Walk this way... St Aubin's Bay, Jersey

Start on the slipway at La Haule and walk up to Lucas Bros Farm Shop. Turn right onto the Men of the Woods footpath opposite and then along into the woodlands of Mont Plaisir. Follow the signs for the Green Lane, passing Hotel La Place, and onto the B43, passing Vermont Farm on the right. The road bends to the left, then, after around half a mile, turn onto La Rue du Conet, turning left again when it joins the B25. After 300 metres, join the Railway Walk, which leads you just over a mile back down the hill to the harbour at St Aubin.

Why go? The view from the top of the hill at Mont Plaisir is well worth the climb - a fantastic panorama taking in St Aubin's Fort and, in the distance, the capital of St Helier and its granite castle. Much of the walk is on ‘Green Lanes', which give priority to walkers, cyclists and riders, and cars can travel no faster than 15mph.

How long will it take? The route is five miles long, so allow around three and a half hours for stop-offs to admire the views of the bay.

Stamina required? The walk starts with a bit of a climb but is pretty easy-going after that.

Refuelling option: Start off with tea and sandwiches from the Cabin Café (01534 745797) on the slipway; stop for lunch in the garden room of Hotel La Place (01534 744261, www.hotellaplace jersey.com); or end the walk with a visit to one of the seafood restaurants along the harbourfront.

What else is there to see? You'll go past Vermont Farm (01534 742383), with its fields of organic pigs and sheep, and its shop is well worth a stop-off. You can extend the walk by heading onto Belcroute Bay or walking out across the sands at low tide to St Aubin's Fort. For a real insight into the area and its history, as well as access to private grounds, join a guided walk led by Remi Couriard (www.walkinginjersey.com).

Wildlife highlights? Jersey's mild climate means many birds overwinter here or stop on their journey south. Look out for oystercatchers, curlews, grey plovers, redshanks and sanderlings. If it's a very mild winter, honeysuckle and broom can continue to flower right through.

And for the kids? At the end of the Railway Walk, behind a cycle hire depot, you can glimpse the entrance to one of Jersey's War Tunnels - a permanent reminder of the German occupation of the island during the Second World War. You can't enter this particular tunnel, unless you're on one of Remi Couriard's guided walks, but you can find out more at the Jersey War Tunnels museum in St Lawrence (01534 860808, www.jerseywartunnels.com).

Getting there: The walk commences from the bus stop at the bottom of La Haule Hill and the 12, 12a and 15 buses all stop there.

Where to stay: The Somerville Hotel (01534 741226, www.dolanhotels.com/The-Somerville-Hotel) is set on the hillside overlooking the harbour. Wrap up to enjoy views from the terrace or retreat to Tides restaurant for a dinner of seafood and local produce. From £109 for double B&B.

TIC: 01534 448800, www.jersey.com.

OS maps The Jersey Official Leisure Map, 1:25,000, £6.20 (www.jersey.com). Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online