You’ll find below a listing of the walks and events, many new for Walk Scilly08! All guided walks and talks £5 per person except Tresco Abbey Garden walks (£10 to include Garden entry). Maximum of 25 people on each guided walk. Booking for guided walks essential. Book using the booking form on this site or by phoning Scilly Tourist Office on 01720 422536.
Grade of walk - 1, 2 or 3 footprints
1 footprint - easy stroll on road and path, level walk, no hills
2 footprints - fairly easy walk on road and path, some incline
3 footprints - fairly strenuous, several inclines/hills on path and road
Peninnis Ramble -
A Walk to the Bar -
St Agnes Top to Toe -
Marine Life, St Martin's * -
Beaches & Coastline -
Narcissi Flower Walk -
Bryher Top to Toe -
Prehistoric Gugh -
West End Wildlife -
Gugh Wildlife -
Ancient Agnes -
Spiritual Walk -
Astronomy Walk –
Halangy -
St Martin’s Top to Toe -
Beaches & Moors -
St Mary’s Treasure Hunt -
Bat Walk -
St Mary’s Top to Toe -
Beachcombing St Mary’s -
Flowers & Foreshore -
White Island and More -
Kew with the Roof Off -
A Walk to Chapel -
Prehistoric St Martin’s -
The Garrison -
Castles of the North -
Tresco Pools -
Samson Top to Toe -
Photography Walk St Mary’s -
War and Peace on Tresco -
Walk on the Wild Side -
Kew with the Roof Off -
Ghost Walk -
Tresco Top to Toe -
Humans on Samson -
Samson Sea and Shorebirds -
The Deep South -
Shipman Head Down -
Geology of Scilly -
Flowers of Scilly -
Charity Walk & Closing Party -
Evening Events
* new walks/events for Walk Scilly08
Monday - 24 March
Peninnis Ramble
Time: 10.15am Meet: Holgates Green Guide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Coastal walk taking in dramatic headland of Peninnis and lighthouse. Stroll via Old Town church and beach before a visit to a working flower farm.
A Walk to the Bar
Time: 10.15am Meet: Sunnyside Farm Guide: Martin Hesp Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Wonderful walk along St Mary’s eastern flank. Take in fantastic views along the coast from Pelistry Beach round via Innisidgen burial chamber and Bar Point to Porthmellon beach before heading back towards Hughtown.
St Agnes Top to Toe *
Time: 10.45am Meet: Turks Head Pub Guide: Richard McCarthy Duration: allow 4 hrs Grade:
One of a number of new, longer walks for the 08 festival. Fantastic walk along the length of the Agnes coastal path. Expect great views of the Western Rocks, Samson, Bryher, Tresco and St Mary’s along the way.
Marine Life, St Martin's *
Time: 11.15am Meet: Lower Town Quay Guide: Anna Cawthray Duration: allow 2.5hrs Grade:
Join local diver Anna Cawthray, on a fascinating low tide walkwhich will explore the abundant marine life along the shore of the beautiful island of St Martin’s.
Beaches & Coastline
Time: 2pm Meet: Portmellon Gig Sheds Guide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Lookout for migrant birds that frequent Scilly during early spring. Follow the Lower Moors nature trail taking in Old Town, Porth Mellon and Town beaches as you go.
Narcissi Flower Walk *
Time: 2pm Meet: Lower Town Quay Guide: Zoe Julian (TBC) Duration: approx. 2.5hrs Grade:
Learn about the fascinating history of Scilly narcissi flower production on a scenic walk around the flowers fields and farms of St Martin’s with a local flower grower while taking in great coastal and inland views of all the Islands.
Tuesday - 25 March
Bryher Top to Toe *
Time: 10.30am Meet: The Bar Quay Guide: Martin Hesp Duration: allow 4 hrs Grade:
Another longer walk for Walk Scilly08. Explore the island of hills and enjoy magnificent views across the Norrard Rocks as well as the entire archipelago from the top of Samson and Watch Hill.
Prehistoric Gugh
Time: 10.30am Meet: Turks Head Pub Guide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Take a stroll around this fascinating island looking at a host of Bronze Age and other notable sites including the well known Old Man of Gugh.
