About Islandeering
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.
More About UsWe 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.
About Gugh
Samson is a true castaway experience, this idyllic tiny island has deserted white sands, sparkling sea, stunning wild flowers, birds, seals and around eight thousand years of living history. The largest uninhabited island in the archipelago is formed by two hills connected by a sandy isthmus and is managed by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve. Access to Bar Point from a St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association boat is either via transfer to a small RIB or to ‘walk a plank’ across to the sand.
- Exploring the ruins of Neolithic sites
- Walking up North and South hills for wonderful views
- Wild swimming at Bar Point
How to get to Samson, Scilly
Access is by small ferry from St Mary’s but is restricted from April until September on the south and west coasts. Access restrictions on the Isles of Scilly are organised by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.
www.ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk/making-space-for-nature
What to do in Samson, Scilly
Apart from just chilling on one of the best beaches in Britain, there are plenty of more active things to do on Samson. Here are some of our favourites.
Climb the island high points
The tops of North Hill and South Hill (the high point at forty-two metres) can be reached by paths that climb from the sandy isthmus that joins them. A Bronze Age stone burial chamber can be explored on North Hill which also offers a great vantage point to see the Samson Flats, a Bronze Age field system exposed at low tide. An ascent of South Hill reveals more prehistoric graves along with the ruined cottages of the forty or so people that once lived here. The last two surviving families suffered malnutrition from a diet of limpets and potatoes.
Idyllic beaches to relax or swim
Between the two hills the path along the sandy isthmus weaves through beautiful wild-flower ‘gardens’ as well as the beaches of East and West Porth and the ruins of the boatsheds of the fishermen that once lived here. Further north, Bar Point, with its white sand beach and gently lapping waters makes an ideal place to relax or take a swim.
Low-tide walk to Puffin Island and Tresco
At extreme low spring tides it is possible to walk from Bar Point, initially heading west then out towards Puffin Island. For the adventurous and strong swimmer, it is also possible to walk back to Tresco via the Channel Ledge – although be prepared to wade through the numerous channels on your way. Check the tide times to ensure it is during one of the lowest spring tides.
Don’t forget your picnic though!
Landing on Samson
Samson walking route
The circular walk around Samson offers a blissful walk and plenty of opportunity to re-imagine [...]
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