor of Jersey
from 1772 - 1785. The tower stands a mile off-shore and was the only square
coastal defence tower built, the Round and Martello towers being thought
to be stronger. It was built in 1782, a year after the Battle of Jersey
when invading French troops had landed on the islet on which it now stands.
Walking out to Seymour Tower is possible but needs to
be carefully co-ordinated with the tides. Organised walks are arranged
by Jersey Tourism in the company of a marine biologist who will help walkers
to really discover this diverse landscape.
 |
| Seymour Inn. |
After exploring the beach area, return to the road via
Seymour slip where you will see the Seymour Inn. On your way up the slip,
take a look at the sea-side of the car park which has a small area of
the dune-like habitat. Much of this part of the island would have looked
like this once. It is in these conditions the local green lizards can
be seen between the grasses, stones and succulents.
Should you now fancy stopping for a well-earned refreshment
the pub caters for familes, has a pleasant beer-garden and serveral large
bars inside.
|
PREVIOUS
