Walk Scilly 2016 - Festival Programme

9th - 15th April 2016

Welcome to Walk Scilly 2016 Spring is here! Well, it certainly is on the Isles of Scilly and as anyone worth their salt will tell you, spring comes early to these islands. Being one of Britain’s warmest, most gorgeous locations has its advantages, so for anyone wanting to see what these are, a trip to the islands to take part in the Walk Scilly 2016 festival is a must.

Of course, there are many reasons to visit the Isles of Scilly throughout the year, but it is the fantastic Walk Scilly 2016 festival and its wonderful array of guided walks that are the best chance for the visitor to discover the archipelago and its beauty. I know this to be true as I’ve been lucky enough to have taken part in previous Walk Scilly festivals.

The islands are a paradise only twenty eight miles from mainland Britain and yet, whilst there are many things they have in common with their larger neighbour, anyone taking part

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in the festival will soon see why the islands are different in so many ways.

Until you’ve walked the white sandy bays and the rugged coastlines on a sunny morning in spring or experienced the majesty of the plant life on Tresco or spotted the beauty of the abundant wildlife across many of the islands it is really hard to picture the uplifting feeling one gets from visiting here.

If you stay for the whole week or just for a couple of days, the warm friendly welcome of the islanders plus the superb guidance of the knowledgeable walk leaders and the fun you will have on any one of the walks listed in this guide will mean you’ll want to stay longer.

Have a fantastic time.

Mark Pugh Walker and Isles of Scilly addict Editor, myCornwall magazine

www.visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly

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Making the most of your walks Grading of walks

Top Tips

1. Easy - easy stroll on concrete paths, mostly level walking with a few gentle inclines.

Some walks are jam packed with information so a little notebook may make sense, as might a sketchbook.

2. Moderate - fairly easy walking; some un-made paths, some beach walking, some inclines.

3. Hard - fairly strenuous, several hills/inclines; some narrow, uneven paths; beach landings on uninhabited island walks.

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Remember to quote ‘WLK’ when you book your transport with the Isles of Scilly Travel and you will receive a 10% discount.

Book online www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk or call 01736 334220.

Boating Please check the times of walks and boats when booking.

Return boat times will be given out on the boat – if in doubt ask your guide. Please note the Walk Scilly walks do not include the cost of any boat fares that may be required.

Discounted boat tickets can be purchased during Walk Scilly at the Tourist Information Centre at Porthcressa, St. Mary’s.

Equipment

Booking Tickets Unless otherwise indicated all of the events referred to in this programme require a ticket.

To obtain your walk and boat tickets please call the Walk Scilly Team on 01720 424036 or email your requirements to events@visitislesofscilly.com and we will get back to you.

The programme is subject to change, variation & cancellation.

The Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at Porthcressa, St. Mary’s is great place to find out more about Walk Scilly. Between 9th and 15th April there will be dedicated Walk Scilly assistants available from 9am – 5pm to answer all of your queries. You can contact the TIC on 01720 424031.

Most walks are best made in sturdy footwear or boots. The weather can change quickly on Scilly, so a light waterproof may be advisable some days.

By the same token, don’t forget suncream. In April, the sun on Scilly is quite strong.

Don’t forget your cameras!

Virtually every walk has its spectacular moments and you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss some great shots.

Finally, a water bottle is also advisable.

Dogs Some walks are suitable for accompaniment by our four legged friends but on others that could prove tricky. Those where we would have no problem having them along indicate this specifically. If you are not sure then please just ask at the time of booking.

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Saturday th April Welcome to Walk Scilly Party, Sponsored by The Mermaid Inn Meet: The Mermaid Inn, St. Mary’s Start: 6.30 pm Finish: 8.00 pm

A fun, informal get together hosted by The Mermaid Inn, situated at the entrance to St. Mary’s Harbour.

The Mermaid Inn was traditionally the haunt of smugglers, pirates and fishermen, and the pub is still firmly connected to its maritime past. Now the destination of choice for sailors and more legitimate boatmen, locals and visitors alike, the traditional main bar is the social hub of St. Mary’s.

So please come and join us at our Walk Scilly welcome party.

Enjoy a complimentary drink and bite to eat. The evening provides you with a chance to meet the guides and mingle with fellow walkers.

This event is free to anyone who is participating in Walk Scilly; please be sure to get your complimentary ticket at the time of booking your walks.

