The North Coast Path

About the North Coast Path

Running from L’Etacq in St Ouen to Rozel in St Martin, most of this 17-mile route was built in the 1980s, with the newest section opening in March 2024.

Land along the path has several owners, including:

However, many sections cross private land thanks to the generosity of individual landowners.

The North Coast Path is within Jersey's National Park, and parts of the route are also within the aspiring Jersey Island Geopark or designated as Sites of Special Interest (SSI).

These designations recognise the area's environmental and geological importance.

The North Coast Path forms part of Jersey’s Tidal Trail and provides access to a range of natural environments through permitted routes. To help protect these sensitive habitats, make sure you use the correct path for your activity and follow The Jersey Countryside Code.

Find out more about responsible access to the countryside.

Habitat, land management and wildlife

Habitat

The route passes through:

mixed woodland
coastal heathland
maritime grassland
farmland

Land management

The Government’s Countryside Ranger Team maintains infrastructure such as steps, fences and benches on the path. Contractors carry out vegetation cutting along the route.

Conservation grazing helps manage habitats along the north coast. Manx loaghtan sheep are used to maintain grassland and support biodiversity through the Grazing Project.

Between Plémont and Grève de Lecq, the Seabird Protection Zone helps protect native wildlife, including puffins and razorbills, from invasive predators. Habitat management work in this area also aims to increase plant diversity and improve coastal grassland.

Wildlife

The North Coast Path is a good place to spot wildlife. You may see bottlenose dolphins offshore, green lizards on sunny banks and protected swallowtail butterflies during the summer. Stunted trees shaped by strong salty winds are a common feature.

Birdwatchers may spot species including:

Dartford warblers
great spotted woodpeckers
puffins
oystercatchers

You may also see red-billed choughs, which have been reintroduced to Jersey through the Birds on the Edge conservation project, which is in partnership with:

What you can see and do

The North Coast Path offers:

trails for dog walking, hiking and running
coastal views including offshore reefs, the French coast and other Channel Islands
access to bays including Grève de Lecq, Bouley Bay and Bonne Nuit Bay
wildlife watching opportunities

If you explore the trails, use the access map to make sure you're on the right path.

Use the Countryside Access Map

Historical features

There are many historical features to be seen along the North Coast Path including:

Grosnez Castle
Devil’s Hole
La Route du Nord
La Crête Fort
L’Etacquerel Fort
Le Câtel de Rozel
La Tou d’Rozé (White Rock)

Find more information on our archaeological and historical heritage on Jersey Heritage.

Find out more about Jersey’s occupation story through The Channel Island Occupation Society.

Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at several locations along the route, including:

Grosnez Castle
Plémont Bay
Grève de Lecq
Devil’s Hole
Sorel Point
Bonne Nuit Bay
Bouley Bay
White Rock, Rozel

Bus services

You can access different parts of the North Coast Path using public transport.

Services include:

Route 22: L’Etacq
Route 8: Les Landes and Plémont
Route 9: Grève de Lecq
Routes 5, 7 and 10: St John’s Church
Route 4: Bonne Nuit Bay
Route 3: Rozel Bay

Find out more on LibertyBus and Track My Bus.

Public toilets

Public toilets are available at:

Plémont Beach
Grève de Lecq Bay
Bonne Nuit Bay
Bouley Bay
Rozel Pier

Food and drink

Find places to eat and drink near the North Coast Path on Visit Jersey.