Clonque Bay is one of Alderney’s most dramatic coastal locations. Facing west towards Burhou and overlooked by Fort Clonque, it has a stony upper beach and the largest area of intertidal rock in Alderney. At low tide, extensive reefs, rock pools and patches of sand are exposed across the bay.
These predictions use Braye Harbour, the Alderney reference location used by this service. Tide times and water levels at Clonque Bay may differ from the prediction because of the local shoreline, weather, waves and atmospheric pressure. Times are shown in local Alderney time.
Clonque Bay lies on Alderney’s west coast, with Fort Clonque standing on rocks at its southern end. The upper shore is stony, but as the tide falls it reveals the largest intertidal area in Alderney, with extensive rock platforms, pools and patches of sand.
More than 180 species of seaweed have been recorded here. The pools and lower shore also support marine life including starfish, brown velvet crabs, spider crabs and, on the lowest tides, green ormers. Observe marine life without removing it from the shore.
The bay faces towards Burhou, within the internationally protected Alderney West Coast and Burhou Islands Ramsar site. Burhou supports breeding puffins and the Channel Islands’ only breeding colony of European storm petrels. Public access to the islet is restricted during the seabird breeding season.
Fort Clonque was completed in 1855 as part of Alderney’s Victorian harbour defences, standing on rocks at the southern end of the bay and reached by a tidal causeway. It is now managed by the Landmark Trust and is not a public visitor attraction.
Clonque can be approached by the coastal track from the Fort Tourgis area, or by the steeper Zig-Zag walking route from inland. Around the bay, expect unmade tracks, uneven paths and rocky ground, with wet or slippery sections after rain, so wear suitable footwear.
Clonque is promoted principally for rockpooling, walking, wildlife and sunsets rather than as one of Alderney’s main bathing beaches. There are no lifeguards on Alderney’s beaches. The rocky foreshore is uneven and can be extremely slippery, and its west-facing setting can bring swell into the bay. Assess conditions carefully, supervise children closely, and avoid entering the water during rough seas.
Clonque changes dramatically through the tide and exposes the largest intertidal area in Alderney at low water.
Around high tide, the sea covers most of the lower rocky shore, leaving the stony upper beach and only limited areas to explore. As the tide falls, rock platforms, pools, channels and patches of sand gradually appear across the bay.
Wear footwear with good grip and supervise children closely. As the tide rises, water progressively covers the lower rocks and channels, so keep checking the route back to the upper shore and leave ample time to return. Actual water levels may differ from predictions because of atmospheric pressure, wind, waves and swell.
Explore Alderney’s tide times, harbour information and island guide, including its other beaches and local advice.
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Tides. Tide predictions are forecasts. Actual sea level is affected by atmospheric pressure, wind and waves. Always observe the sea and your surroundings.
Swimming. Sea swimming carries risks: currents, waves, rocks, submerged structures, boats and cold water. This page is for planning and does not confirm conditions are safe. Do not assume the beach is lifeguarded.
Facilities. Facilities and café opening hours change seasonally. Check directly before making a journey specifically to use them.
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