The best walks and hikes around St Mary's

St Mary's offers a diverse network of over 30 hiking trails. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with 14 easy, 15 moderate, and 3 difficult options, ensuring there's a path for every explorer.

Yes, St Mary's is well-suited for family-friendly walks. There are 14 easy trails, many of which are coastal paths or lead through historical sites. A great option is the Garrison Walls Trail, an easy 2.3-mile path offering scenic views of the harbour and surrounding islands.

The terrain on St Mary's is generally gentle, characterized by rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and low-lying hills. Trails often follow the island's perimeter, providing expansive sea views. You'll encounter a mix of coastal paths, some leading through ancient historical sites and others along sandy shores.

Yes, circular walks are a popular way to explore the island. The most comprehensive is the St Mary's Island loop — The Isles of Scilly, a 9.8-mile route that circumnavigates the entire island, offering diverse coastal scenery. Another popular option is the Garrison Fort, Harry's Walls & Porthmellon Beach loop — Isles of Scilly, which is 5.7 miles long.

St Mary's is rich in history. Many trails lead past significant landmarks. You can explore sites like Harry's Walls, Innisidgen Burial Chamber, and Star Castle. The St Mary's Prehistoric loop via Bant's Carn & Innisidgen Burial Chamber — Isles of Scilly is an easy 3.7-mile route specifically designed to showcase prehistoric sites.

Hiking durations vary depending on the trail's length and your pace. For example, the full St Mary's Island loop (9.8 miles) typically takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes. Shorter, easy trails like the Garrison Walls Trail (2.3 miles) can be completed in just under an hour.

The trails on St Mary's are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 90 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the well-maintained paths, and the unique blend of natural beauty and historical interest found across the island.

Many areas on St Mary's are dog-friendly, especially coastal paths and open areas. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or nesting birds, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions, particularly on beaches or nature reserves during certain times of the year.

Absolutely. Given its coastal nature, St Mary's offers numerous viewpoints. The island's perimeter trails provide expansive sea views, and historical sites like Star Castle offer elevated perspectives of the harbour and neighbouring islands. You'll find breathtaking vistas around almost every turn.

St Mary's offers pleasant hiking conditions for much of the year. Spring and summer (April to September) are popular for warmer weather and blooming wildflowers. Autumn can also be beautiful with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. While winter hiking is possible, be prepared for potentially stronger winds and rain, typical of an exposed island environment.

While St Mary's itself is an island, its trails don't directly connect to other islands by foot. However, St Mary's serves as the main hub for inter-island boat services. You can easily take a boat trip to explore the trails on nearby islands like Tresco, St Martin's, or St Agnes, each offering unique hiking experiences.