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Saturday 9th April

St. Mary’s - Welcome to Walk Scilly Ramble

St. Mary’s - “Wildlife on Scilly” slideshow

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s

Meet: The Church Hall (near Museum), St. Mary’s

Start: 2.00 pm

Start: 8.15 pm

Finish: 5.00 pm

Finish: 9.30 pm Host: Will Wagstaff

Join local zoologist and Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust Ranger Darren Hart on a gentle walk around the heart of St. Mary’s.

The route will include Holy Vale, passing through the islands’ largest mature elm woodland, the Higher Moors Nature Trail and on to Porth Hellick, before continuing up around the headland to Pelistry. Discover the quieter side of St. Mary’s and learn about our flora and fauna, landscapes and marine environments whilst walking through some of the land leased to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust by the Duchy of Cornwall.

Cost: £4.50 adult, £1.00 child* A regularly updated look at the islands wildlife including birds, flowers, butterflies and many other aspects of the islands’ flora and fauna.

Please purchase tickets on the door.

Max People: 30 Guide: Darren Hart Cost: £7.50pp

Grade: 2 * Children 10 and over.

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Sunday

th

8

April

St. Martin’s - Seaweed Surprise & Karma Tasters

Bryher - Top to Toe

Meet: Karma Hotel, St. Martin’s

Meet: Church Quay, Bryher

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for an 11.00 am start

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.45 am start

Finish: 2.00 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.30 pm

Finish: 4.15 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.30 pm

If you go down to the beach today, at low tide with Rachel Lambert, you’re surely in for a surprise. Rachel is a selfconfessed seaweed lover and foodie. She’ll passionately introduce you to a range of edible seaweeds with vastly differing tastes, textures and uses. You’ll be navigating between the low, middle and upper shores to discover these superior sea ingredients, before heading back to Karma St. Martin’s hotel to taste their gourmet delights.

Join local artist, fireman, water technician, gig coxswain and allround islander, Chris Potterton to celebrate the colour and contrast of his Bryher home, with a route taking you to see – everything! This walk will include sites of historical and geological significance as well as a lunch stop at Hell Bay Hotel. Dogs welcome on leads.

Max People: 20

Max People: 25

Guide: Rachel Lambert

Guide: Chris Potterton

Cost: £17.50pp

Cost: £12.50pp

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Grade: 2

Grade: 3

St. Mary’s - The Garrison & Star Castle

St. Martin’s - Gourmet Dinner

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s

Meet: Karma Hotel, St. Martin’s

Start: 10.30 am

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 6.00 pm for a 6.30 pm start

Finish: 12.30 pm

Finish: 9.45 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 10.00 pm

Enjoy a historical walk around the Garrison, the heavily fortified headland on St. Mary’s and frontline of England’s defences since the 16th Century.

This walk will give you the opportunity to appreciate breath-taking views across all the islands and learn about their intriguing past. The walk will also include a look inside the Star Castle Hotel, built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Dogs welcome on leads.

Take an evening boat to St. Martin’s and enjoy a sumptuous gourmet dinner at the Karma St. Martin’s hotel, including seasonal locally foraged foods.

Max People: 25

Max People: 25

Guide: George Teideman

Host: Rachel Lambert

Cost: £7.50pp

Cost: £35.00pp

Grade: 2

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Monday th April

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Monday 11th April

St. Mary’s - Wildlife Discovery

St. Agnes - The Shearwaters’ Return to St. Agnes

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s

Meet: The Turks Head, St. Agnes

Start: 10.00 am

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.45 am start

Finish: 4.30 pm

Finish: 1.15 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 3.45 pm or 4.45 pm

Join Scilly’s celebrated island ornithologist and naturalist, Will Wagstaff, on a fascinating day of wildlife discovery. The morning will be spent looking for shorebirds and other wildlife around the beaches of Hugh Town before following the Lower Moors nature trail.

Following a stop in Old Town for lunch, you will head around the scenic coast path towards the other nature trail at Porth Hellick. Both nature trails are havens for a variety of wildlife so who knows what you will find! The walk returns to Hugh Town via Holy Vale, through the island’s largest group of elms along some of the less walked tracks. Feel free to bring a packed lunch.

Learn about the Isles of Scilly Seabird Recovery Project and what is being done to reverse the decline in numbers of seabirds that have traditionally made their home here – including the siren of the sea, the Manx shearwater. The ever-effervescent Jaclyn will guide you across the sandbar to the island of Gugh to see some of the seabirds and secluded habitats that the Seabird Recovery Project is helping to support.

