Val de Terres

History of La Vallette

The Val des Terres — initially called New Road — was commissioned in 1931.

Car ownership was increasing in 1931, as the price of vehicles fell. The Morris Minor debuted that year, costing just £100, and the new cars needed more and better roads.

But construction of the Val des Terres was about more than just providing a better route into Town. It was also organised for the public good, with the workers employed to dig and lay it taken from the island's long-term unemployed.

This winding road has long accommodated the British Hill Climb Championship, providing a short but challenging course. The first event happened in 1946 when driver G. Bainbridge covered the 780m (850yds / 0.5 miles) in 50.6 seconds. This record has been chipped away at over the years and currently stands at 26.47 seconds — achieved by Wallace Menzies Gould in 2023.

Walking for Health

Down the steps

Going up steps is a harder exercise than going down. It raises your heart rate and burns more calories. However, going down steps is good for your health too! Going down steps uses the muscles that are needed for balance, and the impact on our legs improves bone mineral density. This walking loop, involving both steps up and down, is great for overall physical health.