Walk Scilly Festival 2024

Welcome

This year’s Walk Scilly Festival presents a range of expert guided walks and experiences uniquely designed to enjoy in springtime, with access to some of the most remote and inaccessible islands in the archipelago. We’ll take you on a journey to the five inhabited islands, and some uninhabited, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of each as well as insights into our resident communities.

From sea faring trips to ancient history and learning about unique species - there’s a walking experience for everyone!

All walks are graded easy, moderate or hard to help you choose but do contact our award-winning Tourist Information Centre (TIC) if you have any questions.

Join the Visit Isles of Scilly team and walk leaders ahead of the festival for a welcome drink at 5pm on Friday 12th April at The Mermaid Inn to discuss the type of walks available and to learn more about our wonderful island paradise.

Visit Isles of Scilly

A Guide to Walk Grades:

EASY

Easy stroll on road and path, generally level walking, no hills.

MODERATE

Fairly easy walk on paths but some will be uneven and narrow. There will also be some inclines; or some walking on beaches.

HARD

Fairly strenuous, several inclines/some hills and uneven, narrow paths (or when there is a beach landing off a boat); walking at a slightly faster pace. We estimate that most of the all-day walks (roughly 10.30am – 4.30pm with a lunch stop) are probably in the region of 5 or 6 miles.

TIC Assistance

If you have particular mobility issues, please contact the Tourist Information Centre and they will be happy to advise further.

T: 01720 620600 | info@visitislesofscilly.com

Porthcressa Beach, St. Mary’s

Book Your Tickets

Go to visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly

Friday 12th April

Feathers & Flippers: Scilly Seabirds and Seals

ST. MARY’S / ST. AGNES

Join birder and environment academic Dr Rob Lambert plus a local SMBA boatman, on a marine meander inside the archipelago in search of breeding seabirds, passage wading birds, sea ducks, divers, and Atlantic grey seals. The sea safari will focus on the seabird city of Mincarlo (Norrard Rocks) with a dash over to Annet. Dogs on leads welcome. Bring binoculars and a warm jacket. Trip will drop off on St. Agnes, with ticket valid for return to St. Mary’s Quay later in the day on a SMBA boat.

Guides: Dr Rob Lambert & Joe Pender, SMBA Skipper

Time: 10.15am – 1pm Meet: St. Mary’s Quay

Max No People: 51+ Family Friendly: Yes

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Walk Grade: Easy – on a boat!

Cost: £22.00 per person (boat ticket included)

Image: Joe Pender

Scilly Rockpool Safaris

ST. MARY’S

Join Scott, Samaya and their family for a rockpool safari where you will discover the amazing marine life that call our shores home. Learn to ID several species of starfish, anemones, urchins and so much more. An amazing experience for both adults and children - it will open a whole new world that you can continue to explore during the rest of your holiday and beyond.

Guides: Scott & Samaya Reid & Family - Scilly Rockpool Safaris

Time: 3.15pm - 4.45pm

Meet: Porthcressa Slipway, St. Mary’s

Max No People: 15

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk Grade: Easy

Cost: £12.00 adult | £6.00 children (4 – 16yrs) | Free 3 and under (boat ticket not included)

To book, go to visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly

Image: Scilly Rockpool Safaris

Saturday 13th April

St. Agnes through the eyes of the Wildlife Trust

ST. AGNES

Join Julian Branscombe, keen naturalist and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust CEO, for a morning walk around St. Agnes to see some of the wildlife highlights including the amazing landscape of Wingletang Down, with its rare plants and lichens. This slow walk of between 3 and 4 miles will be over rough ground in places, with stiles, ending up at Coastguards Lookout Café in the middle of the island.

