The Isles of Scilly
10 people attending
2 places left
Event Overview
The Isles of Scilly are a slice of paradise in the UK. Subtropical gardens, white sand beaches, turquoise water and windswept Atlantic island lansdscapes will be ours to explore, as we explore a number of the islands in the archipelago.
We will be staying at Troytown Campsite on the island of St. Agnes for the duration of the trip. The campsite is located above a local beach and you will hear the waves as you sleep. It is often nominated as one of the most spectacular campsites in the UK. Using St. Agnes as a base we will then venture out to the other islands based on local saling schedules and plan day hikes around them. We will aim to get to all the main islands. There could also be opportunities for kayaking and wildlife watching with seabird tours and snorkelling with seals possible.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As this event is on islands inaccessible to vehicles, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU BOOK YOUR PASSAGE TO THE ISLAND (by boat - min. £90 return) as soon as possible after registering on this event --> book your passage here. There is one journey per day between Penzance and St. Marys with boats leaving Penzance at 8:30 am and returning at 4:30pm. Pease ensure that you book the Penzance - St. Marys leg for Thursday 7th Septemeber and the return from St. Marys for Tuesday 12th September.
You may also wish to book accommodation in Penzance for the nights before & after we sail to / from the island.
Supplies are available in the shop on the island(s).
Itinerary
Thursday 7 September
You will need to travel to Penzance in Cornwall, with all of the gear that you will be taking out to the island to catch the 8:30am Scillonian ferry. If you are coming from far, you may want to book accommodation for the night before and after the trip in Penzance. Cars can be parked in Penzance for the duration of our stay using these services and the your parking space should be reserved in advance.
Our bags will be transferred from Penzance harbour directly to the campsite and we will have some time in St. Mary's town for a pub lunch before heading to St. Agnes where we will arrive mid-afternoon. After setting up camp we can go for an explore of St. Agnes's Wingletang Down.
Friday 8 September - Monday 11th September
Weather permitting and dependent on inter-island ferrry schedules we will aim to hike around the three main outer islands of Bryher, Tresco and St. Martins taking in the breathtaking seascapes, beaches and subtropical gardens. We will do an island a day with a hike around each one on each day.There should be ample time for swimming and water-based activities, so bring your trunks and a towel. Dependent, on the feeling of the camp we may have a free day for people to explore the islands at their leisure or undertake more adventurous escapades such as kayaking, nature boat tours or snorkelling with seals.
Tuesday 12th September
We will have breakfast at the campsite before heading catching the boat to St. Marys to catch our connecting ferry to Penzance at 4:30pm.
What to bring
If it’s your first OutdoorLads event or you are trying something for the first time and you’re unsure what kit you’ll need - don’t worry – the following should help.
This is only a guide - you will need to consider the weather forecast and the activity as described. An event in April for example can be like a summer event or something more like a winter one.
If you have any questions just message the event leader.
Day walks (easy, low level, summer)
For lots of low level day walks in the summer you need very little gear. (This excludes any walks at height – like in North Wales, the Lakes or Scotland.)
- Good walking shoes or boots are always a good idea – as even in the height of summer we can end up wading through soggy mud.
- A waterproof jacket is pretty essential in all but the most drought like conditions. If there is the slightest chance of rain (and when isn’t there?) a pair of waterproof trousers is also useful.
- For summer walks we would also recommend bringing a hat and sun screen, you are likely to be in the sun for up to 8 hours and we often see people quite pink at the end of a good walk.
Camping
If you haven’t been camping since you were in the Scouts here is what you need.
If it’s your first trip you are likely to want to get away with the bare minimum.
- Tents start off relatively cheap but as they say you get what you pay for. These tend to start from £10 upwards (‘festival tents’) that are light and do the job – but only just. You may find that they leak, break or blow away.
- A thin foam ‘carry mat’ is good to sleep on (under £10) and you can use your clothes to make a pillow. Or if you have the room places like Tesco often sell air beds that cost as little as a fiver.
- Don’t forget you will need something to sleep in. You can buy a sleeping bag from as little as a tenner. This will tend to be thin but will do the job at most summer camps. At camps later in the year you will want something warmer though.
- Some places such as Argos/ASDA sell camping sets where you can buy a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a lamp for approx. £50-£60.
- If you have friends that camp you may find it beneficial to talk to them first and they may even lend you some kit.
- Check if the event has a pub nearby for dinner, and buy cereal pots or porridge pots from places like M&S for breakfast. You can easily beg a cup of tea from more seasoned campers – but it helps if you have a cup, and don’t forget a plastic glass if you like your wine! If you are coming by car, a folding chair (£10) is great. As you may be sitting outside late into the evening. Some proper warm clothing always comes in handy – even in the summer. Don’t forget a torch, or you may never make it back to your tent. Finally, ear plugs are always a great idea.
Once you have been once or twice you will know what kit you need to be able to cook a full English breakfast and host a party for 8 in your tent. Until then the above basics will see you right.
You will obviously need what ever kit you need for the daytime activities.
If you still have any questions, please don't hesitate to connect to either support@outdoorlads.com or the event leader.
Food & drink
You are responsible for providing your own food for the duration of the event. Food supplies can be bought at the local shop on St. Agnes (unusual opening hours), the campsite farmshop (basic farm produce and delicious ice-cream) and the ony pub on the island - The Nags Head.
Breakfasts will be at the campsite, while lunches will be on the other islands where we can either bring our own food or eat in the local pubs/restaurants. Dinners will be either at the campsite on the beach (barbecues allowed) or in the Nags Head pub.