Max People: 20

Max People: 25

Guide: Will Wagstaff

Guide: Jaclyn Pearson

Cost: £14.50pp

Cost: £7.50pp

Grade: 3

Grade: 2

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Tresco - Top to Toe

St. Mary’s - Spring Feast Foraging Walk

Meet: New Grimsby Quay, Tresco

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.45 am start

Start: 10.30 am

Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

Finish: 1.30 pm

A stroll across Tresco is a stroll through the island’s fascinating past and present. Discover the ruggedly beautiful north of the island, including the natural phenomenon that is Piper’s Hole, the historic significance of King Charles’ Castle, Cromwell’s Castle and the Blockhouse, Tresco Abbey and New and Old Grimsby. This walk will uncover the undiscovered Tresco. A lunch stop will be included.

It’s wild out there! Cultivated crops might not have flourished yet, but there’s an abundance of wild edible ‘weeds’ to forage at this time of year on Scilly which have an amazing array of flavours. On this walk, you’ll discover where to look and what for, how to identify wild foods, what’s special to Scilly, and lots of tried and tested tips and recipe ideas. At the end of the walk, you’ll taste some of your foraged delights, cooked up at one of St. Mary’s leading hotels.

Max People: 25

Max People: 20

Guide: TBC

Guide: Rachel Lambert

Cost: £12.50pp

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Grade: 2

Cost: £17.50pp

Grade: 2

Monday 11th April

St. Mary’s - Evening at the Museum

St. Mary’s - Starry Skies

Meet: The Museum, St. Mary’s

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s

Start: 5.00 pm Finish: 7.00 pm Host: Amanda Martin

Start: 9.15 pm Finish: 10.15 pm

Cost: £3.00pp The Isles of Scilly Museum is once again offering a special early evening opening for Walk Scilly devotees – from 5pm to 7pm. Entry will be £3 per person, a discounted rate for Walk Scilly participants.

Please purchase tickets at the museum.

The Isles of Scilly is accredited with no less than five Dark Sky Discovery sites. Join our very own island astronomer Steve Sims as he takes you to the Garrison, considered to be one of the best star gazing spots on St. Mary’s. So long as the skies are clear, even partially clear, you won’t fail to be impressed!

Max People: 30 Guide: Steve Sims Cost: £7.50pp

Grade: 2

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Tuesday th April St. Mary’s - Scilly at Sunrise Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s Start: 5.15 am Finish: 8.00 am

Watching the sunrise from Peninnis Head is one of the most memorable sights in Scilly. Join long standing guide George Teideman in an early morning sunrise walk that will take in Old Town and the Bay on St. Mary’s. Enjoy the stillness and tranquillity of Scilly at first light, before stopping to enjoy the sun rise and dawn chorus on another Scilly day. Bring a picnic breakfast and a flask of your favourite early morning tipple!

Dogs welcome on leads.

Max People: 25 Guide: George Teideman Cost: £7.50pp

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Grade: 2

Tresco - Wildlife Walk on Tresco

St. Agnes - Top to Toe

Meet: New Grimsby Quay, Tresco

Meet: The Turks Head, St. Agnes

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.45 am start

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.45 am start

Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

Scilly’s resident ornithologist and naturalist, Will Wagstaff steps out again for Walk Scilly, this time on Tresco. Discover the waterfowl and flora around Great Pool and Abbey Pool in the morning including swallows and martins, and Gadwalls and other ducks, plus perhaps a few waders such as Greenshank.

After stopping for lunch near New Grimsby, you’ll head across the island via the farm tracks encountering a variety of flora and fauna in this little explored part of the island. Feel free to bring a packed lunch.

Get set for a wonderful full-day’s walk around the coast of St. Agnes, visiting Troytown Maze and St. Warna’s Well with views to the Western Rocks and the Bishop Rock lighthouse. This walk will stop at the Turks Head for lunch and then continue to Gugh to see Obadiah’s Barrow and the Old Man of Gugh with beautiful views to Samson, the Norrard Rocks, Tresco and the Garrison.

