Kinloch

Hello All, I will be on the Scilly Islands in late April this year. I have accomadations on both St Mary's and Tresco so will see lots of these Islands. I think I can add a side trip to one other island. Does anyone have an opinion on St Martins vs St Agnes?

MissPrism

Both are worth visiting. St Martins has beautiful beaches and vegetation.
If I had to choose, I'd probably go for St Agnes, if only for the strange weathered rocks.

You've chosen a lovely time of year. If you haven't been before, you'll be surprised at the tameness of the local birds. They seem to have no fear of humans. That says a lot for the residents and the kind of tourists attracted to the islands

Kinloch

I have this habit of looking up novels set in the areas I am going to visit. Just finished a murder mystery involving the birders who visit Scilly and had fun following them around the Islands. They talked a lot about how tame the birds were but said fall was best time. I am glad I won't totally miss out. K

annhig

IME the boatmen come round at breakfast time making suggestions for trips for the day, depending on weather, tides etc. Ask the place where you are staying if this is what happens or how you can organise a boat trip if not.

In normal circumstances you should be able to visit St Martins from Tresco, and St Agnes from St Mary's but it does rather depend on the above what exactly is on offer. There may also be trips out to the rocks where the seal colonies are or birds like puffins etc. if the season is right.

MissPrism

Autumn and early spring are best for seeing rare birds, but all the regular birds are friendly and cheeky all the time.

I was in a tea garden and was wearing a ring made of plaited gold. I was chatting away and suddenly realised that my finger was being firmly held down by a foot. A thrush was pecking little bits of cake from my ring.

MissPrism

That's right. I've not stayed on Tresco but a boatman came to our hotel on St Mary's at breakfast time.

The atmosphere on the islands is very easy going and relaxed.
If you go on Facebook try following the Scilly Sergeant, one of the tiny police force. He's a hoot.
https://www.facebook.com/IslesofScillyPolice/

annhig

oh yes, the Scilly sergeant. We quite often look at what he's up to. I think it was a woman before and i remember that they advertised for her replacement about 2 years ago; the advert was very funny.

I have a colleague who is a "Scilly" girl - believe me, everyone on the islands really does know everyone else.

Ackislander

Kinloch wrote, "I have this habit of looking up novels set in the areas I am going to visit. Just finished a murder mystery involving the birders who visit Scilly and had fun following them around the Islands."

Can you share the title? My wife loves the Scilly Isles.

MissPrism

This is about the job advertisement. It attracted applications from all over the world
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/pict...the-world.html

Kinloch

I all, I will endeavor to not over think it and just go with what the weather dictates. As long as I have my accomadations organized I can usually relax!!

The book which travelled to the Scillys is "A Bird in the Hand" by Ann Cleeves.

The boat trip to and from Tresco from St Mary's is included in accommodation rate for The New Inn so I doubt there will be a stop on St Martin. A lot will depend on what time the on day 3 the boat leaves Tresco. Hoping it is early allowing most of that day to be on other islands.

Trip report to follow.

annhig

The boat trip to and from Tresco from St Mary's is included in accommodation rate for The New Inn so I doubt there will be a stop on St Martin. >>

how many nights do you have on Tresco, Kinloch?

Kinloch

2

annhig

mmm - that doesn't give you a lot of time. But as I say, the boatmen usually come round and propose trips for the day, or you can just ask at the Inn about where they recommend you go for the day.

according to the st martin's website, as well as the usual boats from St Mary's there is a boat service from Tresco to St Martins between April and October - the people at the Inn will know.

There used to be a posh hotel and restaurant [and a pub I think] but i've heard that they have gone and by the looks of the website, that's correct. Shame!

http://www.stmartinsscilly.co.uk/travel.html

Kinloch

Hmmm, I think I should clarify my itinerary. I will stay on Tresco 2 nights, the full day I have there I will spend on Tresco. Probably mostly in the garden but also hiking the island. Morning of day 3 boat to St Mary's, spend Day 3 hiking around that island. Spending 2nights on St Mary's so on the middle day I plan to either kayak, swim with seals or something else. The next day noon flight back to mainland.

annhig

ok, that's a bit clearer.

i love the garden but it will still only take you at most half a day even if you explore every nook and cranny and hiking round the whole of the island would probably take you the rest of the day.

St Mary's is a bit bigger but still only a day's worth of hiking I would say.

your 4th day you can decide when you are there - I think that we did a trip to see the seals and then St Agnes, but it is very weather/tides/sea conditions dependent.

just pray for good weather!!!

Kinloch

Yes funny thing about gardens. They are so light dependant (and weather dependant of course). Best light usually early in day and late in day so I would plan to be there when they open for a couple of hours then go off and hike and come back an hour before they close to have another wander and enjoy the change in perspective. I think photographers can spend a lot more time in a garden and not be bored (thats why I like to go alone so as not to bore fellow travellers). Last time I went to Giverny I was there 6 hours and didn't even notice passage of time. Went through the whole garden taking pictures that empahsize early morning light, then second trip around with only my telephoto lens taking close ups of flower pairings and bugs etc. Third trip around was about wide angle sweeps of colour and architecture. Not that this garden will be like Giverny I'm just saying I tend to spend time in a garden differently from others. Of course I end up with tons of photos which just sit in my data base but I still love doing it.

annhig

That sounds like a great plan, Kinloch. IMO the gardens on Tresco are at their best in about September because the South african flowers are out then as well as the wonderful amaryllis, but there is something to catch the eye at any time of year especially for the photographer.

Watch out also for any groups of "twitchers" - they will probably be trying to spot and snap some poor rare bird that has been blown off course or has otherwise unexpectedly fetched up in Scilly.