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.
Welcome Event - 11th April
Welcome Drinks & Nibbles
ST. MARY’S
Join our 2025 Walk Scilly welcome event to meet our walk and naturalist experts and discover all about the island’s history and wildlife and the walks that will take place in this year’s programme.
On the Quay are delighted to extend their Early Bird Menu to all those who attend. Go to onthequay.com for all details and to book.
Time: 5pm - 6.30pm Meet: On the Quay Kitchen & Bar
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 11th April
A mindful walk, sea swim & sauna
ST. MARY’S
Join Bryony from Adventure Scilly for an energising walk to breathe deeply, get the body moving and enjoy the raw beauty of the island. We will stop somewhere sheltered for guided breath-work, yoga & meditation to help us feel grounded and closely connected to our surroundings.
A more mindful walk will bring us back to Town Beach by Mincarlo where we will take an invigorating dip in the sea followed by a sauna to feel refreshed and calm. Please bring a towel or something to sit/lie on for the meditation (and the sauna) and swimwear for the dip and sauna.
Guides: Bryony Lishman
Time: 1.30pm - 5.30pm Meet: Mincarlo Guest House
Max No People: 8
Family Friendly: Contact Bryony at info@adventurescilly.co.uk
Dogs Welcome: Contact Bryony at info@adventurescilly.co.uk
Walk Grade: Easy - 5km
Cost: £16.50
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Saturday 12th April
Shipwrecks of St. Agnes
ST. AGNES
Join local researcher Kate Hale on a half day 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 sites of the wrecks and tell you the sometimes sad, dramatic or heroic stories surrounding their demise. Poetry, artefacts and photographs animate the stories further. Kate was previously Curator of the Isles of Scilly Museum.
Guide: Kate Hale
Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm. 3hr walk ends on St. Agnes. Participants to make their own way back to St. Mary’s.
Meet: 9.45am St. Mary’s Quay ticket office or St. Agnes Quay 10.30am. Times might change due to tides.
Max No People: 15
Family Friendly: Yes Dogs Welcome: Yes
Walk Grade: Moderate (Includes a difficult/high style)
Cost: £22.00 (boat ticket not included)
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
A Light Introduction to Jogging
ST. MARY’S
Join Bryony from Adventure Scilly for a light-hearted jog/ walk (Scilly’s answer to couch-5k!) - perfect for anyone who “doesn’t run”. A very easy-going, light intro to jogging for pleasure, with a warm up and cool down.
Guides: Bryony Lishman
Time: 9am - 10.30am
Max No People: 8
Meet: Mincarlo Guest House
Family Friendly: Please get in touch with Bryony at info@adventurescilly.co.uk
Dogs Welcome: Please get in touch with Bryony at info@adventurescilly.co.uk
Walk Grade: N/A - 5km
Cost: £11.00
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Image: Neil Partridge
Sunday 13th April
Sunrise Meditation Walk
ST. MARY’S
Start the day in a special way with the rising sun! Meet Bryony at the Porthmellon Slipway on St. Mary’s, then head around to Deep Point, Porth Hellick, and back.
Please bring a mat or towel to sit on and to practice a few sun salutations (optional). Mat hire available. Contact Bryony to arrange at info@adventurescilly.co.uk.
Guide: Bryony Lishman
Time: 5.15am - 7.45am Meet: Slipway at Porthmellon Beach
Max No People: 15 Family Friendly: No Dogs Welcome: No
Walk Grade: Hard - 6km, some parts in low light
Cost: £11.00
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Image: Bryony Lishman
Uninhabited Samson
SAMSON
An opportunity to find out about the history of Samson, the largest of Scilly’s uninhabited islands, with island archaeologist Dr Katharine Sawyer. You will visit both the evocative postmediaeval 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.
Guide: Dr Katharine Sawyer
Time: 1.45pm – 4.45pm (arrive back at St. Mary’s at approx. 5.15pm).
Meet: Meet at the Scilly Walks board on St. Mary’s Quay at 1.45pm to catch a 2pm boat.
Max No People: 30
Family Friendly: Yes Dogs Welcome: Yes, on leads
Walk Grade: Hard (beach landing from a boat)
Cost: £11.00 per person (boat ticket not included)
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Image: Chris Hall
Scilly Rockpool Safari
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 identify 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
Time: 11.15am
Meet: Porthcressa Slipway (library end), St. Mary’s
Max No People: 10
Dogs Welcome: Yes
Family Friendly: Yes
Walk Grade: Easy/moderate (slippery rocks & wet feet)
Cost: Adult £16.50 | Child(3yrs+) £11.00
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Image: Scilly Rockpool Safaris
Monday 14th April
Morning / Afternoon Walk with Will Wagstaff
TRESCO
Join local ornithologist Will Wagstaff for a walk on Tresco Island.
