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About Jersey
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| Walk 7 - Victorian Connections |
A delightful walk through some of the island's loveliest lanes. The trees often create archways, the result of centuries of 'branchage', the twice-yearly task of cutting back the roadsides and overhanging branches.
Attractions
St Peter and St Lawrence
Refreshment Stops
Pubs: The Vic in the Valley; The British Union (both Jersey Brewery)
Bus Routes
Bus No's 8 & 8a to St Peter's Valley, No 7 to St Lawrence Church
The Walk starts from the Victoria Hotel, in St Peter's Valley. The 'Vic in the Valley' was formerly a country hotel and inn, re-built in1978 and now has two large bars and a sun terrace. Excellent pub grub is available at lunchtime and in the evenings (except Sundays) and locally brewed beers are on tap.
Leave the valley up the German-built Route de L'Aleval, turning first left up Rue du Panigot, which becomes Rue du Coin Varin at Victoria Farm. The lane passes through chestnut tree woods filled with wild daffodils in spring. There is a honeycomb of WWII tunnels underneath, today housing an extensive mushroom farm.
As the hill flattens out there is a fine view back across the valley to Elizabeth Castle in the distance. Turn right at the T-junction by the 'Living Legend', a popular visitor attraction, and continue straight along La Rue du Petit Aleval, leading into Le Pissot.
At this point the walk moves out of St Peter into St Lawrence. Notice Stamford Cottage on the left with its 1757 date-stone above the door and apple crusher in the garden. Cider-making was a major Island industry until the middle of the 19th century. Turn right at the end of Le Pissot and first left into La Rue de la Fontaine St Martin.
Morel Farm is at the next junction, a Huegenot house from the late 16th century, now owned by the National Trust for Jersey. Persecuted in France, many Huegenots came to live in Jersey, bringing with them skills such as architecture, silver making and knitting, destined to make a 'Jersey' a household article!
Continue down the hill passing the 'abreuvoir' on the left and the 'Fontaine' itself on the right, opposite picturesque Le Rat cottage. The water from the well is reputed to have medicinal qualities, but is not recommended for drinking to day. Walk on into Le Mont Perrine with the beautiful valley and stream on the right - an idyllic setting!
Turn right at the crossroads at the top of the hill (La Route de L'Eglise) towards the centre of St Lawrence. The British Union Inn, one of Jersey's oldest country taverns is to be found opposite the parish hall ('Salle Paroissiale'), the school and the 1199 parish church. The pub serves locally brewed beers and generous breakfasts, lunches and suppers.
Now turn down the main road to the south, and take the next lane on the right (Les Petites Rues). Turn right after some distance down the hill (La Rue de la Ville Emphrie) to the junction with Les Charrieres Malorey and Le Mont du Rocher. A short detour here leads to the German Underground Hospital, one of the Occupation's major engineering projects (entry fee).
Take the sharp climb up Mont du Rocher, and turn left at the top into Les Gellettes. The end of the walk is at the bottom of this lane, just a few yards from the Victoria Hotel.
Glossary:
L'Aleval
Panigot
Coin Varin
Le Pissot
Ville Emphrie
Gellettes
PTGH wish to thank Jersey Tourism for their help in providing the above information. 22/11/05
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