Exploring the scilly islands: a hiker’s dream destination

The Isles of Scilly, located 28 miles off Cornwall’s coast, offer hikers an extraordinary escape with diverse trails across five inhabited islands. These remote gems blend stunning coastal scenery with unique flora, making them perfect for walking enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Breathtaking trails across the archipelago

Scilly’s archipelago presents a network of exceptional walking paths distributed among St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher, and St. Agnes. Many travel blogs like El Rincón Cunqueiru highlight these islands as a true hiking paradise, with each island offering distinct landscapes and walking experiences throughout the year.

Coastal paths with panoramic ocean views

The coastal trails of Scilly provide some of Britain’s most spectacular ocean vistas. Walking along St. Mary’s shoreline brings you past The Garrison in Hugh Town, where strategic viewpoints reveal sweeping seascapes. Tresco’s coastal paths wind near its famous Abbey Garden, while St. Martin’s offers more rugged coastal walking with numerous opportunities for wildlife spotting. Island hopping enhances the coastal walking experience, with easy boat services connecting these walking paradises.

Inland routes through rare flora habitats

Away from the shorelines, Scilly’s interior trails showcase unique ecosystems found nowhere else in Britain. The mild climate creates perfect conditions for exotic plant species, transforming these paths during different seasons. Bryher’s central paths traverse through sheltered valleys, while St. Agnes features walks past ancient field systems. Numerous walking guidebooks detail these routes, with the current fifth edition featuring 11 walks ranging from 2.5km to 16km, all categorized as easy and low-level. The Walk Scilly Festival held April 10-19, 2026, celebrates these distinctive pathways across the islands.

Practical guide for hiking adventures

The Isles of Scilly represent a true hiking paradise, located just 28 miles off Cornwall’s coast. This archipelago consists of five inhabited islands—St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher, and St. Agnes—plus numerous uninhabited ones, offering diverse walking experiences. St. Mary’s, the largest island, spans 6 square miles and hosts most of the archipelago’s 1,800 residents. Whether you’re planning day trips or extended stays, these islands offer exceptional walking opportunities with all trails being easy and low-level, making them accessible for most hikers.

Best seasons and weather considerations

The Isles of Scilly boast a mild climate year-round, making hiking possible during any season. Spring brings magnificent wildflower displays across the islands, while summer offers the warmest temperatures for combining walks with swimming. The annual Walk Scilly Festival (April 10-19, 2026) provides organized hikes and expert guidance—ideal for first-time visitors. Summer months, especially August, are peak tourist season, requiring advance accommodation bookings. Autumn brings quieter trails while maintaining pleasant temperatures. If visiting during festival periods like the Ocean Scilly Festival (August 23-31, 2025) or Taste of Scilly Festival (September 12-21, 2025), you’ll enjoy additional cultural experiences alongside your hikes. Most transportation services operate from Easter through November, with daily options during summer months.

Essential gear and navigation tips

When hiking the Scilly Islands, pack light but smart. The mild climate means heavy gear isn’t necessary, but wind and rain protection remains essential. A comprehensive guidebook is invaluable—the available walking guide (ISBN: 9781786311047) covers 11 walks ranging from 2.5km to 16km across all five inhabited islands, plus four boat trips. This 96-page resource highlights key sights including Hugh Town Garrison, Tresco Abbey Garden, and prime birdwatching locations. For day-trippers, note the strict luggage allowances: Skybus permits one cabin bag (30cm × 15cm × 15cm), while Scillonian ferry allows one hand luggage item (max 5kg, 40cm × 55cm × 20cm). Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection, and a detailed map complete your essentials list. Island hopping requires planning, so familiarize yourself with inter-island boat schedules. The compact nature of the islands means getting lost is unlikely, but having GPS backup provides peace of mind when exploring more remote sections.