Port du Moulin tide times & beach guide

Port du Moulin

Port du Moulin lies beneath Sark’s north-western cliffs and is reached through Port du Moulin Woods. The official north-west walking route passes through the woods and crosses a stream before reaching the paths towards the Window in the Rock. In spring, bluebells are a prominent feature of the woodland, so keep to established paths and avoid trampling vegetation.

Sark Tourism highlights swimming at Port du Moulin from around half tide to high water. Entry is from a natural rocky shore rather than a managed bathing area, so check the wind, waves, water depth and ease of getting out before entering. Wet and seaweed-covered rocks may be slippery, submerged rocks may not be visible, and no lifeguard service is currently listed. Do not jump or dive unless the depth and underwater area are reliably known, avoid swimming alone, and keep children closely supervised.

At low tide, Sark Tourism describes scramble routes through Port du Moulin Arch towards Saignie Bay and an old shipwreck, and through a gap on the southern side towards Pegane Bay. These are tidal rock scrambles rather than ordinary paths. Attempt them only in calm conditions, with secure footwear and enough time to return well before rising water reaches the route. Sark’s large tidal range can cover rocks, arches and coastal passages rapidly, so a route exposed near low water may become inaccessible as the tide returns; plan the full return window rather than simply arriving at the predicted low-water time.

If you reach the shipwreck remains beyond the arch, do not climb on or disturb them: corroded or partly buried material may be unstable or sharp. Keep children clear and remove nothing from the site.

Above the bay, the Window in the Rock was commissioned by Seigneur William T. Collings as part of his efforts to encourage tourism during the nineteenth century, and frames the view of Port du Moulin Arch and Les Autelets, the offshore rock stacks on Sark’s north-west coast. It is reached from the woodland paths above the bay and is a viewpoint rather than shore access, so take care around the cliffs and stay on the established path.

Port du Moulin is also highlighted by Sark Tourism for summer sunsets in the direction of Guernsey, and a small bench on the headland path above the bay is included among the island’s recommended sunset viewpoints. No toilets or refreshments are listed at beach level. The route and shore have not been independently assessed for wheelchair or pushchair access: the approach uses natural woodland paths, the shore is uneven rock and boulders, and the whole route must be walked back uphill. Carry drinking water and suitable clothing, and leave wildlife and vegetation undisturbed, returning any moved stones carefully.