On our many family visits to the Isle of Guernsey in the Channel Islands between England and France we could see the tiny island of Herm in the distance. My brother-in-law Vic said we should visit historic Herm as it is an easy ferry ride from St. Peter Port with nice hiking trails. On our trip last August, we finally made it happen. The map from the 1950’s shows Herm and the rest of the Channel Islands.

We left the harbor in St. Peter Port on the Travel Trident Ferry for the island of Herm 15 minutes away.

My nephew Steven, grandson Paxton, and I depart on the ferry.

Marla disembarks the ferry.

My niece Suzanne and her husband Chris, as well as nephew Steven and wife Karen were our island guides.

Paxton loved the beautiful warm day.

The adventure begins.

The White House Hotel is the place to stay if you want a short Herm holiday. You can rent various simple cottages around the island as well.

A gorgeous vista as we head out on the trail.

The “Fisherman’s Cottage” in the background is available for rent.

Paxton and I spotted “Robert’s Cross”, a Neolithic (2,500 to 1,200 BC) chambered tomb. It was first excavated between 1838 and 1853. Herm was discovered by settlers in the Mesolithic period, between 10,000 and 8,000 BC.

Two men were buried here in 1832. It is believed they contracted cholera on board a ship traveling from Jersey to England. The burial was not permitted in Guernsey, so they were laid to rest here in Herm.

On the sandy trail.

We are definitely enjoying the day!

Steve and Karen found ice cream by the beach.

Paxton and I checked out the beach.

“Shell Beach” is a big draw to visitors on the island. The fine sand beach stretches for almost three-quarters of a mile.

Suzanne points out interesting facts as we head up the hill on our way back to the main port. The walk to the beach was flat, but the return involved climbing quite a hill.

A sublime photo of Steve and Karen.

Heading down the hill.

Paxton admires the tiny medieval St. Tuguals Chapel, which was built in the 11th century. Celtic missionaries travelled to the Channel Islands from Wales, Cornwall, Ireland and Brittany bringing Christianity with them. It was used by Augustinian canons and Franciscan friars into the 16th century.

Suzanne and Chris outside the old church.

A view to the azure sea.

Checking out the old buildings, we discovered a few small apartments for rent.

The sandy path back to the port.

Paxton points out Guernsey in the distance.

The “Herm Prison” holds only one person and doesn’t look very comfortable!

Boarding the Trident for the ride back to Guernsey.

Beautiful St. Peter Port.

I loved our little trip to visit the island of Herm. I have one more post on Guernsey next week. We’ll visit “The Little Chapel” in St. Andrews Parish and the underground hospital built by the Germans during their WW2 occupation of the island.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Also, Steve Richer & Suzanne George. Not to be used without permission.