Walking in the Isles of Scilly

by: Paddy Dillon
This guidebook to walking on the Scilly Isles at the south-western edge of Britain includes eleven walks and 4 boat trips, perfect for a fortnight away from it all. The walks are between 2km and 16km long, and explore the larger islands such as Tresco, St Martin's, St Mary's, St Agnes and Bryher as well as smaller islands in the archipelago. Alongside the walks, which are suitable for walkers of all abilities, are 4 Boat Trips which explore Annet and the Western Rocks, the Norrard Rocks, St Helens and Teän as well as the Eastern Isles.

With their mild climate and relaxing atmosphere, the Isles make an ideal destination for a retreat, with stunning scenery, rich bird life and myriad wildflowers. Basking in sunshine, rising green and pleasant from the blue Atlantic Ocean, fringed by rugged cliffs and sandy beaches the Isles of Scilly are a joy to explore. Sea views take in jagged rocks that have ripped many a keel and wrecked many a ship. The islands are clothed in colourful flowers, both cultivated and wild, and attract a rich bird life, including native breeding species and seasonal migrants.

The Isles form the smallest of Britain's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its historic shores have been designated as Heritage Coast. The surrounding sea is protected as a marine park. Archaeological remains abound, not only on the islands, but also submerged beneath the sea. The Isles reveal their secrets and charms to those who walk the headlands, sail from island to island, and take time to observe the sights, sounds and scents of the landscape

All the routes are illustrated with OS mapping and contain lots of background information on the history, geology and ecology of the islands. There is also practical information on public transport services and accommodation. The walk locations are as given below.

Walk 1 Hugh Town Trail - 1.5 miles
Walk 2 The Garrison Wall - 1.5 miles
Walk 3 St Mary's Coast - 10 miles
Walk 4 St Mary's Nature Trails - 5 miles
Walk 5 The Gugh - 2.5 miles
Walk 6 St Agnes - 4 miles
Walk 7 Samson - 1.5 miles
Walk 8 Bryher - 5.5 miles
Walk 9 Tresco - 6 miles
Walk 10 Tresco Abbey Garden
Walk 11 St Martin's - 6 or 7.5 miles
Boat Trip 1 Annet and the Western Rocks
Boat Trip 2 The Norrard Rocks
Boat Trip 3 St Helen's and Teän
Boat Trip 4 The Eastern Isles

ISBN 9781786311047 Pages 95 (2021) 116mm x 172mm