How to plan a Scilly trip 

Why:

Gorgeously beautiful. Very, very restful. Wonderful clean air. Stunning seascapes. Almost everyone who goes there wants to go back. There is one main island, St Mary’s, where most people live, with plenty of good pubs and one good, sheltered campsite. There are four inhabited ‘off-islands’, each with their own very distinctive feel and deserving of a day’s exploration.

Activities:

walking, pubbing, birding, wildlife (boat journeys to see seals, puffins etc), possibly sailing / kayaking in midsummer, nice shops(!). Lots of historical sites. Scilly is quite a hassle to get to and expensive with it, but most visitors feel it repays the trouble.

When to go:

The best times are May-June, September-October. Avoid midsummer (vast numbers of tourists). Closed down in winter.

Where to stay:

Scilly is 35 miles SSW off Land’s End

St Mary’s – one good, sheltered campsite on the Garrison, 10 minutes walk from the closest pub.

St Agnes – one pleasant campsite but very exposed to NW winds, 15 minutes from the pub.

Bryher – one campsite close to the pub (5 minutes).

St Martin’s – one campsite that I don’t know, close to one of the most fabulous beaches on Scilly.

Many B&Bs and houses to rent, though they are pricey in season.

How to get there:

1. Get to west Cornwall (Bristol – Penzance is 190 miles, allow 4 hours by car; train as well)

2. Cornwall – Scilly:

• Boat from Penzance: the ‘Scillonian’ takes ~4 hours, goes 3-6 times / week www.ios-travel.co.uk 0845 710555 Cost £92

• Flying: (a) helicopter from Penzance heliport to St Mary’s, British International, 01736 363871 / 01720 422646; Costs a lot. (b) plane from St Just airport (10 miles beyond Penzance), ‘Skybus’, www.ios-travel.co.uk, 0845 7105555; Cost £125

How long to stay:

Needs a minimum of 3 full days (i.e. 4 nights) to justify the lengthy trip.

Past visits:

AOAC camped on St Agnes in May 04 / 05; the trip was organised by Steve Sawkins. 30 or so people greatly enjoyed it.

Information:

IoS Tourist Information Centre (www.simplyscilly.co.uk), 01720 424031. Or contact Dave Murdoch (damurdochAThotmail.com)

Campsites (all Isles of Scilly)

St Mary’s: EW Moulson, Tower Cottage, the Garrison, St Mary’s TR21 0LS, 01720 422670

St Agnes: Mrs SJ Hicks, Troy Town campsite, St Agnes TR22 0PL, 01720 422360

Bryher: Kathy Stedeford, Bryher Campsite, Bryher TR23 0PR, 01720 422886

St Martin’s: C. Savill, St Martin’s Campsite, Middletown, St Martins TR25 0QN, 01720 422888