Guide: Julian Branscombe

Time: 10.15am - 1.15pm

Max No People: 20

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Meet: St. Mary’s Quay waiting room

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk Grade: Moderate

Cost: £13.80 per person (includes donation to the Wildlife Trust) (boat ticket not included)

To book, go to visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly

Image: Isles of Scilly National Landscape

Sunday 14th April

Prehistoric St. Mary’s ST. MARY’S

A walk from Telegraph Hill to visit two of the best-preserved prehistoric sites on the islands, the Bant’s Carn entrance grave and Halangy Down settlement, in the company of island archaeologist Dr Katharine Sawyer. After seeing other prehistoric sites in the area, you’ll return to Hugh Town along the west coast of St. Mary’s, taking in a range of later sites including an 18th century kelp pit and the unfinished mid-16th century fort of Harry’s Walls.

Guides: Dr Katharine Sawyer

Time: 10.15am - 1.15pm Meet: Telegraph Hill

Max No People: 30

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk Grade: Moderate

Cost: £11.50 per person (boat ticket not included)

Monday 15th April

Wild Tresco

TRESCO

Join resident naturalist Will Wagstaff on a walk on Tresco Island to explore the two largest pools on Scilly during the morning and the contrasting eastern side of the island during the afternoon, looking for the varied flora and fauna to be found here. These are two separate half day tours but can be a full day experience.

Meet outside seaward entrance of The New Inn, New Grimsby.

Guide: Will Wagstaff

Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm

Time: 1.45pm - 4pm

Max No People: 20

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Meet: New Grimsby

Meet: New Grimsby

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk Grade: Moderate

Cost: £11.50 per person half day | £23 per person full day (boat ticket not included)

Image: Tresco Island

A Cruise in the Past to Uninhabited Nornour

NORNOUR

This popular cruise combines a boat trip to view grey seals and seabirds in the Eastern Isles with a landing on the uninhabited island of Nornour. Here, local archaeologist Dr Katharine Sawyer will lead a visit to the fascinating prehistoric settlement and Roman period shrine. There are no facilities on the island and there will be a beach landing. Sturdy footwear is essential. Dog owners: be aware that you will be responsible for getting your dog(s) from the boat to the dinghy and from the dinghy to the beach. Please wear walking shoes or trainers.

Guide: Dr Katharine Sawyer

Time: 10.15am - 12.45pm

Max No People: 40

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Meet: St. Mary’s Quay

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk Grade: Moderate/hard (beach landing from a boat )

Cost: £27.00 per person (boat ticket included)

To book, go to visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly

Image: Dr Katharine Sawyer

Tuesday 16th April

Uninhabited Samson

SAMSON

An oportunity to find out about the history of Samson, one of Scilly’s uninhabited islands, with island archaeologist Dr Katharine Sawyer. You will visit both the evocative post-medieval houses and the Bronze Age burial chambers, as well as taking in the wonderful views from the hilltops. There are no facilities on the island and there will be a beach landing. Sturdy footwear is essential. Dog owners: be aware that you will be responsible for getting your dog(s) from the boat to the dinghy and from the dinghy to the beach.

Please wear walking shoes or trainers.

Guide: Dr Katharine Sawyer

Time: 1.45pm - 4.45pm (arrive back at St. Mary’s at approx 5.15pm)

Meet: Scilly Walks board on St. Mary’s Quay at 1.45pm to catch a 2.00pm boat

Family Friendly: Yes

Max No People: 30

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Walk Grade: Moderate/hard (beach landing from a boat)

Cost: £11.50 per person (boat ticket not included)

Image: Chris Hall

Wednesday 17th April

Shipwrecks of St. Agnes

ST. AGNES

Join museum curator Kate Hale on a half days walk around St. Agnes to hear the history of some of the island’s most noted shipwrecks dating back to the 1500s. Shipwrecks were a defining aspect of Scillonian life for hundreds of years and during this rare opportunity, Kate will point out the site of wrecks and tell you the sometimes sad, dramatic or heroic stories of their demise. The walk will end with a visit to the pop-up Shipwreck Exhibition at St. Agnes Island Hall. Return is dependent on boat times.