During the morning you will explore the two largest pools on Scilly and in the afternoon the contrasting eastern side of the island, 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.
Guide: Will Wagstaff
Time: 10.30am
Time: 2pm
Max No People: 20 per walk
Dogs Welcome: Yes, on leads
Meet: Carn Near Quay
Meet: New Grimsby Quay
Family Friendly: Yes
Walk Grade: Moderate
Cost: £11.00 per person half day | £22.00 per person full day (boat ticket not included).
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Image: Gareth Tibbs
The Best of Bryher
BRYHER
Every islander always thinks that their island is the best – but Bryher really is! And to prove it take a trip around the best of what Bryher has to offer, sampling the ‘Best Beach’, ‘The Best Place to watch the Sunset’, ‘The Best View’, ‘The Best Seafood Lunch’ (included in the price) as well as a range of other ‘best ofs’ led by local Bryher resident Amanda Pender.
Please make any allergies known at the time of booking. The first stop will be the best beach on Bryher and will include a coffee break.
Guide: Amanda Pender
Time: 10.30am (when the boat arrives on Bryher) – 4pm.
Meet: Bryher, with a lobster lunch at Island Fish.
Max No People: 15 Family Friendly: Yes
Dogs Welcome: Yes, on leads Walk Grade: Moderate - 10-12km
Cost: £38.50 (boat ticket not included)
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Image: Gareth Tibbs
Tuesday 15th April
Prehistoric St. Mary’s
ST. MARY’S
A walk from Telegraph 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.
Guide: Dr Katharine Sawyer
Time: 10.15am - 1.15pm
Meet: Telegraph Hill (opposite Telegraph Tower) OR bus stop on Holgate’s Green to catch 10am bus (additional cost).
Max No People: 30 Family Friendly: Yes
Dogs Welcome: Yes, on leads Walk Grade: Moderate
Cost: £11.00
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Wednesday 16th April
Shipwrecks of Bryher
BRYHER
Join local researcher Kate Hale on a half day walk around Bryher to share the history of some of the island’s most noted shipwrecks, including the famous stranding of the SS Minnehaha beyond Hell Bay in 1910. Shipwrecks were a defining aspect of Scillonian life for hundreds of years and during this rare opportunity, Kate will point out the sites of wrecks, and relate the sometimes sad, dramatic or heroic stories associated with them. Poetry, artefacts, and photographs animate the stories further. Kate was previously Curator of the Isles of Scilly Museum.
Guide: Kate Hale
Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm (3hrs) The walk will end on Bryher. Participants to make their own way back to St. Mary’s.
Meet: 9.45am St. Mary’s Quay ticket office OR meet at Bryher Quay at 10.30am.
Max No People: 15 Family Friendly: Yes
Dogs Welcome: Yes Walk Grade: Moderate
Cost: £22.00 (boat ticket not included)
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
The Beehive Tour and Taster
TRESCO
Met by island Beekeeper Jilly, you’ll explore the lives of the Scilly Bees. Starting in the nectar rich gardens, learn about the hives that thrive amidst the flora there. Jilly will then lead you beyond the garden walls to the incredible community-built Rocket Hives and inform you about the Scilly Bee Project and wider bee community. Finish with a taste of the fine golden honey and a Q&A at Tresco Abbey Garden.
Guide: Jilly Halliday
Time: 11am - 1pm
Max No People: 12
Meet: Tresco Abbey Garden entrance
Family Friendly: Yes
Dogs Welcome: Yes Walk Grade: Easy
Cost: £28 per person (boat ticket not included)
Booking: tresco.co.uk/enjoying/events
Image: Tresco Island
Seals, Seabirds and People: a journey into our eco-cultural past
ON THE SEA
Join environmental historian Dr Rob Lambert plus a local SMBA skipper, on a marine meander inside the archipelago in search of Nature-People stories about breeding seabirds and Atlantic grey seals. This sea safari will focus on the seabird city of Mincarlo (Norrard Rocks) and the protected island of 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 & SMBA skipper
Time: 10.15am - 1pm
Max No People: 50+
Dogs Welcome: Yes
Meet: St. Mary’s Quay
Family Friendly: Yes
Walk Grade: Easy – on a boat!
