Jersey Moonwalks
Two Towers Moonwalk include Icho & Seymour Towers
www.seajersey.com/andrew@seajersey.comAbout
For centuries if not millennia, ‘naturalists’ have been enjoying the spectacular range of life found on Jersey’s shores. In Victorian times Havre des Pas was the site of one the finest aquaria in Europe, supported by a celebrated marine laboratory at the gateway to our priceless southeast coast intertidal wilderness. Andrew led his first beach walk not far from home at L’Etacq on the northwest coast in 1994. ‘Moonwalks’ take place on the opposite corner of ‘the Rock’, as Jersey is affectionately known, and are only possible by grace of the moon and sun’s gravitational influence on our ocean-covered planet.
‘Moonwalks’ came to life in 1996, as an exercise to educate the Island’s population in the ways of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, which the States of Jersey signed in 1976. ‘Moonwalks’ take place under the sun (usually) and explore a savage low tide seascape of gutters, reefs, tidal flats, lagoons, sandbanks and boulder fields - said to resemble the surface of Earth’s largest satellite. ‘Lunatic Nightwalks’ proceed gently under the light of a full moon, more often than not involve a little Calvados, and occur just once or twice each month.
Prime objectives when venturing out from dry land are historic Seymour and Icho Towers, standing sentinel against invaders on the perimeter of Le Banc Violet. On your way to and from these imposing stone relics of historic conflict with nearby France, a whole host of fascinating prompts both natural and man made, will give cause to pause, examine, discuss and wonder. When out on the Violet Bank proper, at night or on more adventurous walks, such is the unforgiving nature of the natural elements a mile or more offshore, groups will often enjoy the company of a second guide. Grouvillais sage and wildlife artist Nick Parlett frequently makes the trip and any number of other local characters have been known to turn up too.
Arguably the most exciting walk in the Channel Islands, the ‘Two Towers Moonwalk’ involves a seven mile plus seabed trek and takes in both towers on the same low tide. The first time Andrew offered this route to the public in 1997 on a ‘see who comes’ basis, more than 180 intrepid folks made the journey with him. Today walking parties are much smaller, usually a dozen, or fifteen maximum, though larger groups are possible by request. Only once before has a ‘Two Towers Lunatic Nightwalk’ traversed the Violet, a sortie no-one who waded through the small hours will ever forget. Repeat expeditions are planned.
Each ‘Moonwalk’ is an immersion, so do expect to get wet ~ occasionally from above, usually from below, often just a touch, sometimes so you laugh out loud. Advice will be provided on booking.
Much of what we do is on the seabed, so unless otherwise advised, be prepared to encounter some uneven terrain, no shortage of grit, and get at least a little wet. Children usually have a great time, but more demanding walks can become a bit of a drag – please ask for advice if you’d like to bring youngsters.
The exact point of departure for your walk will be confirmed on booking.
*** You must arrive BEFORE the walk starts as tide and time wait for no human! ***
Footwear – Wellingtons will often do in winter, but should be comfortable and overtopping can be a problem. If we’re on the beach proper, precious walking boots are best left at home or in your hotel room, but old ones serve well. Ankle support is good. Trainers or sandals are fine in summer, Crocs work OK. We leave barefoot to Robinson Crusoe. You’ll be warned if we’re going deep – occasionally wetsuits or chest-waders are the best attire. Damp environments can be slippery – just a reminder.
Otherwise, it’s mostly common sense – a suitable hat, water/windproof top and something warm enough underneath. Camera and binoculars highly recommended. Sunglasses. All of this can fit neatly in a small rucksack. Some folks find a walking stick helpful and do let us know if you have any special needs.
PLEASE BRING A TORCH AT NIGHTCategories: Activities, Walking.
