Sark, Channel Islands, UK, English Channel

By Islands Traveler, on July 12th, 2011

Sark Island Aerial View

Sark is a small island in the Channel Islands in southwestern English Channel. It is a self-governing British crown dependency, with its own set of laws based on Norman law and its own parliament, although for some administrative purposes it is considered a part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey. It has a population of about 600. Sark’s main industries are tourism, crafts and finance. Sark has an area of 5.45 square kilometres (2.10 sq mi).

Winding roads atop Sark

Sark consists of two main parts, Greater Sark and Little Sark to the south. They are connected by a narrow isthmus called La Coupée which is 90 metres (300 ft) long and has a drop of 100 metres (330 ft) on each side. Protective railings were erected in 1900; before then, children would crawl across on their hands and knees to avoid being blown over the edge. There is a narrow concrete road covering the entirety of the isthmus, built in 1945 by German prisoners of war under the direction of the Royal Engineers. Due to isolation, the inhabitants of Little Sark had their own distinct form of Sercquiais, the native Norman dialect of the island.

Creux Harbour

Sark is the smallest of the four main Channel Islands, located some 80 miles off the south coast of England. Whilst only three miles long, and a mile and a half wide, it boasts 40 miles of what must be one of the most picturesque coastlines anywhere in the world. There are no cars, giving Sark an enchantment which is quite unique; its spell draws visitors back for their holidays, year after year. A wide range of accommodation is available on Sark, from award-winning hotels and restaurants, to self-catering and campsites.