Key Facts

• Location: Channel Islands
• Size: 15.6 hectares
• Terrain: Easy footpath to island; some slippery sections on the causeway
• Access: tidal crossing on spring low tides
• Map: Bailiwick of Guernsey, States of Guernsey Official Map
• Starting point: L’Eree Bunker bus stop, Guernsey, Lat/long 49.455, -2.653

Lihou Island coast path route summary

Here’s a chance for a real adventure away from the mainland feel of Guernsey. As well as exploring the ruins of an old priory there is the chance to plunge into a deep, natural rock pool for an exhilarating swim before continuing around this bird spotter’s and rock pooler’s paradise. The walk starts on Guernsey and traverses the 400-metre cobbled causeway to Lihou, which is exposed at low tide. The sight of the exposed ocean floor and the beautiful rock pools is amazing. Once on the island the easy coastal circuit is along grass paths with breathtaking views back to the imposing dalek-like fortifications of L’Erée, sweeping Rocquaine Bay and the scenic cliffs of the Pleinmont headland.

From a distance, Lihou looks like an empty lump of rock, only revealing its beauty to those who venture across. It can be accessed for just two weeks a month when the causeway is uncovered at low tide. Although not inhabited, the population swells when Lihou House, a residential centre for groups, has guests. The island and its surrounds form an important marine reserve packed with fabulous creatures both above and below the water.

Shore crabs, edible crabs, porcelain crabs, velvet swimming crabs, and hermit crabs scuttle among the rocks and pools. Squat lobsters, shrimps and prawns thrive alongside limpets, winkles, topshells, and dog whelks, leaving enough space for starfish and anemones to find their own niche. Over 200 species of seaweed of every size, colour and shape have been identified on these shores and pools, with some not found on any other site in the Channel Islands.

Taking advantage of this seafood platter, oystercatchers, curlews, turnstones and redshanks wade on stilt-like legs in the shallow pools. On taller stilts, little egrets and grey herons search for larger fish in the deeper pools and shallows. On the western shore, Lihou’s two small islets, Lihoumel and Lissroy, are important breeding sites for resident and migrating seabirds and are roped off during nesting season. The elusive peregrine falcon may also be seen swooping overhead.

Inland, plants flourish on the short turf, including wild carrot, violets, and campion. Very rare species such as sand crocus, dwarf pansy and sand quillwort have also been spotted and remain invisible to all but the experienced plant finder. Heading a little further north, a rocky path leads down towards the shore to the famous Venus Pool. This natural low-tide rock pool is deep enough to jump into and long enough for a swim.

This tiny windswept island also has a rich history with signs of prehistoric settlement. In the 12^th century it was home to a Benedictine priory and the walk passes its haunting ruins – a protected monument. The monks of the Priory of St Mary farmed the land and kept bees for many years before the church was abandoned.

The governor of Guernsey destroyed the priory in 1759 to prevent French forces from capturing the island during the Seven Years’ War. Islanders had been harvesting seaweed for fertilizer from the early 19^th century and in the 1920s a factory was producing iodine from this abundant natural resource. Given the absolute peace and tranquility of the island today, it is hard to imagine any industrial activity here at all.

Today the island is owned by the States of Guernsey and the Lihou Charitable Trust is responsible for Lihou House and surrounding land. The house itself was rebuilt in the 1960s after it was used as target practice by German artillery in World War II. There are no facilities in the house beyond a borehole for water and solar panels for electricity, and it is mainly used for school residential trips and ecotourism.

On the return to mainland Guernsey there is plenty to see in the vicinity such as L’Erée German bunker, the legendary entrance to the fairy kingdom at Le Creux ès Faies, and the views of the Martello tower of Fort Saumarez.

Walk to Lihou Island – route

Start at L’Erée bus stop, walk around the bunker following the road sign to Lihou. Continue along the lane past the ecohouse on the right and towards the coast. Pass the car park on the left and sweep downhill following the road to the beach. After 600m walk along the causeway to reach the island’s beach, then head towards Lihou House and find the footpath to the left.

Continue clockwise along the south coast to find the priory ruins after 200m or so. After a further 100m, at the most westerly point, descend the rocky path to the shore to visit the Venus Pool. Continue on the path around the N and E coasts, returning to mainland Guernsey via the causeway

Venus Pool on Lihou

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