General
The Tour
A guided walk around this beautiful and historic area.
Grande Havre and its surrounding area has many layers of recorded history.
From pre-historic times up until the 21st century – take a stroll through time and space with Guernsey Walking Tours.
During the tour I shall be able to give a detailed explanation of this locality, its history and why it is so special.
Points of Interest:
L’Ancresse Bay:
A lingering tale, with little providence, is that Duke Robert, father of William the Conqueror is said to have sailed to England in 1031 in order to to assist his cousins, Alfred and Edward against King Canute.
It is said that Duke Robert sailed into heavy weather and was forced to put into Guernsey. His fleet is said to have anchored in “a northern bay” which was then known as L’ancresse; a possible corruption of l’ancrage.
It is also passed into legend that Duke Robert was received by the monks of St Michael du Valle. If this is true then these monks would have been the predecessors of the monks who had left Mont St Michel in around 960.
The monks had founded a priory on the western shore of the then tidal island of the Clos du Valle on Guernsey’s north-east shore.
The priory precedes the Vale church – see below.
Les Moulins:
The fictitious location of Guernsey’s own Ebenezer Le Page an area vividly evoked by the music of local musician and composer David Le Page.
Try wandering the area listening to David’s wonderful album The Book of Ebenezer Le Page
To find out more about David Le Page go to http://www.orchestraoftheswan.org
Image used with permission
Chouet Bay:
Grand Havre is one of the great bays of the wonderful west coast. It is sheltered from the incoming Atlantic gales by two “horns” that curve inward.
The horn to the south is known as Rousse and the horn to the north is known as Chouet.
Both horns have loop towers that remain in good order to this day; Tower 10 situated at Chouet and Tower 11 situated at Rousse.
Loop Tower 10 – Chouet Photo Anthony Rothwell
Napoleonic and pre-Napoleonic eras:
In addition to the pre – Napoleonic loop towers, there are other interesting relics form those far off days remaining in situ.
North-west facing gun platform situated at Chouet Photo Anthony Rothwell
German Fortifications in the area:
Chouet was a Strong Point position during the German Occupation – Stutzpunkt Krahennest – It was a significant position with a contingent of 1 officer, 6 NCOs and over 40 troops.
The military objective was to prevent enemy landings in the bay area either from the air or by sea.
Jager 10.5cm K331(f) Casement – Stutzpunkt Krahennest – Photo Anthony Rothwell
Ladies Bay:
Ladies bay as we know it but also known as Baie des Greves.
Les Amarreurs:
Amarreurs translates from Guernsey patois to English as “moorings” and we shall see the small pier that still exists and forms part of the small harbour there.
Pier head at Les Amerreurs Photo Anthony Rothwell
La Garenne (The Warren):
It is here at this location that the Siegneur of Anneville had rabbits raised…it was permissible to eat rabbit meat during Lent…
La Garenne from the bay Photo Anthony Rothwell
Vale Church:
There has been a religious building or building on or around this area from around 962 AD. Benedictine priests from Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy formed the first regular settlement in Guernsey began construction of a Priory.
In 1032, Robert, Duke of Normandy (Robert was the father of William the Conqueror) granted the lands of the Clos du Valle to the priests.
A Church was built next to the Priory and was dedicated in 1117. Work on the present Church commenced in 1140 and various stages of improvement and enlargement were completed throughout Medieval times.
Vale Church Image Anthony Rothwell
Braye du Valle / Vale Pond:
Since the early part of the 19th century, Guernsey was essentially two islands. Mainland Guernsey and the tidal island of the Clos du Valle. A narrow channel ran from St Sampson’s harbour to very near to the Vale church – we shall discuss why the two islands were united.
Green Lanes – Vert Rue:
The tour continues through lesser frequented and possibly lesser known green lanes (vert rue) where we can appreciate the more rural side of the Clos du Valle.
A green lane with a duit alongside Photo Anthony Rothwell
There are many more green lanes than people may think in this area of the island…quiet oasis’ in the assumed “industrial north”
Another wonder green vista Photo Anthony Rothwell
Tour ends
During the walking tour I shall be able to give detailed explanations of the locality, its history and [more information about topics covered]. The tour is structured so as to be able to be away from traffic and be able to discuss items of interest easily with the walkers.
Tour Information
When: This tour will run on Sundays: March 16th, July 13th, August 24th, October 19th.
Additional tours: Daytime tours also available upon request.
Booking: Booking essential: Email keith@guernseywalkingtours.com for details.
Price: £10.00 per person but discount may be available for group tours.
Meeting Point: Chouet Bay car park.
End Location: We return to Chouet Bay car park.
Start Time: 14.00 – Prompt.
End Time: 16.00 – Approx.
Duration: 2 hours – Approx.
Comfort Stop: Facilities available at near to meeting point and on return at end of tour.
Graded: Medium.
Terrain: Some gentle inclines with a few uneven and wet surfaces.
Additional Information:
We would walk in most weather and would expect to dress according to conditions on the day.
Stout and water footwear is a must.
A walking pole is always a good idea. Also, perhaps a bottle of water or a hot flask.