Isles of Scilly 2013 dates: August 19th - 26th.
Some of the finest coastal walking in the world on a unique archipelago of beautiful islands with white sand beaches and sub tropical vegetation, 28 miles off-shore from Lands End, West Cornwall.
Walking and exploring these island’s unique ambience, landscapes, wildlife and archaeology - with the best seascapes in the western world! Also really great swimming and top notch cuisine.
The Scilly Isles are an exquisite archipelago of about 100 granite islets, many un-inhabited - but some five with permanent populations. We shall stay on St Mary’s (the largest - some 12 miles in circumference) and we will use the wonderful passenger launches to access a different island each day.
We shall walk on St Mary’s, St Agnes, Bryher, Tresco, St Martins and perhaps the un-inhabited island of Samson.These islands are composed of granite and they do not have any high hills - the highest point being only 150 feet above sea level. However, there are still spectacular granite headlands with cliffs some 100 feet high. On most of the islands there are numerous white sand beaches and incredibly eroded granite outcrops - with a face on every one!
The islands are home to a large number of prehistoric monuments: in particular, chambered burial tombs dating from the late Neolithic early Bronze Age. It seems that in ancient times, it was most desirable for tribal chieftains to have themselves "laid to rest" on these islands - which says something about their mysterious beauty. Some even believe that King Arthur is buried here...
This holiday has been featured by the renowned travel writer Nick Haslam in The Times Online - Read it here (warning - requires a Sunday Times subscription).
Western Maritime Heath is profuse here in August (a dense mix of colourful heathers and western short gorse). The islands have a wonderful almost sub-tropical flora, being bathed by the Gulf Stream, which keeps them mild the whole year round. They are famous for their heathlands and their early spring flowers - particularly NARCISSI and daffodils, echium, wild geranium - and later, great swathes of sea pinks and beautiful succulents such as wild Madeiran Geranium, mesembryanthemum and Hottentot fig. In summer, glorious blue and white agapanthus and other exotic flora are to be seen. On Tresco, there is a famous walled garden called “The Abbey Gardens”, which is set amongst the ruins of an old medieval priory from the 13th century. Created by Augustas Smith in the 1800's, the gardens now have many exotic rare plants and are truly sub-tropical in nature. Pepole come from all over the world to visit these unique gardens.
The islands are home to a large number of prehistoric monuments: in particular, chambered burial tombs dating from the late Neolithic early Bronze Age. It seems that in ancient times, it was most desirable for tribal chieftains to have themselves "laid to rest" on these islands - which says something about their mysterious beauty. Some even believe that King Arthur is buried here...
The wildlife is very varied, with seals, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, cormorants and many other species. There are numerous boat trips we can take to view the wildlife and the spectacular scenery. The waters are exceptionally clear and turquoise in colour, with fantastic sea weeds in abundance. We could even spot a turtle, dolphins or a shark. On past trips, we have seen both. Boat trips to the other islands from St Mary’s obviously depend to a certain extent on the prevailing weather, although they usually run every day.
Our usual plan is to spend a good day (perhaps more) exploring the largest island (St Mary’s) where we shall stay. This island has a circumference of approximately 12 miles and has the largest footpath network. It is also the most rural island, with large arable areas under cultivation. Then we propose that we boat to four of the other islands and walk clear around them in a day. Most of these islands are considerably smaller and can easily be explored in a day - leaving enough time to visit the Abbey Gardens on Tresco and also to be able to relax a little on remote beaches and on stunning cliff tops - covered in wild flowers - with spectacular “island studded” views in all directions. Here, there is always time for quiet contemplation.
Of all the beautiful qualities that these islands possess, the unique light is probably the one that is most commented on. The sea is usually an incredible azure turquoise blue/green - and so very very clear. The boat trips to and from the outer islands are a real treat in themselves. There is an ancient legend in Cornwall that there once existed an advanced culture on those islands then called Lyoness, which was destroyed in a great cataclysmic inundation back in the dark ages. There is some geological evidence that this may in fact have occurred.
The island’s history is long and convoluted - having been the home of many famous personages over historical time - if even just for a brief time. For example, the future King Charles 2nd came here to try and escape from Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. After Cromwell had murdered his brother Charles 1st, he did eventually return to England and become King... but that's a long story!
Price in 2013 for the eight day/seven night holiday is £1135 per person. No single room supplements (4 only). Variety of rooms available; several with beautiful sea views - singles, doubles, twins. We strongly suggest you book early to reserve either a single room, or one of the rooms with a sea view...
Includes fine B&B accommodation in wonderful guest house directly overlooking the sea - great full cooked English breakfasts, superb 3 course evening meals in a variety of very good local restaurants and excellent character pubs - most specializing in fish and other international cuisines. Also included are return boat rides to the outer islands and full guidance on each of the days.
Guide price for the "Scillonian" ferry from Penzance (2.5 hours), £95 return. There are also daily flights from several mainland airports: such as Southampton, Bristol, Plymouth, Newquay and St Just (Lands End). If you are looking for a B & B in Penzance perfectly situated for the ferry, try our our friends at the the Honeydew Guesthouse.
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