This book to walking on the Scilly Isles at the south-western edge of Britain includes 11 day walks and 4 boat trips, perfect for a fortnight away from it all. The walks are between 2 and 16k m 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 Tean 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, they reveal their 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 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.
Introduction
Location
Geology
Ancient History
Later History
Recent History
Getting to the Isles of Scilly
Getting around the Isles of Scilly
Boat Trips
Tourist Information and Accommodation
Maps of the Isles of Scilly
The Walks
Guided Walks
Island Flowers
Island Birds
Island Animals
Marine Park Wildlife
Fishing
Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust
The Duchy of Cornwall
The Plan of this Guide
Safety Matters
The Walks
Walk 1 Hugh Town Trail
Walk 2 The Garrison Wall
Walk 3 St Mary’s Coast
Walk 4 St Mary’s Nature Trails
Walk 5 The Gugh
Walk 6 St Agnes
Boat Trip 1 Annet and the Western Rocks
Walk 7 Samson
Walk 8 Bryher
Boat Trip 2 The Norrard Rocks
Walk 9 Tresco
Walk 10 Tresco Abbey Garden
Boat Trip 3 St Helen’s and Teän
Walk 11 St Martin’s
Boat Trip 4 The Eastern Isles
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Useful contacts
Paddy Dillon is a prolific outdoor writer with a score and more books to his name, as well as a dozen booklets and brochures. He writes for a number of outdoor magazines and other publications, as well as producing materials for tourism groups and other organisations. He lives on the fringe of the Lake District, and has walked, and written about walking, in every county in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.