Cost: £24 Adult | £12 Child U16
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Image: J Pender Photography
Thursday 17th April
Wildlife of Bryher BRYHER
Join local ornithologist Will Wagstaff on a gentle walk looking at the flora and fauna of Bryher from the Dwarf Pansies to any migrant and 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: 10.40am
Time: 2pm
Meet: Bar (Anneka’s) Quay, Bryher
Meet: Outside entrance of Hell Bay Hotel
Max No People: 20 per walk
Family Friendly: Yes
Dogs Welcome: Yes, on leads Walk Grade: Moderate
Cost: £11.00 per person half day | £22.00 per person full day (boat ticket not included).
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Image: Gareth Tibbs
Friday 18th April
Walk Scilly – a 5 Island Adventure
ST. MARY’S
Join Wez for a walk like no other! Surrounded by spectacular scenery as you cover all 5 inhabited islands of the Isles of Scilly.
This Multi-Island adventure will see you starting in the dark at 5.30am down on the quiet quay of St. Mary’s, heading around the Garrison by torch light, enjoying a Sunrise as we pass around Peninnis Head. Then boarding your private boat and heading off to complete 4 more circumnavigations of the islands of St. Agnes, Bryher, Tresco and St. Martin’s. This is a very long day out, showcasing the spectacular scenery and beautiful trails that surround our islands. This guided walk is 55km and will need the group to walk at 3 miles per hour. Participants may be asked to stop if they can’t hold this pace.
Boat transfers, celebratory meal and T-shirt are included. For more info visit scilly60.co.uk/walk-scilly/
Guide: Wez Swain
Time: 5.30am
Meet: St. Mary’s Quay
Max No People: 24 Family Friendly: Age 16+ or contact Wez if younger - hello@scilly60.co.uk
Dogs Welcome: No Walk Grade: Hard - 55km
Cost: £190.00 per person (boat ticket included)
Booking: scilly60.co.uk
Saturday
19th 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 mediaeval 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.
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: 30 Family Friendly: Yes
Dogs Welcome: Yes, on leads. 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.
Walk Grade: Moderate/hard (beach landing from a boat)
Cost: £11.00 per person (boat ticket not included)
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Shipwrecks of St. Martin’s
ST. MARTIN’S
Join local researcher Kate Hale on a half day walk around St. Martin’s to share the history of some of the island’s most noted shipwrecks, including the story of why the daymark was given its stripes. Shipwrecks were a defining aspect of Scillonian life for hundreds of years and during this rare opportunity, Kate will point out the sites of wrecks, and relate the sometimes sad, dramatic or heroic stories associated with them. Poetry, artefacts and photographs animate the stories further. Kate was previously Curator of the Isles of Scilly Museum.
Guide: Kate Hale
Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm (3hrs) The walk will end on St. Martin’s. Participants to make their own way back to St. Mary’s.
Meet: 9.45am St. Mary’s Quay ticket office OR 10.30am
St. Martin’s Quay.
Max No People: 15
Dogs Welcome: Yes
Family Friendly: Yes
Walk Grade: Moderate
Cost: £22.00 (boat ticket not included)
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
Image: Gareth Tibbs
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 (additional cost) at The Seven Stones Inn. To extend your day even further, from 2.30pm, join owner Andrew for a Distillery Tour of SC Dogs. Anna can take you to your venue before you depart for the boat back to St. Mary’s.
SC Dogs Distillery - Additional cost of £12 per person. Includes tasting and tour. No Dogs. Book here: scdogs.co.uk/distillerytours-tastes
Guide: Anna Browne
Time: 10.45am – 1.45pm
Max No People: 20
Dogs Welcome: Yes
Meet: Higher Town Quay, St. Martin’s
Family Friendly: Yes
Walk Grade: Moderate
Cost: £18.00 per person (boat ticket not included)
Booking: visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly
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 10% travel discount with Isles of Scilly Travel or Penzance Helicopters during the stated travel periods. Just quote the relevant code during the booking process.
Isles of Scilly Travel - islesofscilly-travel.co.uk:
Quote WALK25 – for 10% off travel between 10/04/25 and 21/04/25.
Penzance Helicopters – penzancehelicopters.co.uk:
Quote WALKSCILLY - for 10% off travel between 10/04/24 and 21/04/25.
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.
Image: Tom Young
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 2025 with discounted travel tickets. See page 21.
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
