Cycling Guernsey - 2025

Cycling Apr 18, 2025

The goal for this trip was twofold: cycle around Guernsey and carve out time for a writing retreat. The cycling part was a clear success; the writing, however, didn’t go quite to plan. I probably set the bar a little too high. This trip forms part of my broader ambition to cycle all cyclable parts of the UK and the Channel Islands islands (simply anything I can cycle in a loop 20km or more, but as an island).

Travel to Guernsey

I arrived at Poole Harbour for a Condor Ferry, where the staff were incredibly friendly. The process was straightforward: check-in, police check, then queue for the ferry. Boarding the Condor Catamaran was quick and easy. I was impressed by the drive-on/drive-off loop system, a smart bit of design that keeps traffic flowing.

Being the smaller Catamaran service, only basic hot food (courtesy of a TurboChef oven) was available — not the full menu you get on the larger ferry. The crossing itself was quite choppy. I sat in the middle of the vessel and focused on work to fend off seasickness. Whether it worked or not is still up for debate. The staff were brilliant, particularly with younger passengers, offering advice and tips to ease any seasickness worries.

The Cycle

This was the big ride — 41.91km around the island. Despite the rain and some traffic, it was a manageable and enjoyable day out on the Brompton. I began at Le Pommier Hotel & Restaurant and cycled up to Cobo Bay, then followed a clockwise route around the island, sticking as closely to the coast as possible without venturing off-road. (note: Bromptons are not made for gravel adventures I have found out)

The ride was fairly straightforward until I hit the incline near Torteval — fine for a road bike, a bit tougher on a folding one. I’d originally planned to swing out to Jerbourg, but the heavy rain persuaded me to press on directly to St Peter Port. The descent into the town is sharp and requires firm braking; worth noting if you’re doing the same route.

I stopped at Coco for a well-earned coffee — a lovely spot, busy but welcoming to laptop users. From there, I continued to Mont Crevelt, Fort Doyle, Rousse Tower, and followed the coast back to the hotel.

This was one of the shortest island loops I’ve done, but it’s a great ride. Roads are tight and compact, yet very cycle-friendly. You can see my full Strava route here.

The Return

The ferry departure was moved an hour earlier due to “adverse” weather; always adds a touch of stress when plans shift suddenly. Thankfully, the crossing wasn’t too rough and the weather cleared as we went. Again, the Condor Ferries team were fantastic; cheerful, helpful, and clearly enjoying their work, which made the experience much better.

Tips

Island speed limits range from 15–35mph.
Fuel is more expensive than on the mainland — arrive with a full tank if driving, though you likely won’t use much during your stay.
You can comfortably see Guernsey in three days, but I spent five — partly to explore the World War Two sites and partly to relax and catch up on work.