Fort Pezeries

Fort Pezeries is located near the ‘Fairy Ring’ in Torteval, on Guernsey’s South-West Coast and a fort has stood on the spot since at least 1680! The fort is fun to explore as three 18 pounder canons remain on site and the 360 degree views from there are stunning.

Location

Fort Pezeries is located in Pleinmont, and unlike the other forts on the island, it is not possible to park nearby so be prepared for a walk. There are 2 parking options, either by the Pleinmont Observation Tower or Portelet Harbour. Don’t let the walk put you off as the walk from Portelet Harbour is very popular with families and a favourite of ours as it encompasses a beach, German bunker, trees to climb, a meeting place for fairies and the most stunning scenery in all directions!

The Walk from Portelet to Fort Pezeries

The walk starts at Portelet. When following the coast road south from Cobo and Vazon, Portelet is at the end of the road by The Imperial Hotel. There is ample parking available beyond the hotel (the road is marked as a dead-end).

Follow the tarmacked road that runs behind Portelet Beach, it’s not a path as you’d find on a cliff walk, it’s a proper wide, tarmacked road (with no cars). Incredibly easy to walk on and great if you’re pushing a pram/ wheelchair. There is an old stone wall all the way, so no dangers to little explorers and the views back to Rocquaine Bay and the Cup and Saucer (Fort Grey) are beautiful, even on a gusty, grey day.

As you walk along the road, look out for an old German WW2 bunker on the left-hand side in the undergrowth. It’s possible to go inside the bunker but it’s pitch black and feels very Blair Witch!

Further along the path you’ll get your first glimpse of Fort Pezeries in the distance…

Fort Pezeries

This coastal defence fort dates back to 1680, situated on the Pleinmont Headland to protect the Southern half of Rocquaine Bay. By 1842 the fort had fallen into disrepair and remained that way until the German occupying forces built an earthwork machine gun position on the shortened western wall during WWII. Today, three 18 pounder cannons can be found at the fort.

The Fairy Ring

Just past the fort is the end of the tramacked path and a number of tall stone pillars which lead to the Fairy Ring. La Table Des Pions (The Fairy Ring) is a place our kids love to visit because they love the idea that fairies live there (!). Research suggests that La Table Des Pions was used until 1837 as a picnic table for servants who took part in the late 18^th Century tradition called La Chevauchee, a formal procession of officials and servants, which ensured the roads and boundaries were in good order. Local folklore suggests the site is linked with fairies, witches, and elves and as such the locals call it ‘the Fairy Ring’.

From here you can either turn back and follow the road back to Portelet or you can continue and climb up the hill to Pleinmont Observation Tower (used by German forces between 1942 and 1945). We usually spend quite a while here as there are a large number of paths that take you around the headland in various directions. The views are truly breathtaking out to Les Hanois Lighthouse and back across the west coast of Guernsey.

Facilities

There are no facilities along the walk, it’s all at Portelet. At Portelet there is the beach Kiosk and toilets and for those wanting a more substantial meal, the Imperial Hotel is a few minutes walk from Portelet beach. The Imperial has a good kids menu, but we have learnt that the kids meals are MASSIVE, to the point their roast totally overwhelms our girls!