Guide: Kate Hale

Time: 9.30am - approx 2pm

Meet: 9.30am at St. Mary’s Quay ticket office or 10.15am at St. Agnes Quay

Max No People: 15

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk Grade: Moderate

Cost: £20.00 per person (boat ticket not included)

To book, go to visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly

Thursday 18th April

Wildlife of Bryher BRYHER

Join resident naturalist Will Wagstaff on a gentle walk looking at the flora and fauna of Bryher from the Dwarf Pansies to any migrant resident birds, visiting the south end of the island in the morning and to the northern half in the afternoon. There will be a refreshment break at a local eatery. This can be a half day or full day experience.

Guide: Will Wagstaff

Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm Meet: Bar Quay, Bryher

Time: 1.45pm - 4pm Meet: Entrance drive, Hell Bay Hotel

Max No People: 20

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk Grade: Moderate

Cost: £11.50 per person half day | £23 per person full day (refreshments and boat ticket not included)

Image: Bob Berry

Through the Eyes of an Islander

ST. MARTIN’S

Join Anna Browne, owner of St Martin’s Watersports and local resident for over 25 years to explore her favourite paths and vantage points across St. Martin’s on this half day walk. You’ll cover Top Rock, flower fields and some of Europe’s finest beaches, as she shares her stories of what it’s like living as an islander on a remote archipelago. The walk will also include a visit to the Community Observatory and finishes with a light lunch at The Sevenstones Inn. To extend your day even further, choose an additional tour. Anna can take you to your chosen venue before you depart for the boat back to St. Mary’s. From 2.30pm, join one of the following experiences:

SC Dogs Distillery - Add £12 per person. Take a guided tour around this charming micro-distillery serving rum and vodka. Includes tasting. No dogs please.

St Martin’s Vineyard - Add £12 per person. Visit the wildflowerfilled vineyard for an introductory talk by the owner followed by a self-guided tour around the vines, finishing with a tasting flight of four wines. No dogs please.

Guide: Anna Browne

Time: 10.45am – 1.45pm Meet: Lower Town Quay

Max No People: 15 for the walk

Family Friendly: Yes Dogs Welcome: Yes

Walk Grade: Moderate/hard Cost: £15.00 per person

(Additional experiences, lunch and boat ticket not included)

Friday 19th April

The Beehive Tour and Taster

TRESCO

Met by Beekeeper, Jilly, you’ll explore the nectar rich gardens, home of the Scilly Bees including their hives, the Scilly Bee Project and the bee community. Finish with a taste of the fine golden honey and join the Q&A at Tresco Abbey Garden.

Guide: Jilly Halliday

Time: 11am - 1pm Meet: Entrance to Tresco Abbey Garden

Max No People: 12 Family Friendly: Yes

Dogs Welcome: No

Cost: £28 per person

Walk Grade: Easy

Booking: www.tresco.co.uk/enjoying/events

Image: Tresco Island

Saturday 20th April

Uninhabited Teän

TEÄN

A rare opportunity to explore this beautiful island with local archaeologist Dr Katharine Sawyer. Teän has a long history of occupation, and this walk will take in sites from the prehistoric period to the 20th century. You will visit a Bronze Age burial chamber, the early medieval chapel and cemetery and the remains of houses from the 17th and 18th centuries. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy the views from Great Hill. There are no facilities on the island and there will be a beach landing. Sturdy footwear is essential. Dog owners, be aware that you will be responsible for getting your dog(s) from the boat to the dinghy and from the dinghy to the beach. Please wear walking shoes or trainers.