Max People: 20

Max People: 25

Guide: Will Wagstaff

Guide: Chas Wood

Cost: £14.50pp

Cost: £12.50pp

Grade: 3

Grade: 3

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Tuesday 12th April

St. Mary’s - Birds, Bees & Butterflies

St. Mary’s - ‘Scilly through the Ages’ slide show

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s

Meet: Church Hall, next to the museum

Start: 10.30 am

Start: 8.15 pm (Doors open at 7.45 pm)

Finish: 1.30 pm

Finish: 9.30 pm Host: Dr Katharine Sawyer

Enjoy an inland adventure on St. Mary’s with Bob Dawson exploring the woodland, hedgerows, farm fields and wetlands around Rose Hill, Rocky Hill, and the Lower Moors Nature Trail. You’ll seek out beautiful butterflies and bumblebees, as well as many migrant birds that are drawn to Scilly at this time of year. Learn too about flower crops and the management of one of the prime wetland sites in Scilly.

Cost: £4.50 Adult, £2.00 child* ‘Scilly through the Ages” is an informative and educational presentation taking a closer look at sights of archaeological and historical significance dating back to the Bronze Age across the Islands. Find out more about our ancestors on Scilly.

Please purchase tickets on the door.

Max People: 25 Guide: Bob Dawson Cost: £7.50pp

Grade: 1 * Children 10 and over.

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Wednesday th April

St. Mary’s - Seashore Safari Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s Start: 10.30 am Finish: 1.30 pm

Want to learn more about how Scilly’s unique marine environment supports some of our amazing wildlife? Then this guided seashore safari is a must!

Local zoologist, Jaclyn Pearson will take you down to Porthloo Beach to explore the sandy and rocky shores. Together you will unearth the secrets that are exposed at low tide and learn why species such as the Manx shearwater will migrate thousands of miles from South America each year to feed in our precious waters. Delving into rock pools, you’ll find starfish, gobies and other amazing creatures beneath seaweed and under rocks. Please wear sensible footwear for rock pooling (no bare feet).

Max People: 25 Guide: Jaclyn Pearson Cost: £7.50pp

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Grade: 2

Wednesday 13th April

St. Martin’s - Wildlife on St. Martin’s

St. Agnes - Sea Safari

Meet: Higher Town Quay, St. Martin’s

Meet: St. Agnes Quay

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.45 am start

Start: 1.00 pm Finish: 3.00 pm

Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

Join Scilly’s resident ornithologist and naturalist Will Wagstaff on a wonderful daylong trip to St. Martin’s. Discover the best spots on both sides of the island - the long narrow sheltered flower fields on the southern side of the island and the wilder slopes of heather and gorse to the north – and seek out the very best of what Scilly’s wildlife has to offer. Look out for Swallows, Wheatears and Atlantic Grey Seals. Watch for birds playing in the up-draught on the island’s ridge including Kestrel, Peregrine, Raven or a few gulls. The beaches at low tide also hold good numbers of Sanderling and Dunlin. Lunch will be at Higher Town. Feel free to bring a packed lunch.

Strictly speaking not a walk, but a wonderful opportunity to rest your legs and join the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust in an exploration of the Western Rocks. This rugged part of Scilly is steeped in history, myth and legend and despite its isolation and exposure to the sometimes turbulent Atlantic Ocean, much of our marine life calls it home. Our guides will be on hand to point out and identify interesting marine life; we may see the first Puffins and Manx shearwaters of the season, as well as Guillemots, Razorbills, Shags and Fulmars.

Keep your eyes peeled, too, for our resident seals, either hauled up on the rocks or dozing in the sea, and maybe even dolphins and porpoises. Please bring binoculars if you have them, and a coat!

Max People: 20

Max People: 40

Guide: Will Wagstaff

Guide: Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust

Cost: £14.50pp

Cost: £18.50pp

Grade: 3

Grade: 1

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Wednesday 13th April

St. Mary’s - Beachcombing on “Treasure Beach”

Gugh - The Carns and Coastlines of Gugh

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s

Meet: The Turks Head, St. Agnes

Start: 1.30 pm

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 2.00 pm for a 2.30 pm start

Finish: 5.00 pm

Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

Master craftswoman and owner of Phoenix Craft Workshops, Oriel Hicks, leads a trek to Porth Minack or ‘Treasure Beach’ as it is known to some. Here you will scour the shore line for some pieces of history and fascinating finds (or simply pretty shells!) and then, laden with your treasure of the sea, you will head to Phoenix Studios to work with Oriel to make a unique souvenir from your afternoon’s exploration. Please wear sensible footwear for rock pooling (no bare feet).

Not many visitors to Scilly make it to Gugh, the island separated from St. Agnes by a sand bar and reached only at low tide!

