St Agnes – Isles of Sciliy is the wild child of the Isles of Scilly—rugged, peaceful, and impossibly charming. Just one mile wide and connected to neighbouring Gugh by a tidal sandbar, it’s a place where narrow flower-lined lanes, windswept headlands, and golden beaches blend into a dreamy island escape. With no cars, no fuss, and views that stretch to the horizon, St Agnes is perfect for a relaxed circular walk—especially when there’s ice cream, a pint, and a stroll to another island en route.
A Walk Around St Agnes (With Ice Cream, a Pint, and a Tombolo Crossing)
Distance: ~4.5 km (2.8 miles)
Time: Around 2 hours (including relaxed stops and the crossing to Gugh)
Terrain: Easy to moderate. Mainly sandy or gravel paths with some rocky sections on Gugh.
Tide warning: The tombolo (causeway) to Gugh is only accessible at low tide—check times locally and plan your walk accordingly.
Start: St Agnes Quay
Disembark at St Agnes Quay, where colourful fishing boats bob and seaweed sways in turquoise waters. Turn left and follow the island’s main lane inland, past the post office and the community shop, where you can stock up on handmade gifts, local chutneys, and essentials.
Soon you’ll arrive at Troy Town Farm, home of the most famous ice cream on the Isles of Scilly. Made from milk produced by their small herd of dairy cows, flavours range from classics like vanilla to more adventurous seasonal options like wildflower honey or gooseberry ripple. Sit in the field, cone in hand, with views south toward Annet and the Atlantic Ocean.
From the farm, join the coastal path heading west. It hugs the island’s southern edge and weaves past granite boulders, wildflower meadows, and dramatic sea views. As you round the headland, you’ll arrive at Beady Pool, a peaceful bay littered with smooth pebbles and pieces of sea glass. Look closely and you might spot fragments of old Venetian glass beads—remnants of 17th and 18th century shipwrecks.
Follow the path past Periglis Bay, and you’ll soon find yourself at the Turk’s Head—Britain’s most south-westerly pub. This cheerful whitewashed inn is the perfect halfway stop. Grab a seat in the garden with a pint of St Austell Tribute or a Scilly ale and gaze out at the sea and passing boats.
Crossing to Gugh via the Tombolo
After your pint, walk down to Porth Conger, a sheltered cove where the island of Gugh is tethered to St Agnes by a natural sandbar known as a tombolo. This sandy causeway is only exposed at low tide, and crossing it feels like stepping into another world.
Once on Gugh, a short loop takes you up to the Old Man of Gugh.
Return to the quay via the inland path through the heart of the island, where you’ll pass tidy flower farms, wind-bent pines, and possibly a Scilly shrew darting across your feet. Take your time—it’s hard to rush when life moves this slowly.
Island Magic in Miniature
St Agnes – Isles of Sciliy is small, but its sense of identity is fierce. Islanders here live close to the land and sea, harvesting shellfish, growing flowers, and crafting from driftwood and kelp. The island has no hotel—just B&Bs, campsites, and holiday cottages—which helps keep things refreshingly low-key.
Don’t miss:
- St Warna’s Well – a medieval pilgrimage site on the way to the campsite.
- The Lighthouse – now privately owned, but still a striking landmark.
- Gugh – cross the tidal causeway at low tide to explore ancient standing stones and barrows.
Getting there:
Boats to St Agnes run from St Mary’s throughout the day (check tides and return times). It’s often best to plan a half-day visit unless you’re staying overnight.
Best time to go:
Late spring to early autumn is the best tim eto go to St Agnes – Isles of Sciliy, when the wildflowers bloom and the ice cream is cold.
St Agnes in a nutshell:
St Agnes – Isles of Sciliy. Small island, big character. Wild shores, sweet scoops, and the perfect pint to finish. What more could a walker want?
Why not read our blog about Tresco and it world famous gardens?