Guide: Dr Katharine Sawyer

Time: 1.45pm - 4.15pm (arrive back at St. Mary’s at approx 5pm)

Meet: Scilly Walks board on St. Mary’s Quay at 1.45pm to catch a 2pm boat

Max No People: 35

Family Friendly: Yes

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Walk Grade: Moderate/hard (beach landing from a boat)

Cost: £11.50 per person (boat ticket not included)

To book, go to visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly

Sunday 21st April

Feathers & Flippers: Scilly Seabirds and Seals

ST. MARY’S / ST. AGNES

Join birder and environment academic Dr Rob Lambert plus a local SMBA boatman, on a marine meander inside the archipelago in search of breeding seabirds, passage wading birds, sea ducks, divers, and Atlantic grey seals. The sea safari will focus on the seabird city of Mincarlo (Norrard Rocks) with a dash over to Annet. Dogs on leads welcome. Bring binoculars and a warm jacket.

Guides: Dr Rob Lambert & Joe Pender, SMBA Skipper

Time: 2pm – 4.30pm

Max No People: 51+

Dogs Welcome: Yes

Meet: St. Mary’s Quay

Family Friendly: Yes

Walk Grade: Easy – on a boat!

Cost: £22.00 per person (boat ticket included)

Image: Joe Pender

Book your walks and travel

BOOK TICKETS

Book your tickets at visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly

For further help and information, contact our friendly team at the Tourist Information Centre at Porthcressa Bank, St. Mary’s T: 01720 620600 | info@visitislesofscilly.com

Lunch/refreshments are not included in the price of walks, unless stated otherwise. Walkers are welcome to bring along their own snacks and pack lunches, and we recommend everyone carries water.

No refunds will be given unless the walk is cancelled by the organisers.

TRAVEL TO THE ISLANDS

If you’re travelling for this event, get a 20% travel discount with Isles of Scilly Travel or a 10% discount with Penzance Helicopter during the stated travel periods. Just quote the relevant code during the booking process.

Isles of Scilly Travel - islesofscilly-travel.co.uk:

Quote SPRING24 – for travel on all routes between 29/03/24 and 26/04/24

Penzance Helicopters – penzancehelicopters.co.uk:

Quote WALKSCILLY - travel between 11/04/24 and 25/04/24

Inter-Island Boating

For off island walks, boats leave St. Mary’s Quay promptly at 10am or 10.15am. We recommend you arrive on the quay by 9.45am in order not to miss your boat. We are not liable for walks that are unattended. Boating schedules can be found on St. Mary’s Quay, at the Tourist Information Centre (01720 620600) or by following St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association on FB: @stmarysboatmensassociation.

If you’re staying on Tresco, St. Martin’s or Bryher and wish to attend a Walk Scilly event, Tresco Boat Services (01720 423373) and St Mary’s Boating will provide a boating service. Costs may vary. If you’re holidaying on St. Agnes, contact St Agnes Boating to discuss your options before you purchase your walking tickets: stagnesboating.co.uk.

Our Walk Scilly Supporters

With thanks to our supporters Isles of Scilly Travel, Penzance Helicopters, Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association. Our travel operators are supporting Walk Scilly 2024 with discounted travel tickets. See page 17.

Isles of Scilly Travel operate Skybus flights from Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End Airports, journeying from 15 minutes to 1 hour, and the Scillonian III passenger ferry from Penzance direct to St. Mary’s, March through November, with a journey time of 2 hours 45 minutes. Dogs allowed. Travel can be booked online at islesofscilly-travel.co.uk

IG: @islesofscillytravel

Penzance Helicopters operate flights all-year-round between Penzance Heliport and St. Mary’s and Tresco Island and takes just 15 minutes one way. Dogs allowed. Travel can be booked online at penzancehelicopters.co.uk

IG: @penzancehelicopters

Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Scilly’s only local independent conservation charity, is supporting Walk Scilly by protecting Scilly’s pristine natural environment as well as keeping the permissive paths so pristine for us all to enjoy! You can donate here: ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk |

IG: @ScillyWildlife

St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association are an association of 10 independently owned boats, operating together from St. Mary’s to provide a boating service within and around the Isles of Scilly. They also offer a selection of circular trips to view seals, seabirds, and other wildlife tours. scillyboating.co.uk

FB: @stmarysboatmensassociation

To book, go to visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly