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22 Apr Walk Scilly 2015 hailed a resounding success for the islands
Walk Scilly 2015 has once again been hailed a resounding success for the Isles of Scilly, increasing the islands’ coffers by an estimated £200,000.

This year, there were 24 walks – three more than last – with six new guides and more than 500 individual walkers taking part. Many walkers came to Scilly specifically for the festival and advance bookings were substantially up on previous years, with many walks sold out prior to the week-long event kicking off on April 11th.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Channel Crossing low tide walk from Tresco to Bryher was the first walk to sell out, quickly followed by the historical walks on the uninhabited islands of Samson and Tean. Indeed, a further walk to Samson was arranged for the last day of the festival to soak up demand. The three supper boats laid on were also very popular, perhaps due to the Folk Festival not coinciding this year – missed by a few of the regular Walk Scilly walkers!

Feedback from walkers has been excellent, too; one lady from Surrey writing: “Thank you for planning such an excellent week. All the walks, talks and events have been most interesting and enjoyable. I will certainly recommend this event to others.”

“We’re delighted that Walk Scilly went so well again this year particularly as more and more people are booking to come to Scilly specifically for the festival,” says Islands’ Partnership Executive Director, David Jackson. “The weather did challenge us as some walkers were delayed arriving on the islands, the kayaking and snorkelling had to be cancelled and, of course, the views were not quite so spectacular. But nonetheless the feedback and lovely comments received by those who took part was warmly welcomed by the Islands’ Partnership team who worked very hard to pull it all together. Just as importantly, from an economic standpoint, we believe that the Walk Scilly income from the walks, boats, accommodation for those who came specifically for Walk Scilly, as well as the economic trickle from retail, restaurants and refreshments has brought in an estimated £200,000 to the islands’ economy.”

Bookings are already being taken for next year’s Walk Scilly, the dates of which have now been confirmed for Saturday 9th to Friday 15th April 2016. “This is a week later than previously planned, designed not to coincide with the Easter holidays as we have done for the last two years, and also to try to have the weather a little more on our side,” David notes. “Next year, we are looking forward to significantly enlarging the event and adding in more to do over and above walking, including more music and entertainment in the evenings, and further opportunities to island hop. There was also a desire this year for participants to purchase Walk Scilly merchandising, something which will be considered for 2016.”

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