Timing is everything to see this little gem, and on this afternoon walk, local guide Bob Dawson will help you discover the magic and myths of Gugh – on land, in the air and by the sea.

Max People: 25

Max People: 25

Guide: Oriel Hicks

Guide: Bob Dawson

Cost: £7.50pp

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Grade: 2

Cost: £7.50pp

Grade: 3

St. Mary’s - Ghost Walk Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s Start: 7.15 pm Finish: 8.45 pm

Love a ghostly story? Fancy a ghoulish adventure? Join local author Barbara Simpson as she takes you on a spooky guided walk, sharing with you her inspiration for her book, ‘The Lady in the Blue Cloak’.

The walk will finish at the Star Castle Hotel where spirits are guaranteed in the Dungeon Bar! The walk fee includes a signed copy of Barbara’s book.

Max People: 25 Guide: Barbara Simpson Cost: £10.00pp*

Grade: 1

* Plus a copy of ‘The Lady in the Blue Cloak’.

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Thursday th April Bryher - Wildlife Walk on Bryher Meet: Church Quay, Bryher Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.45 am start Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

Another day; another island with Will Wagstaff! This wildlife walk on Bryher will first take in the south end of the island before stopping near Hell Bay Hotel for lunch. The open areas are good for Wheatear and pipits as well as the very rare Dwarf Pansy. In the afternoon you’ll go to the wild and rugged north end of Shipman Head and Hell Bay. Bryher has a great reputation for migrant birds so who knows what you will find or you could just enjoy a very scenic island in the sunshine. Feel free to bring a packed lunch.

Max People: 20 Guide: Will Wagstaff Cost: £14.50pp

Grade: 3

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Thursday 14th April

St. Martin’s - A Taste of Island Life

Tresco - A Mediterranean Stroll

Meet: Higher Town Quay, St. Martin’s

Meet: Abbey Garden Entrance, Tresco

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.45 am start

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 11.15 am start

Finish: 2.15 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 2.30 pm or 4.45 pm

Finish: 1.15 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 3.45 pm or 4.45 pm

So many visitors to Scilly are intrigued by how islanders live on Scilly, particularly outside the tourist season. This walk on St. Martin’s will go some way to give you the answers!

Taking in tours of Scilly Flowers and St. Martin’s Vineyard, you’ll discover how the land is farmed, managed and livelihoods made.

Quiz the owners, Zoe Julian and Val Thomas and sample a piece of island life and perhaps some Scilly-made wine first hand.

A great opportunity to join expert gardeners on a visit to the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden who will guide you through the 18 acres of exotic plants and trees from Africa, Asia and Oceania. Discover just some of the 20,000 plants that thrive here, thanks to Scilly’s wonderful climate. Dogs welcome on leads.

Max People: 25

Max People: 25

Guide: Zoe Julian & Val Thomas

Guide: Tresco Abbey Gardeners

Cost: £10.00pp

Cost: £10.00pp

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Grade: 2

Grade: 1

Samson - The History of Samson

Live Folk Music at the Bishop and Wolf

Meet: St. Mary’s Quay or landing beach on Samson

Meet: Bishop and Wolf, St. Mary’s

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 2.00 pm for a 2.20 pm start

Start: 8.00 pm

Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

Selected as one of the National Trust’s Top 10 Great British Walks of 2013, this walk is an exploration of the prehistoric and post-medieval sites on both the South and North Hills of Samson, uninhabited since the late 19th Century. Kicking off with a beach landing, this walk offers an opportunity to sample the very best of walking in Scilly. There are no facilities on Samson.

Finish: Late Cost: Free Enjoy live music from 8 pm at the Bishop & Wolf, Hugh Town, St. Mary’s. Local and visiting musicians come together every Thursday to play foot-tapping tunes and sing their favourite songs in a relaxed and informal Scilly way.

This is a free event, all welcome.

Max People: 25 Guide: Dr. Katharine Sawyer Cost: £7.50pp

Grade: 3

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Friday

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April

St. Agnes - Wildlife on St. Agnes Meet: St. Agnes Quay Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.35 am start Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

St. Agnes is the ideal size for a day’s visit. During the morning, this wildlife walk led by Will Wagstaff heads west – towards Big Pool to explore the beaches and some of the small fields in search of migrants such as Turnstones and other waders on the shore, plus the Willow Warbler and maybe a surprise inland. You’ll stop at lunchtime at the Turks Head after which we will head for Wingletang Down, enjoying this rugged landscape that is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Feel free to bring a packed lunch.

