Sunday 21st June 2026
Starting 4am at Vale Castle
Join us for the Gower Sunrise Walk of Hope
Join us for a special early‑morning walk that brings our community together to raise awareness around suicide and to support those who have lost someone as well as promoting Guernsey Mind’s vital work in suicide prevention and care.
Now in its sixth year, the Sunrise Walk of Hope continues to grow, with more people joining us each time. It has become an important event for starting conversations, challenging stigma, and offering a gentle space for reflection, remembrance, and hope.
The gentle 6km route heads along the east coast from Vale Castle to the Bathing Pools. Walkers of all ages are welcome and you can walk at your own pace… this not a race but a time to reflect and remember. We’ll set off just before sunrise, to make the most of the early morning views and share a reflective and meaningful start to the day.
We’re very grateful to Gower for supporting this event again in 2026, and to Vive La Vallette for kindly providing refreshments at the finish.
Entry is just £10 and includes refreshments at the end.
The walk is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. Many participants walk in memory of loved ones, wearing their names on the back of their shirts. The atmosphere is one of compassion, solidarity and support, reminding us that no one has to walk alone in their journey.
Jo Cottell – Chief Executive at Guernsey Mind
Further information on suicidal thoughts and suicide prevention
Information for walkers
We’re very grateful to Gower for sponsoring the event again this year – we couldn’t do this without their continued support.
Please take a few minutes to read through the information below before the event. If you have booked tickets on behalf of others, please do share this with them.
Arrival
- Please arrive at Vale Castle between 3:40am and 3:50am
- Enter the Castle by walking up the short hill and gather inside the walls
- It will still be dark when you arrive, so please take extra care
- Lighting will be provided, but we recommend bringing a torch due to uneven ground
- Port-a-loos will be available
- Guernsey Mind team members will be there to welcome you
Important: Please head straight to the main gathering area in the centre of the Castle and do not wait by the main gate – we need to keep the entrance clear for over 500 participants.
- Dogs are very welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times
- Please ensure any dog mess is cleared up and disposed of appropriately
Late registrations
If you know anyone who would like to join but hasn’t signed up, we will be offering on-the-day registration (cash and card accepted). Please encourage them to arrive early, as this can get busy.
What to wear
- Fluorescent tabards will be available to collect inside the Castle
- You’re welcome to keep one for a small donation, or return it at the end
- If you prefer not to wear a tabard, please wear bright clothing
- We’re hoping for a beautiful sunrise, but please check the forecast and dress for the weather
Parking
- Please car-share where possible
- Parking is available:
- Opposite the Castle
- At Bordeaux
- Along Northside
- Bathing Pools car park (usual public spaces only)
- Cycling is also a great option
Return buses
We’ve arranged optional coaches back to Vale Castle after the walk:
- Departing from the South Esplanade (near the bottom of Val des Terres)
- £3 per person (pre-bought ticket required to board – please click on the times below to book)
- Drop-off at Vale Castle only
- Limited to 156 seats, offered first come, first served
Times and booking:
- 6.00am coach to Vale Castle
- 6.40am coach to Vale Castle please note timings are approximate as the 6am coaches will need to return, but they will not leave before 6.40am.
The walk
- A short welcome and safety briefing will begin at 4:00am
- The walk will begin immediately after the briefing
- Route: Bridge → Bulwer Avenue → seafront → finishing at the Bathing Pools
- Marshals and cyclists will be along the route to support you
- St John will be available if needed – please speak to a marshal (wearing a blue Guernsey Mind bib)
- Sunrise is at 5:03am
Refreshments
- Please bring your own water (refill available at the Bathing Pools)
- Hot drinks and pastries will be available at the finish. Thank you to La Vallette team and the Girl Guides for supporting this
- Fruit will also be provided – thank you to the Channel Islands Co-op
- If you fancy a swim after your walk, the café and changing rooms will open from 7:00am.
Reflection and support
- Representatives from Samaritans and Guernsey Mind will be present throughout the event for anyone who would like support or a chat.
- Thank you also to Emily Fern, who will be playing music for us on the upper deck at La Vallette.
Photography
- Drone footage and photography will take place during the event
- A photo frame will be available at the finish for your own pictures
- A photographer will also be there to capture moments from the morning
The Sunrise Walk of Hope is an important event for raising awareness around suicide and supporting Guernsey Mind’s ongoing work in prevention and support. Together, we can make a difference.
Highlights from last year’s event
