2 Coastguard Cottages, Higher Town, Isles of Scilly TR25 0QL, UK

About Us

Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
Learn More

Join our Islandeering community

We continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
High Point: Chapel Down, 47 metres
Population: 120
Size: 237 ha
Wild Factor: 8 out of 10

Overview of St Martin’s radiating an authentic simplicity and vibrant community spirit, St Martin’s coastline is fringed with spectacular white beaches with steep granite cliffs to the east and vast tidal rockpools to the west. The northern-most inhabited island in Scilly this island has three quaint settlements of Higher Town, Middle Town and Lower Town and two quays connected by the islands only lane. In the south the narrow strip fields full of colourful flowers, vines and vegetables contrast sharply with the wild heathland areas of tidal White Island and Chapel Down. The island’s highpoint, topped by the iconic red and white striped daymark, is the most distinctive within the archipelago and is one of the first features visitors spot from the Scillonian.

Type of island: inhabited

Location: Isle of Scilly

How to get to St Martin’s, Scilly: travel to St Mary’s on the Scillonian III from Penzance or Skybus flights from Lands End, Newquay and Exeter airports. Transfer to St Martin’s from the quay at St Mary’s via St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association https://www.scillyboating.co.uk) usually twice daily. Boats also leave from Tresco, Bryher and St. Agnes about twice a week.

Getting around St Martin’s, Scilly everything on St Martin’s is within relatively short walking distance of the quays. Most accommodation offers a transfer service for heavier luggage. Kayaks can be hired at Higher Town.

Best time to go to St Martin’s, Scilly you can travel to the Isle of Scilly anytime of the year. Most visitors go between May to September, but Easter and October half terms can also be great often with good weather and fewer visitors. Spring time in Scilly is the best time to see the scented narcissi. The best time for birdwatching on Scilly is during the spring and autumn, with the large number of passing migrants.

Getting around St Martin’s there are public footpaths and lanes throughout the whole island.

Is St Martin’s dog friendly yes, dogs welcome everywhere including all beaches

Food and drink on St Martin’s there are several goof options for food and drink from finer dining at The Karma, the wonderful Island Bakery, charming Seven Stones Inn, tearooms, roadside honesty stalls and an island store. Our favourite is Adam’s Fish and Chips

Accommodation on St Martin’s, Scilly there are a number of accommodation options ranging from the lovely St Martin’s Campsite, farm cottages and chalets to B&B and a luxury hotel, The Karma Hotel

Contacts: Visit Isles of Scilly https://www.visitislesofscilly.com/about/practical-info/tourist-information-centre ; info@visitislesofscilly.com; +44 (0)1720 620600

What to do on St Martin’s 

Coastal walk around the whole island – see our islandeering route

Beaches on St Martin’s

Walk to White Island

Wild swimming on St Martin’s

St Martin’s and dark sky

Swim with seals

Adam’s fish and chips and home-made goodies at the Island Bakery

Sea shanties during gig racing at the wonderful Seven Stones Inn

Nearby islands: whilst you are there, why not explore:

St Mary’s

St Agnes

Gugh

Bryher

Tresco

Samson

Nornour

St Helen’s

Teän

Annet

 

Walk to White Island

Walk to a tidal island to visit ancient sites

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Beaches on St Martin's

Visit some of the best beaches in Britain

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St Martin's and dark skies

Go stargazing in St Martin's community-run observatory

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Swim with seals

Swim with seals in their natural environment

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St Martin's outdoor swimming

Find our favourite sports to wild swim on St Martin's, Scilly

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St Martin's Camping

Island hotels, island campsites and more

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2 Coastguard Cottages, Higher Town, Isles of Scilly TR25 0QL, UK

About Us

Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
Learn More

Join our Islandeering community

We continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Distance: 14.2 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Method: Walking
Wow Factor: 10 out of 10

Key Facts

  • Location: Isles of Scilly
  • Size: 237 hectares
  • Terrain: Mixed sand and grass paths with some rockier sections
  • Access: Inter-island ferry
  • Height gain: 330 metres
  • Map: OS Explorer 101
  • Starting point: Lower Town Quay
  • Accommodation/food:

    Where to stay on St Martin’s, Scilly – hotel, B&B & campsite available; food at Karma St Martin’s Hotel, Seven Stones Inn, Polreath Tearoom, Post Office and Stores, The Island Bakery & Adam’s Fish & Chips

  • Island Summary:

    A walk around the coast path of St Martin’s passes some of the best beaches in the world, with tantalising crystal clear waters and a sense of calm that will wash over and soothe even the most restless of souls. After this walk if the water doesn’t tempt you in, the mouth-watering local food definitely will. From artisan bread, fish and chips straight from the boat (and potatoes from the garden) to a pint at the local with one of the most stunning views. It’s even got its own vineyard. It’s impossible not to be rocked by the natural beauty of this island.

  • Look out for:
    • Swimming at St Martin’s Bay
    • Atmospheric ancient ruins on tidal White Island
    • Amazing hilltop views from the Daymark
    • Local fish and chips and Island Bakery goodies
    • Drinks on the Seven Stones terrace
  • Route description:

    The circular walk around the coast of St Martin’s, Isle of Scilly starts at Lower Town Quay. The path affords great views over the uninhabited, rocky Tean with St Helen’s behind before reaching the boulder-strewn Pernagie Point. At low tide White Island can be accessed via White Island Bar and a circumnavigation is possible on faint paths. An easy coastal path then passes the extensive beaches of Little Bay and White Bay before climbing up towards the Daymark and St Martins Down, from where Land’s End can be seen on a good day. Walking down towards Higher Town, refreshments are available, before taking the grassy, sandy tracks that pass through the flower fields and maram covered dunes back to Lower Town Quay. Download our free route and GPS (from the left hand bar)

  • Getting there:

    Getting to St Martin’s – inter-island ferry from St Mary’s

    If you are there why not also try:

    Other island walks on Scilly

    Coasteering in Scilly

    Swimming with seals on St Martin’s

    There’s loads more….check out our Islandeering routes and activities for each island

Download file for GPS

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