Rousse Headland is home to a fully restored loop-hole tower & battery that was originally built in the 19th Century, and still houses 5 cannons today. Aside from the tower and battery the headland has lots to offer with stunning views of the fishing boats bobbing in the water, a footpath leading you round the coast, great swimming off the stone wall and a welcoming kiosk.
Location
Rousse forms part of Le Grand Havre Bay on Guernsey’s Northwest coast, just on from Port Soif and Port Grat. There is parking dotted along Le Grand Bavre Bay with plenty of parking at Rousse, at the end of Les Dicqs (past the Peninsula Hotel) and past the Rousse kiosk.
Rousse Tower and Battery
Rousse Tower and Battery are uniquely combined in a single fortification. In 1816 the battery had three 24 pounder cannons and two nine pounder cannons with replicas of these guns at the site today. We only found the battery recently and had great fun exploring it. We couldn’t get in the tower but it is possible to get in the battery, see the guns and the stunning views. In the battery there is a sign with a panoramic view of the coast highlighting what you can see from there, it’s amazing what you can see from the elevated position.
Rousse Kiosk
Rousse Kiosk always seems to be open! A great stop-off for fresh sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and ice creams. With benches and picnic tables to enjoy the view.
Footpath
You can follow the footpath around the Rousse Headland and along the coast. We actually found Rousse by accident after parking at Port Grat Bay and following the footpath round to Rousse. If you haven’t been to Port Grat then we highly recommend it. It is an absolutely stunning horseshoe bay with soft white sand and clear turquoise water, and unlike many of Guernsey’s beaches, Port Grat is perfect for a swim at high tide and is nearly always quiet. For more information about Port Grat beach CLICK HERE.
Le Grand Havre Bay
La Grand Havre Bay encompasses a number of beaches aside from Rousse, these include Le Picquerel, a small sheltered sandy beach, Les Amarreurs, a picturesque small harbour with a playground behind the beach and Ladies Bay and Chouet, which are beautiful adjoining family-friendly beaches. With excellent facilities across the bay from kiosks, restaurants, lots of parking and a footpath that links the whole bay, Le Grand Havre is well worth a visit.
For more information about Le Grand Havre Bay CLICK HERE.
Rousse Headland is a great place to visit whether you fancy a stroll or a serious walk, a look at a battery, a cuppa and a bench with a view, or a swim in crystal clear water. With lots of parking and good facilities we highly recommend it.
Address
Rousse Headland, Les Dicqs, Vale, Guernsey
Bus Routes
31, 32, 91, 92
Dogs on Le Grand Havre Beaches
Dogs are welcome on all Le Grand Havre beaches year-round.
