Scilly spectacular
St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly
ROUTE BY THE WILD AND SCILLY MERMAIDS
A one day spectacular that takes in pristine beaches and stunning coastal swims (often with seals for company).
LOCATION: Porthmellon to Watermill (or Par Wreck)
TOTAL DISTANCE: 8km
ABOVE DISTANCE (HIKE): 4
BELOW DISTANCE (SWIM): 2 km or 4km
A (START): Porthmellon Beach, St Mary’s
B (FINISH): Watermill 2km or on to Par Wreck via Deep Point 4km
DURATION: allow 4 to 5 hours for hike, swim, lunch
DIFFICULTY: easy to intermediate
OS Map: OL101
Before you set off, please read our safety guide and blog post on the risks of biosecurity. And here is our recommended kit list.
NEED TO KNOW
Difficulty: Wasy to intermediate but the Mermaids can adapt to your confidence and ability levels.
Safety: Book in to swim with the Wild and Scilly Mermaids as swim guides (see below and blog). Tidal flow can be with or against depending on the state of tide. This effect will be less noticeable on a neap tide. Marine traffic possible around entrance to Watermill Cove.
Things to look out for: Footpath passes Juliet’s cafe (open May - Oct) around headland with views of Tresco and St Martin’s. The swim finishes at Watermill Cove. Toilet facilities are available at the start ‘The Beach’ restaurant at Porthmellon (Open May - Oct).
Extra kit: Obviously the RuckRaft but other than that, this is a pretty simple swim and hike back.
Highlights Rocky coastline, Halangy bronze age village, white sands of Bar point, Watermill cove.
Description
Above: The route leaves Porthmellon beach and follows coastal path past Porthloo boat park, continue up the road past Juliet's cafe where the coastal path then follows the headland around Carn Morval (great viewpoint) and on to pass the Bronze age village of Halangy. The footpath then meets a gravel track and at this point, head down towards the coast. Pendrathen bay has a small slipway and quiet moorings. From here, you can begin the swim on towards Watermill Cove.
Below: This coastal swim passes the beautiful white sands and dune lined Bar point. Around the rocky spur of Innisidgen with the backdrop of Scots pine woodland, you then come across the entrance to picturesque Watermill Cove.
If you want to head a bit further, head on past Watermill Cove to reach Tolls island and Pelistry. The land here is connected to Tolls island with a small sand bar, visible at low tide. Here you can either cross the bar and continue on the other side, or head around the back of Tolls island. If you decide to swim over the sandbar at high tide, you will notice some current. Seals are often seen in the waters around here (pictured above).
Once past Pelistry, the coastline becomes rugged. The gnarled rocks of Deep Point are an impressive sight to swim past and as the sea depth increases, it is reflected in the deeper blue and slightly cooler temperature of the water. Once past the rocks of Deep Point, Porth Wreck (Exit B) is the first small bay you come to. NOTE! From Pelistry to Porth Wreck the coast is more exposed and subject to strong water movement from a combination of tidal flow and deep water. The effect of this is dependent upon tide and conditions; it is strongly recommended that you check first. Plus, there are no safe exit points until Porth Wreck, and getting onto the rocks could prove tricky as there is often a surge.
Once at Watermill Cove, the footpath out can sometimes be a bit waterlogged. Prepare to risk getting muddy feet!
YOUR GUIDES
If you want to give this, or one of the many truly spectacular routes on Scilly a try, get in touch with
The Wild and Scilly Mermaids
The Wild and Scilly Mermaids have been swimming together all year round in the waters of Scilly for over 5 years and know the Islands and swim routes well. Ruth is a chef and Anna is a paramedic; both live and work on the Island of St Mary's.
All our local guides are qualified lifeguards or swimguides with first-hand experience of the route.