The Channel Island Way is a beautiful confection of walks spread over five of the Channel Islands: Guernsey, Jersey, Herm, Sark and Alderney. The route, although not especially waymarked, was originally concocted over drinks at a Jersey walks festival and The Channel Island Way was opened in 2011. The 110 miles (178km) take for the most part the coastal paths, beaches and roads around each of the isles - although there are some deviations inland at certain points.
The Channel Islands were formed as a result of post glacial sea level changes a few thousand years ago. Not only are they geological remnants of mainland France, but they represent the remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. Known for scenic cliffs and beaches, small towns oozing old world charm, and coastal defences dating from the Palaeolithic period through to the Second World War, the Channel Islands have been a favourite holiday destination for active adventurers. After a long and turbulent history, among others Jersey and Guernsey islands are now a British crown dependency, albeit not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for their defence and international representation.
Today, the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey have their own economic and political life. Because the Channel Islands geographically are so close to each other, unavoidably they also have similar features. On your walks, you will discover that the main islands of Guernsey and Jersey are quite similar in many respects. There are beautiful coastlines consisting of rocky cliffs punctuated by sections of beach, some of them very long! Jersey has more cliff walking than Guernsey, but southern Guernsey also has a long section of wild cliffs and headlands. Each of the small islands however have their own character and customs and this is very clear when you visit Sark and Alderney on one of the Channel Island walking holidays.
Jersey is the biggest island, followed by Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm, and then a few other uninhabited or partially inhabited islands like Jethou and Brecqhou.