The Isle of Scilly’s walking festival is back for 2020

Great British Life: Enjoy Scilly's wonders of natureEnjoy Scilly's wonders of nature (Image: Archant)

Walk Scilly is returning for its fourteenth year of inspiring people to explore the wild islands of Scilly on foot. Starting on the 1st of April, the 2020 programme is packed full of new routes and guides. Comprised of 25 walks, the festival offers 10 days of rambling and hiking along rugged coastal paths; secret island pathways and gorgeous sandy beaches. Boats will connect routes from island to island, giving walkers an opportunity to take in the views from the clear waters.

Great British Life: You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to foodYou will be spoilt for choice when it comes to food (Image: Archant)

The walking festival offers the opportunity to explore some of the uninhabited islands of Scilly. St. Helens, Tean and the Eastern Isles, are all apart of the guided walks, providing an extraordinary look into the lush landscapes unique to the isles. Walkers will be able to see ruins of Scilly's earliest ancestors, and a number of Bronze Age sites, all with spectacular views of the whole archipelago.

For hungry walkers, There are a number of foraging walks, introducing festival goers to the tastes of the islands. These walks along the sands of St. Mary's and Bryher end in two dining experiences; an evening event at Tanglewood Table and a canapé event at Hell Bay Hotel, in which foodies can experience the delicacies Scilly has to offer.

This year there is a huge variety to the guided walks. Silversmith Fay Page is leading a beachcombing for seashells in the soft sands of St. Martins, or if you're looking for something more spooky, wildlife rangers will take you on the after-dark adventure 'Bats, Moths and the Moon' showcasing Scilly's nocturnal creatures, lit by the moonlight. For history fans, archaeologist Dr Katherine Sawyer will dive into the history of the islands and its occupation, taking in sites the prehistoric era to the 20th century.

But if walking isn't your style, hop on the MV Sapphire for an ocean-going adventure. Experts on board will educate visitors about the rich wildlife of the area, and search for sightings of grey seals and dolphins.

For a 10% discount on travel to the islands for Walk Scilly Weekend, quote Walk20 when booking www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk. And look online at visitislesofscilly.com/special-offers for accommodation and other special offers for travel between 1st - 10th April.

For more information about the walks and how to book, go to www.visitislesofscilly.com/walkscilly