GUERNSEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2823, 22 April 1908, Page 13

GUERNSEY.

By Sahnia.

111. The beauty and glory of Guernsey consists m her bays. From the bathing places which I have already mentioned there is a very pretty zigzag path up to Fort George, whence the most extensive views are to be obtained. The vale castle is seen to its best from this point, and, if the weather is clear, Alderney can be seen ; while Sark, Herrn, and Yethou stand out m all their beauty. Round Fort George are the principal fortifications of the island, which is garrisoned by English troops. A little further to "the south, and crowning St. Martin's Point, is Doyle Monument, erected to the memory of_Sir John Doyle, a former Governor, whom "the residents have to thank for the beautiful roads which intersect the country m all directions. The first bay reached of any importance, is Fermain. It is approached by a very pretty winding lane, from what is commonly called, the " Pepper Box," which is a conspicuous landmark, and as on-e st-ands on t>hat height on a fine summer's evening one feels as if one must exclaim, "My God has made* them all." A way of descent is by a winding lane from St. Martin's road. The scenery is very lovely on the road down, and is rather of a pastoral character. The cliffs which guard the bay on each side are. swathed m verdure, and here and there a quaint cottage peeps through the trees. The entrance to the bay is guarded by a martello tower, which is now used as a picnic room. At the. foot of this tower flows a small stream, which" finally loses itself m the shingle of the beach. A very narrow and romantic path along the cliffs — m some parts much overgrown by brambles and m others rather dangerous on account of landslips — conducts the visitor to a fishermen's cave called Bee dv Ner. The trouble one takes m getting there is well repaid upon arrival, especially if one is fortunate enough to arrive just when the boats are coming m, as these make a very pretty sight, which has formed the subject for many a picture. From here an ascent by a very steep path leads to Doyle's Monument. Petit Port is quite a miniature bay, and as the path down to it is very difficult of negotiation, it is only frequented by those who go sand-eeling — a sport much enjoyed by young people on moonlight nights. From the cliffs at the top of this bay the scenery becomes grander and grander. Anyone with ordinary nerves can Walk along the top, and to the lover of Nature it is a rare treat, while it also offers a very favourite way of reaching Moulin Huet, which is regarded by many people as the most beautiful bay of all m the island. And certainly it is a charming spot, and the delight of all artists. Magnificence is given to it by the mighty rocks at the entrance and" by the high cliffs which enclose the bay. Another very pretty approach to this" bay is through a secluded lane, a sudden turn of which brings the bay m sight. Beloi*? lies the sea, of a deep blue, while m bright contrast the furze brake on the opposite hillside dazzles the eye m early spring and again m autumn with a blaze of gorgeous, orange-coloured bloom. The old water mill forms a picturesque subject for many a canvas, and it is seldom that the bay W. to be seen without an artist. The famous water lane leading from the Vallon has been the delight of post, painter, and botanist, and the water finally makes a pretty little waterfall, tumbling over the rocks on its way to the sea. After this comes Saints, which can be reached by the cliffs ; but this route is so dangerous to those who are not accustomed to cliff-climbing that it is better to go round by th© road and take a peep at Icart- Point— a very wild spot, and devoid of. all cultivation; but the visit is worth making by reason of the new and imposing view to be obtained of the southern cliffs of Guernsey; while its own crags and precipices are grand and beautiful. It is the most southerly point of the island. Saint's Bay, which lies at the foot of this point, is said to derive its name from the circumstance that an Archbishop of Rouen, uncle to William the Conqueror, took refuge hero when banished from his diocese. It is. a favourite bathing place on account of the sandy bottom of the bay, and is al?o a trysting place on moonlight nights of sand-eeling parties. It is also guarded by martello towers-, and further out m the bay is quite a little harbour for fishing boats. Petit Bot Bay, as its name implies, is the smallest of these interesting inlets, but the rocks, if anything, are grander: their sides are vertical and they plunge without a break into the transparent water beneath. The cliffs on either side are covered with bracken and heather, and form a gorgeous sight m the autumn. The martello tower and other relics that remain to show how the island was o-uarded are- still to be seen. There is a cave extending to a small depth m the rock, where ferns grow m great perfection. Next comes Le Gouffre, the grandest piece of rock scenery on the whole coast. The rugged and precipitous rocks and the awful roar of the waters dashing against them evoke a feeling of awe which even familiarity does not seem to remove. Not far frSm here is a very noted cave called the Creux Mahie. The descent, is not difficult, -but the entrance is small. The cavern is 200 ft long and from 40ft to 60ft high, and about 40ft broad. It is generally lighted up by burning furze, and presents a very strange spectacle. Pleinmont Point is next reached. Its highest point is 300 ft above the sea. Here is a lonely watchhouse known as the haunted house, which is dramatically introduced by Victor Hugo m his " Toilers of the Sea." It has lately been converted into a signalling station, and its whole aspect has been

altered. From this point, looking out to j sea, can be seen the tower of the Hanois Lighthouse, warning navigators against this formidable coast. This is also the homo of the seagulls, and many a little urchin risks his life to get the eggs. As for the air, it is impossible to describe it : one must take a walk over this heath to understand fully and appreciate it, and one returns to the hotel fully prepared to do justice to a good meal. j