Max People: 20 Guide: Will Wagstaff Cost: £14.50pp

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Grade: 3

Friday 15th April

Bryher - Seven Peaks

St. Mary’s - Top To Toe

Meet: Church Quay, Bryher

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 10.15 am for a 10.30 am start

Start: 10.30 am

Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

Finish: 4.30 pm

Explore the beautiful island of Bryher, which means “Land of the Hills” with islander, Chris Potterton. He’ll guide you across Samson Hill, Heathy Hill, Gweal Hill, Timmy’s Hill, Bad Place Hill and Shipman Head Down. Seek out the burial chambers and listen to tales of the islands past, as you scale the seven peaks in one day. Don’t worry though, the total climb is just 300 metres and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views in every direction.

An opportunity to take in the very best of what St. Mary’s has to offer – and it’s a lot!

Starting from Porthcressa, this circular coastal walk will head first to Peninnis Head, Old Town, Porth Hellick, Watermill, Halangy ancient village and Bant’s Carn burial chamber before returning to Hugh Town.

This walk includes a lunch and refreshment stop. Dogs welcome on leads.

Max People: 25

Max People: 25

Guide: Chris Potterton

Guide: Chas Wood

Cost: £12.50pp

Cost: £12.50pp

Grade: 3

Grade: 3

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Friday 15th April

St. Helen’s - History of St. Helen’s

St. Mary’s - Pictures, Pints and a Pasty

Meet: St. Mary’s Quay or landing point on St. Helen’s

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Porthcressa, St. Mary’s

Start: Boat departs St. Mary’s at 2.00 pm for a 2.30 pm start

Start: 6.00 pm

Finish: 4.30 pm - Boat for St. Mary’s departs at 4.45 pm

This walk around the uninhabited island of St. Helen’s offers a unique opportunity to visit its two main archaeological sites - the early mediaeval hermitage and the 18th century ‘Pest House’ or quarantine establishment – and enjoy fabulous views from the hilltop. Led by leading island Bronze Age archaeologist and anthropologist Dr. Katharine Sawyer the trip starts with a landing on the rocky coast so good footwear is essential.

There are no facilities on St. Helen’s.

Finish: 9.00 pm

Introduced for the first time during our Walk Scilly Autumn weekend last year, this highly popular evening is back! Join resident photographer Chris Hall and take a leisurely stroll to capture the beginning of the sunset. Chris will be on hand to give you top tips on how to take the best photographs and afterwards, you can share and discuss your pictures over a Pint & Pasty at ‘The Mermaid Inn’.

Max People: 25

Max People: 25

Guide: Dr. Katharine Sawyer

Guide: Chris Hall

Cost: £7.50pp

Cost: £15.00pp*

Grade: 3

Grade: 1

* Includes pasty and pint.

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St. Mary’s - Duo Prospero at Old Town Church Meet: Old Town Church, St. Mary’s Start: 8.15 pm Finish: 9.15 pm Host: Duo Prospero Cost: Free Immerse yourself in an hour of outstanding musical entertainment by candlelight in the form of Duo Prospero.

The Islands’ very own violin and woodwind duo will entertain you with music from Bach to Mozart: via Lemzer, folk and jazz. An experience not to be missed!

There is no charge to attend this session, however donations will be welcomed. The session will begin at 8.15 pm at the beautiful 12th Century Old Town Church, simply bring along an appreciation for fine music and prepare to be entertained.

This is a free event, all welcome.

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Your week at a glance To book your walks: Call - 01720 424036 and ask to speak to Zoe or Annie Email - events@visitislesofscilly.com

