Reopening of Val Aumé Footpath (Swiss Valley)

On 5th August 2024, we celebrated the reopening of Val Aumé Footpath, also known as Swiss Valley. This footpath is vital for our community, aligning with the Countryside Access Strategy for Jersey 2016.

Spanning approximately 450 metres, it is a popular route for pedestrians and dog walkers. The Path had been closed for around 18 months due to severe water damage and extensive surface erosion which created significant hazards for public safety.

Thanks to a grant from the Countryside Access and Wellbeing Scheme, which supports the preservation and enhancement of Jersey’s countryside, we were able to restore and reopen this path. We would like to extend special thanks to Julia from Countryside Access for her guidance, Helier Falle for providing a well-maintained car park, and Malcolm Lewis from Longueville Manor for his cooperation with our drainage work.

As Connétable, I am committed to ensuring that our walking routes are accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Maintaining and expanding our network of paths is a priority, as it’s essential for our well-being and connection to nature. This reopening is particularly significant, as it revives a historical walk for our community.

I am also pleased to announce the introduction of a circular walk in conjunction with this path, with signage to be installed soon, offering even more opportunities to explore our beautiful parish.

The total cost of the project was £110,000, with £40,000 provided by the Countryside Access and Wellbeing Scheme and £70,000 funded by the parish. The entire project took approximately 18 months to complete, reflecting our dedication to restoring this cherished path.

We would like to thank all who have worked on this project, including the contractors, for their hard work and dedication.

Below are a couple of old photos from the early 1900s provided by Société Jersiaise.

We invite you to also share your experiences and photos of the newly reopened path on our social media pages. Your feedback and participation are invaluable as we continue to enhance our community’s amenities.