Plemont: A headland worth saving

One of the most spectacular areas of Jersey is the north west corner of the island, with its dramatic granite cliffs.  When the swell drops it has to be one of the most enjoyable places to kayak in Jersey.  As the tide drops a beautiful sandy beach is exposed, which is popular with both tourists and locals.

Unfortunately on the cliff top is a blot on the landscape, the old Plemont holiday camp.  On the 20th November the States of Jersey are due to debate the future of this headland.  One plan is to demolish the holiday camp and replace it with 28 homes, but an alternative outcome is being pursued.  To acquire the headland for future generations of Jersey inhabitants and restore the land to its natural glory, allowing wildlife to become established in the area, particularly sea birds.  

My daughter has set up a Facebook page through her voluntary work with the National Trust for Jersey, so please consider showing your support with thousands of people who already have done so.

Further information is also available from the National Trust for Jersey.  This is a great opportunity for us as sea kayakers to demonstrate their concern for the coastal environment from which we gain so much pleasure.

Plemont viewed from above.  The scale of the holiday camp and the fact that it is in quite a remote location is clearly visible in the photo.

 Approaching Plemont from the north west.  The old holiday camp is visible just above the head of the kayaker.

 Looking east from the north coast cliff path.  The holiday camp is just visible on the cliff top.

 Looking west from Plemont Beach.  The beach is one of the finest on the island and at times has excellent surf.

Jersey North West Corner

The north west corner of Jersey offers some of the finest sea kayaking on the Island.  Tonight it was particularly beautiful, with the stunning light and calm seas.  A great Thursday night paddle with the Jersey Canoe Club.

 Heading north from Stinky Bay

 Le Pinacle viewed from the south.  A cave system cuts through this headland.

 Pete with the stunning north west face of Le Pinacle.

 Heading towards the Gun Cliffs. 

 Alex heading into the bay to the north of Le Pinacle.

 Typical north west coast scenery.  The nearest land to our left is Newfoundland, the North Atlantic is particularly quiet.

 Underneath La Nethe Falaise.  Even late on a May evening most of the cliff remains in shadow.  The Black Cliff.

 Just to the east of Grosnez, some superb rock climbing routes.

 Approaching Plemont Bay, a real gem.

 Time to head back to L'Etacq.

The moon passing close to the summit of Le Pinacle.  It is clear why there are Spring Tides.

Jersey's North West Corner

As the wind swings to the south east and the North Atlantic swell drops off any self respecting sea kayakers thoughts will turn towards the north west corner of Jersey.  Although there are many interesting areas to paddle around the Island this stretch of coast is as fine as anywhere.

Physical features set against an historical backdrop which stretches back tens of thousands of years, in relation to La Cotte a la Chevre, create a sea kayaking playground second to none.

 Le Pinacle, seen just after leaving Stinky Bay.  A stunning physical feature, a cave, whose entrance is seen just above the bow of the kayak, runs underneath the stack.  On the col at the base of the stack are the remains of the only Roman building on Jersey.

 Slightly further north the history is far more up to date.  The German tower was built during the occupation, which lasted from 1940 to 1945.  There are a number of these towers dotted around the Island.

 Grosnez is the north east corner of the Island is exposed to the full force of the winter storms.  Notice how little vegetation is growing on the cliffs, it is hard to imagine how far up the cliffs the waves break.

 There are a number of large caves between Grosnez and Plemont, which we were able to explore. They were largely sheltered from the low swell which persisted throughout the day.

  The north facing gullies and cliffs receive very little direct sunlight at this time of the year.  La Nethe Falaise, the largest cliff in the area will not see the suns rays until next June, when the sun sets far enough to the north to light up granite.