Fort Clonque
Reviews:
(Provided by Sexton Blake)I have always wanted to go to this Landmark, and it really lived up
to my
expectations. The adventure starts from the plane over from
Bournemouth - a
tiny thing out of a Biggles book - we were all given ear-plugs to
drown out
the propeller noise! A nighttime walk down the cliffs from the
airport to
the fort (which is close by - Geoff the manager will drive you bags
to the
fort for you) was something else. At this Landmark, torches for
everyone
are provided, and you will need them for the footpaths. We were lucky
with
the tides and didn't have to worry about timing crossings (only a
problem
in weeks with the highest tides). We went in January, which was
fantastic.
No tourists and really atmospheric. You can't see much of the
interior from
the book - the featured bedroom is in the officers quarters. The
extra
living room and kitchen in the officer's quarters were unused by us,
preferring the cosier soldier's quarters. The rooms mostly have
windows
facing inside the fort, so you walk on the roof for the view - and
what a
view. Although it is heated, in January we found the fan heaters
provided
were absolutely essential; as was lots of warm clothes, thermals etc,
but
nothing to worry about if you come prepared. Be aware that some of
the
rooms involve an trip outside to get to a toilet (hence torches).
There are
lots of games provided (triv, scruples etc - we donated 'The Weakest
Link',
complete with scary Anne Robinson mask. Enjoy). The exploring to be
done on
Alderney is incredible - loads of forts, many WWII, still containing
rusty
bunks, electric cables, even German writing on the walls. No-one
seems to
have got round to clearing up after the war, it is all open for the
curious
if you have a torch. Soberingly, a lot of this was built by slave
labour.
If you look you can find the ruins of a concentration camp just near
the
airport (just the gateposts left, with some poppies left in the ivy).
The
bookshelf has some very interesting books about this period; some
harrowing
accounts from survivors of the work camps. Alderney is very different
to
Jersey or Guernsey; I found it fascinating. Don't bring drink - it is
cheaper than in England; but groceries can be up to twice the uk
price, as
everything is imported, particularly luxury things like chocolates.
The
good thing is that the supermarkets will deliver to the fort for free
(an
hour round trip on foot). Unusually, the fort has a payphone. The
fort
interior is necessarily plain, military style but comfortable enough
-
maybe I would give it 8/10. But the exterior, outcrop location and
Alderney
itself all get 10/10 making this my best landmark yet. A total
experience.
(Provided by Jane Curry:)This has to be one of the pieces de resistance of Landmark. You get the
whole fort to live in - officers quarters, soldiers quarters, casement
and gate houses. If you get back late to the causeway at the wrong time
of the tide, you are stranded on the mainland and dinner will simply
have to wait!
The obligatory flag is provided, of course, to be raised each morning.
We understand the old bugle that we attempted to get notes out of, has
now been replaced by a much less battered version, but I'm sure you will
have just as much fun trying as we did.
The housekeeper, Geof Salt, was absolutely brilliant. Since you are
arriving on a small island (provided the weather is good and the plane
can get in), you can phone orders ahead to the local stores (we used The
Rose & Crown for booze, and Riduna Stores for
groceries/greengroceries). Geof then received the deliveries while has
small army was cleaning the fort and we were delighted to find white
wine in the fridge, along with the rest of the fridge groceries, and a
beautiful arrangement made of our fruit!
One thing no-one warns you about - there's a piano there so take a
musician with their music - we had a Gilbert and Sullivan session and
lots of Scott Joplin.
It's a really magical place with the sea crashing around you the whole
time.
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