West End Wildlife
Time: 10.30am Meet: Turks Head PubGuide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Explore the western end of St Agnes which offers breathtaking views across the western rocks to Bishop Rock lighthouse. Keep on the lookout for shore and sea birds in coves dotted along this coast.
Gugh Wildlife
Time: 2pm Meet: Turks Head PubGuide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Learn more about the flora and fauna of this island with an introduction to the variety of native and migrant birds as well as some of the early flowering plants.
Ancient Agnes
Time: 2pm Meet: Turks Head PubGuide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
There is a wealth of sites from the prehistoric to post-medieval periods which will be explored on a walk around St Agnes to Wingletang Down.
Spiritual Walk *
Time: 2pm Meet: Methodist ChapelGuide: Rev. David Easton Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
New for 08, enjoy a reflective walk exploring the history of the three churches on St Mary’s; Star of the Sea Catholic Church, St Mary’s Church and Old Town Church where the ex Prime Minister and lover of Scilly Sir Harold Wilson is buried.
Astronomy Walk *
Time: 8.30pm Meet: Porthmellon BeachGuide: George Teideman Duration: 2 hrs Grade:
Bring your binoculars and enjoy weather permitting, some of the clearest skies in the UK! Free from light and industrial pollution, Scilly offers the night sky watcher a stellar show!
Wednesday - 26 March
Halangy
Time: 10am Meet: Holgates Green Guide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Explore some of the finest prehistoric remains on Scilly, with a stroll up to Bant’s Carn burial chamber and Halangy Down, a superb example of an Iron Age village dating from about 200BC.
St Martin’s Top to Toe *
Time: 11am Meet: Lower Town QuayGuide: Zoe Julian (TBC) Duration: allow 4 hrs Grade:
Walk the coastal path of St Martin’s past white sandy coves, dramatic headlands and colourful flower fields. Take in superb views fro Chapel Down to Land’s End on a clear day as well as St Mary’s, Tresco, Tean and St Helen’s.
Beaches & Moors
Time: 2pm Meet: Juliet’s GardenGuide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Holy Vale to Porth Hellick via the pool and nature reserve, one of 27 Sites of Special Scientific Interest looking for migrant and resident birds and the abundant flora along the way.
St Mary’s Treasure Hunt *
Time: 2pm Meet: Carn ThomasGuide: Meriel Williams Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
One for adults and children alike! Follow the clues dotted around St Mary’s and seek out the treasure!
Bat Walk
Time: 8pm Meet: Holgates GreenGuide: Mike Gurr Duration: approx 1.5 hrs Grade:
Take a fascinating walk around St Mary’s on the lookout for the Pipistrelle bat. There are certain hotspots across Scilly and with any luck we’ll find one of them!
Thursday - 27 March
St Mary’s Top to Toe *
Time: 10am Meet: Holgates Green Guide: Sophie Hughes Duration: allow 6 hrs Grade:
Explore Scilly’s largest island, walking the length of the coastal path, past beaches and castles, churches and cliffs, moors and headlands. See for yourself what makes this such a fascinating and unique island.
Beachcombing St Mary’s *
Time: 10am Meet: Town Beach Slipway Guide: Carrie Skaife (TBC) Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
One of the lovely aspects of beachcombing is that you just never know what you might find! Keep on the lookout for unusual shells, plant and marine life and even pottery or jewellery from shipwrecks.
Flowers & Foreshore
Time: 11am Meet: Lower Town Quay Guide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Take in wonderful views of Round Island, Tean and Tresco as you explore the rich and diverse wildlife along the coast of St Martin’s.
White Island and More *
Time: 11am Meet: Lower Town Quay Guide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Beautiful Great Bay and the less visited White Island are just two destinations on this fascinating historical walk that explores St Martin’s northern flank.
Kew with the Roof Off
Time: 11.30am Meet: Tresco Abbey GardenGuide: Mike Nelhams/Andrew Lawson Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Great opportunity to visit the world famous Abbey Garden with over 18 acres of exotic plants and trees from Africa, Asia and Oceania that grow on Scilly thanks to the favourable climate.
A Walk to Chapel
Time: 2pm Meet: Polreath CafeGuide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
A wildlife walk with Will Wagstaff exploring the diverse selection of Flora and Fauna to be found on this special part of St Martin's.