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Day

Start

Finish

Sat

2.00 pm

5.00 pm

Sat

6.30 pm

8.00 pm

Sat

8.15 pm

9.30 pm

Sun

10.15 am

2.00 pm

Sun

10.15 am

4.15 pm

Sun

10.30 am

12.30 pm

Sun

6.00 pm

9.45 pm

Mon

10.00 am

4.30 pm

Mon

10.15 am

1.15 pm

Mon

10.15 am

4.30 pm

Mon

10.30 am

1.30 pm

Mon

5.00 pm

7.00 pm

Mon

9.15 pm

10.15 pm

Tue

5.15 am

8.00 am

Tue

10.15 am

4.30 pm

Tue

10.15 am

4.30 pm

Tue

10.30 am

1.30 pm

Tue

8.15 pm

9.30 pm

Wed

10.30 am

1.30 pm

Wed

10.15 am

4.30 pm

Wed

1.00 pm

3.00 pm

Wed

1.30 pm

5.00 pm

Wed

2.00 pm

4.30 pm

Wed

7.15 pm

8.45 pm

Thu

10.15 am

4.30 pm

Thu

10.15 am

2.15 pm

Thu

10.15 am

1.15 pm

Thu

2.00 pm

4.30 pm

Thu

8.00 pm

Late

Fri

10.15 am

4.30 pm

Fri

10.15 am

4.30 pm

Fri

10.30 am

4.30 pm

Fri

2.00 pm

4.30 pm

Fri

6.00 pm

9.00 pm

Fri

8.15 pm

9.15 pm

Walk

Guide/Host

Cost

St. Mary’s - Welcome to Walk Scilly Ramble

Darren Hart

£7.50pp

St. Mary’s - Welcome to Walk Scilly Party

Zoe Parry

Free

St. Mary’s - “Wildlife on Scilly” slideshow

Will Wagstaff

£4.50/£1.00 child

St. Martin’s - Seaweed Surprise & Karma Tasters

Rachel Lambert

£17.50pp

Bryher - Top to Toe

Chris Potterton

£12.50pp

St. Mary’s - The Garrison & Star Castle

George Teideman

£7.50pp

St. Martin’s - Gourmet Dinner

Rachel Lambert

£35.00pp

St. Mary’s - Wildlife Discovery

Will Wagstaff

£14.50pp

St. Agnes - The Shearwaters’ Return to St. Agnes

Jaclyn Pearson

£7.50pp

Tresco - Top to Toe

TBC

£12.50pp

St. Mary’s - Spring Feast Foraging Walk

Rachel Lambert

£17.50pp

St. Mary’s - Evening at the Museum

Amanda Martin

£3.00pp

St. Mary’s - Starry Skies

Steve Sims

£7.50pp

St. Mary’s - Scilly at Sunrise

George Teideman

£7.50pp

Tresco - Wildlife Walk on Tresco

Will Wagstaff

£14.50pp

St. Agnes - Top to Toe

Chas Wood

£12.50pp

St. Mary’s - Birds, Bees & Butterflies

Bob Dawson

£7.50pp

St. Mary’s - ‘Scilly through the Ages’ slide show

Dr. Katharine Sawyer

£4.50/£2.00 child

St. Mary’s - Seashore Safari

Jaclyn Pearson

£7.50pp

St. Martin’s - Wildlife on St. Martin’s

Will Wagstaff

£14.50pp

St. Agnes - Sea Safari

IoS Wildlife Trust

£18.50pp

St. Mary’s - Beachcombing on “Treasure Beach”

Oriel Hicks

£7.50pp

Gugh - The Carns and Coastlines of Gugh

Bob Dawson

£7.50pp

St. Mary’s - Ghost Walk

Barbara Simpson

£10.00pp

Bryher - Wildlife Walk on Bryher

Will Wagstaff

£14.50pp

St. Martin’s - A Taste of Island Life

Zoe Julian & Val Thomas

£10.00pp

Tresco - A Mediterranean Stroll

Tresco Abbey Gardeners

£10.00pp

Samson - The History of Samson

Dr. Katharine Sawyer

£7.50pp

Live Folk music at the Bishop and Wolf

-

Free

St. Agnes - Wildlife on St. Agnes

Will Wagstaff

£14.50pp

Bryher - Seven Peaks

Chris Potterton

£12.50pp

St. Mary’s - Top to Toe

Chas Wood

£12.50pp

St. Helen’s - History of St. Helen’s

Dr. Katharine Sawyer

£7.50pp

St. Mary’s - Pictures, Pints and a Pasty

Chris Hall

£15.00pp

St. Mary’s - Duo Prospero at Old Town Church

Duo Prospero

Free

www.visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly 33

WALK SCILLY WEEKEND

Join us this Autumn for Walk Scilly Weekend 13th - 17th October 2016

Supporters of Walk Scilly Walk Scilly 2016 has been organised by the Islands’ Tourism & Business Partnership Events Team, funded by the Coastal Communities Fund. The event is supported locally by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, St. Mary’s Boatmen’s Association and Isles of Scilly Steamship Group. The opening party is sponsored by The Mermaid Inn.

www.visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly #walkscilly