The Channel Islands are conveniently situated in the English Channel between France and the south coast of England. This group of unique islands include Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm and provide superb holiday destinations for those wishing to relax and escape the hectic pace of life on the mainland.
Travel To The Channel Islands
While the smaller islands of Herm and Sark are only accessible by a short boat trip from Guernsey, the larger islands of Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney each has its own airport. Ferry links connect the larger islands to St. Malo and Dilette, France as well as the UK ports of Poole, Portsmouth ad Weymouth.
Alderney, Jersey and Guernsey are easily reached from Southampton airport while the latter two also have multiple links with European destinations and many UK airports such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Exeter and Edinburgh. Ferry links are provided by Condor Ferries and Manches Iles Express while the majority of local air links are operated by Blue Islands, Aurigny and Flybe.
Cycling Around Jersey
Cycling is an ideal way of enjoying the island of Jersey's flora, fauna and stunning coastal and rural scenery. One may bring one's own bicycle over from either mainland France or the UK by ferry or hire a bike locally. Jersey bike hire centres include Funky Puffin Bike Hire and Zebra Hire in the main town of St. Helier and Jersey Cycle Tours which is located in St. Aubin.
Jersey offers a choice of 350 miles of roads, lanes and byways with five self-guided routes available to explore the island at leisure around the West, East, North Central areas and Trinity parish. Cycle In Jersey also provide regular guided cycle tours taking in various historical sites, coast lines and green lanes.
Cycling Around Guernsey
The island of Guernsey also offers many tourist cycle routes for both experienced cyclists and those wishing to travel at a more leisurely pace. These cycle routes are discreetly sign-posted to blend in with the scenery, often located on timber posts or walls. Cycle routes are designed to include stops for refreshments and visitor attractions along the way.
Bicycles may be hired from Millard's and The Guernsey Cycle Hire which are both conveniently located in the main town of St. Peter Port.
Cycling Around Sark
The tiny Isle of Sark, located just a forty minute ferry ride away from Guernsey is an ideal location for families with children to explore by bicycle as it is completely car-free. Bike hire is available from three locations on the island including Avenue Cycle Hire, Sark Cycles and A to B Cycles with prices starting from around £6 per day.
Sark is a beautiful, unspoilt island with spectacular scenery, stunning views towards the other isles and plenty of places to enjoy and explore.
For keen cyclists and complete amateurs, the Channel Islands of Guernsey, Jersey and Sark provide perfect locations for enjoying both leisurely cycle paths and more challenging routes. Cycle hire is inexpensive and available on each of the islands.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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