Prehistoric St Martin’s *
Time: 2pm Meet: Polreath CafeGuide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Stroll across Chapel Down with its prehistoric and Napoleonic remains. Take in the views from the historic day mark that include Cornwall on a clear day, before heading towards Great Bay. Optional 20 min tour of St Martin’s Vineyard at end of walk.
Friday - 28 March
The Garrison
Time: 10.15am Meet: Douglas ChemistsGuide: Richard Larn Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
The Garrison is one of the most fascinating areas of St Mary’s. Explore the maritime and general history of this place taking in wonderful views of Tresco, Bryher, Samson and St Agnes as you go.
Castles of the North *
Time: 10.45am Meet: New Grimsby QuaryGuide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Another new walk for the 08 festival explore the historical castle sites on Tresco, King Charles and Cromwell’s Castle, perched high on Castle Down, while taking in the great views down Tresco Channel to Samson and St Mary’s beyond.
Tresco Pools
Time: 10.45am Meet: New Grimsby Quay Guide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
With the largest pools on the Islands, Tresco is a magnet for wildfowl and other water loving birds. Spend the morning exploring this unique habitat before visiting the open downs.
Samson Top to Toe *
Time: 11am Meet: Samson BeachGuide: Julie Love Duration: allow 4 hrs Grade:
Explore this special and atmospheric island with its ruinous human dwellings, an indication of the solitary existence living on this tiny isle must once have been. It is also a haven for wildlife and you will learn about the efforts being undertaken to preserve its’ unique status on this engaging and in-depth walk.
Photography Walk St Mary’s *
Time: 2pm Meet: Holgates GreenGuide: Alisdair McNichol Duration: approx 2.5hrs Grade:
The Islands are a photographer’s dream. You certainly don’t have to be an expert to enjoy this walk, where you’ll be taken to some of St Mary’s best and most interesting vantage points to try and get that perfect shot!
War and Peace on Tresco *
Time: 2pm Meet: Estate OfficeGuide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5hrs Grade:
Tresco, like all the Islands has a fascinating human history, from prehistoric times to the present day. Find out about its role in many conflicts especially the Middle Ages on this new for 08 festival, informative walk.
Walk on the Wild Side
Time: 2pm Meet: Tresco Abbey GardenGuide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
The northern end of Tresco in great contrast to the southern flank, is rugged and exposed. Explore Castle Down, a beautiful moorland area, on the lookout for local and migratory bird species.
Kew with the Roof Off
Time: 2pm Meet: Tresco Abbey GardenGuide: Mike Nelhams/Andrew Lawson Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Another opportunity in the week to visit the world famous Abbey Garden with over 18 acres of exotic plants and trees from Africa, Asia and Oceania that grow on Scilly thanks to the favourable climate.
Ghost Walk *
Time: 8.30pm Meet: Holgates GreenGuide: George Teideman Duration: approx 1.5 hrs Grade:
With a history full of shipwrecks, smuggling and piracy, Scilly is sure to throw up the odd spooky tale or two! Explore some of the more spinetingling ones on this moonlit (hopefully!) walk, if you dare!
Saturday - 29 March
Tresco Top to Toe *
Time: 11am Meet: New Grimsby Quay Guide: Andrew Lawson (TBC) Duration: allow 4hrs Grade:
Tresco is an island of contrasts; beautiful white sandy beaches and lush gardens to the south, rugged headlands, cliffs and moorlands to the north. Explore all of these habitats on this diverse and incredibly scenic round the coast walk.
Humans on Samson
Time: 11am Meet: Samson Beach Guide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Samson has a remarkable history of human habitation. You will see examples of how man, from prehistoric times to the present day has had an influence on this incredible desert island, which has been uninhabited since 1855.
Samson Sea and Shorebirds
Time: 11am Meet: Samson Beach Guide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Samson is also an extremely important bird sanctuary with many feeding waders and seabirds. A walk along the shoreline and beach will also reveal many other treasures.
The Deep South
Time: 2pm Meet: The Bar QuayGuide: Will Wagstaff Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
A coastal walk around the southern end of the island of hills. Walk Samson Hill which affords magnificent views across the entire archipelago before heading off to beautiful Rushy Bay.
