Route Eight
Elizabeth Castle to La Rocque Harbour
Distance = 9.4 km/5.8 miles
Approximate Time = 32 minutes
Terrain = Mostly flat
Directions
As you start this stage you will start on the cycle path of Victoria Avenue. At the roundabout, go straight onto commercial buildings. Follow the road and you will get onto Le Quai aux Marchands. Again, follow the road onto La Route de Vielle. Keep going onto the Promanade at Havre des Pas. When you get to the roundabout take the second exit onto La Greve d’Azette. Then take a left onto Green Road. Continue St Clements Coast Road. Keep going then turn right onto Rue de Nouettes. Carry on going and you will get to Rue de Pont. Turn left and then follow the road and you’re there.
History
All along the Coast Road there are towers. These towers were originally organised by General Conway in the 1700s to build a network of defence lookouts against the possible invasion of the French who were threatening Jersey with attack. Le Hocq tower is one of them, La Platte Rocque is another and Seymour Tower is way out at sea.
La Rocque, which is famously known for being the landing point for Rullecourt’s invasion of the island in January 1781. After the Battle of jersey had ended in St Helier, there was still a small battle between the soldiers who were left at La Rocque by Baron de Ruellecourt and the British soldiers.
La Rocque Tower was most likely built in 1779, added to earlier fortifications from the 16th and 17th centuries at Boulevard de la Rocque.It was erected between the original three platforms of the bulwarks and the St. Saviour Guard House, at La Rocque Point, Grouville. This point makes the South-East corner of the Island and Boulevard de la Rocque commands the southern end of Grouville Bay.
