The PaddlerUK magazine May 2015 issue 2 | Page 100

A night in the Customs hut

ThePaddlerUK 100

If staying overnight, don’t expect to find a nice grassy
camp site. You'll also need to bring your own water
and food and it’s a good idea to be prepared in case
the weather deteriorates and you become storm
bound. Expect to sleep on the shingle bank or if La
Marmotière is quiet, you might be able to bivouac in
‘The Royal Square’ beside the Impots (Customs) hut
where the rocks make good tent pegs. If you are
better organized, it is sometimes possible to hire in
advance the Impots hut from Jersey Customs for the
night. Take a moment to read the Impots hut log book
which records the French invasion from a policeman’s
perspective and also the names of local sea kayakers
who have stayed overnight in the cabin. The building is
small and at a push can sleep more than the

Right: Time
for a beer

advertised four people. One entry records 10 sea
kayakers spending a no doubt noisy, smelly and
intimate night.
Wake up early and watch sun rise over Normandy.
The bench beside the flagpole is perhaps the favourite
breakfast spot with a view looking back to Jersey and
a huge panorama. Enjoy the silence of a very special
and remote place.
For many sea kayakers, once visited, Les Écréhous is a
place to remember and revisit. Return with pebbles to
place on your windowsill to remind you of a very
special place. Experiences often feel better when
made under your own power and skills.