Shipman Head Down *
Time: 2pm Meet: The Bar Quay Guide: Katharine Sawyer Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Explore one of the most dramatic headlands on Scilly which is also home to numerous prehistoric burial chambers and other sites of historical interest, on another one of the new walks for Walk Scilly08.
Geology of Scilly *
Time: 2pm Meet: Holgates Green Guide: Nigel Pearson (TBC) Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
What makes up Scilly? Why is it the size and shape that it is? Why is the sand so white? These questions and more will be answered on an engaging stroll around St Mary’s exploring this fascinating granite island.
Flowers of Scilly *
Time: 2pm Meet: Holgates Green Guide: Rosemary Parslow Duration: approx 2.5 hrs Grade:
Scilly has a wonderful variety of plants and flowers, some rare and many found nowehere else. Learn a little more about some of the species found along the coastline and heathlands on this informative and informal walk.
Sunday - 30 March
Charity Walk & Closing Party
Time: 11am Registration: Scillonian Club from 10amDuration: allow 3hrs Grade:
Join the whole Island community on a stroll around St Mary’s. Take in great views of the entire archipelago as you explore Scilly’s largest island, followed by a warming stew and blues music. Proceeds to charity.
Evening Events
When: Monday 24th March Time: 8pm till late Where: Scillonian Club What: Soul Food, 08 opening party- £15
The colourful Walk Scilly 2008 festival opens with an evening of food, music and merriment at the Scillonian Club. Join us for a sumptuous buffet and live blues band.
When: Tuesday 25th March Time: 8.15pm Where: Methodist Hall What: Talk Scilly History
Fascinating talk charting Scillonian history from prehistoric times to the present day. From cairns to castles, shipwrecks to flower farming, this engaging presentation by Katharine Sawyer is packed with interesting titbits.
When: Wednesday 26th March Time: 7pm till late Where: New Inn, Tresco What: Live Music and Hog Roast *
Make your way to the New Inn on Tresco for what promises to be a great evening of music and fun with some great food thrown in!
When: Wednesday 26th March Time: 8.15pm Where: Methodist Hall What: Talk Gig Boats on Scilly *
Join local Steve Watt for what’s sure to be a lively and interesting talk charting the amazing history of gig boats on Scilly.
When: Thursday 27th March Time: 8.15pm Where: Methodist Hall What: Talk Underwater Scilly
Scilly has an amazingly rich maritime heritage, as well as some of the greatest concentrations of shipwrecks anywhere in Europe. This will be explored and more in this engaging presentation by Richard Larn.
When: Friday 28th March Time: 7pm till late Where: Fraggle Rock, Bryher What: Fish & Chip Night *
Head over to Scilly’s smallest pub Fraggle Rock, for another great night of food and music!
When: Sat 29th March Time: 8.15pm Where: Church Hall What: Talk Wildlife of Scilly
Scilly has a huge variety of flora and fauna, one of the reasons the Islands are a designated AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). This talk, by local expert Will Wagstaff, is an island by island tour of Scilly and its wildlife illustrating what makes it so special.
Peninnis Ramble - A Walk to the Bar - St Agnes Top to Toe - Marine Life, St Martin’s * - Beaches & Coastline - Narcissi Flower Walk - Bryher Top to Toe - Prehistoric Gugh - West End Wildlife - Gugh Wildlife - Ancient Agnes - Spiritual Walk - Astronomy Walk – Halangy - St Martin’s Top to Toe - Beaches & Moors - St Mary’s Treasure Hunt - Bat Walk - St Mary’s Top to Toe - Beachcombing St Mary’s - Flowers & Foreshore - White Island and More - Kew with the Roof Off - A Walk to Chapel - Prehistoric St Martin’s - The Garrison - Castles of the North - Tresco Pools - Samson Top to Toe - Photography Walk St Mary’s - War and Peace on Tresco - Walk on the Wild Side - Kew with the Roof Off - Ghost Walk - Tresco Top to Toe - Humans on Samson - Samson Sea and Shorebirds - The Deep South - Shipman Head Down - Maritime St Mary’s - Geology of Scilly - Flowers of Scilly - Charity Walk & Closing Party - Evening Events