Cycling in Guernsey
Looking for a change of scenery and wanting to say goodbye to your long daily commute? Cycling through Guernsey’s stunning landscapes without being tied to a bus or train schedule gives your everyday routine a sense of freedom.
Whether you’ve just got yourself a new electric bike or you’re a seasoned cyclist having completed a century or two, Guernsey is the perfect location to discover on two wheels.
With our enviable work/life balance, it’s very easy to embrace an outdoorsy lifestyle and experience the joy of jumping on the saddle to uncover some of the most beautiful rides that our island has to offer.
1. Ruettes Tranquilles
There is no better feeling than getting out in the fresh air, immersing yourself in nature and exploring at a Guernsey pace. Our landscape is packed full with a network of 15mph Ruettes Tranquilles which are sign-posted. Together they form a network across the parishes of Castel, Forest, St Andrew, St Martin, St Sampson, St Saviour and the Vale. The Ruettes Tranquilles are open to all traffic but give priority to walkers, cyclists and horse riders forming a living link with bygone Guernsey. Discover leafy valleys, abreuveurs (watering points for livestock), wildflowers and ancient earth banks. It’s all right here on our doorstep!
2. Island Terrain
As an island, we have a variety of terrain with challenges for all skill levels. The West and North coasts provide a flatter terrain, whilst the South of Guernsey provides more valleys to dip in and out of. By cycling you are helping our community to reduce traffic congestion, cut carbon emissions and pollution. Most of the time, cycling is often quicker compared to other forms of transport on island!
3. Health Benefits
Studies have shown that the benefits of spending time outdoors for just 30 minutes per day can reduce anxiety, stress and even quicken the health recovery process. Cycling combines physical exercise with the release of adrenalin and endorphins – it raises your heart rate, gets the blood pumping round your body and is recommended by the medical professionals as a healthy way to cut your risk of developing heart disease and cancer.
4. Relaxed roads or thrill seekers – there’s something for everyone!
If you’re looking for inspiration to train for your next challenge, why not take a look at the VisitGuernsey website. They have put together 11 scenic road routes to choose from with varying difficulty
But if you fancy something more adventurous and off-road, the Guernsey Mountain Bike Association have been working with Ronez at Les Vardes Quarry to build a biking trail that runs parallel with the existing nature walk.
Ronez - Guernsey Mountain Bikers Welcome New Trail to Les Vardes Quarry
5. 30 Rides in 30 Days
Commuting to and from work using your own leg power is invaluable training if you’re preparing for a race or event! Each year, islanders raise money for Les Bourgs Hospice through their 30 Rides in 30 Days Challenge. Participants are required to ride for at least 1 hour a day everyday for one month.
It’s a brilliant way to get involved in the cycling community and make new friends on island.
When you choose to cycle, you are helping to cut our island’s carbon emissions, reduce congestion and pollution. It makes our island environment a nicer place to live and you can enjoy our beautiful landscapes!
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch:
