Lower Town, St Martin's Head & Higher Town loop

The island of St Martin's is largely car-free, so access is primarily via inter-island boat services from St Mary's. You can disembark at either Lower Town Quay or Higher Town Quay, both of which serve as excellent starting points for this loop. Check local ferry timetables for current schedules.

The trail offers diverse terrain, including mixed sand and grass paths, with some rockier sections, particularly around St Martin's Head. You'll traverse clear coastal paths, sandy beaches, and paths across low heathland. Expect segments of grassy and sandy tracks through flower fields and dunes, as well as some road walking. Parts of the route run along clifftops and undulate over ground with granite outcrops.

This trail is considered a moderate hike. While much of the walking is relatively easy, it requires a reasonable level of fitness due to its length (approximately 9.9 km) and some sections with elevation gain and potentially rocky parts that demand sure-footedness. It's suitable for those with some hiking experience.

The loop offers stunning views and several distinctive features. You'll pass the historic St. Martin's Daymark, the UK's oldest surviving navigation marker, offering expansive island views. Other highlights include the Lower Town Quay, St Martin’s Stone Labyrinths, and the beautiful Little Bay Beach, St. Martin's. You'll also see the Higher Town Quay and potentially the St Martin's Vineyard.

The coastal path is excellent for observing local wildlife. Keep an eye out for kestrels and peregrines soaring overhead. You might also spot grey seals in the waters around Brandy Point and the Eastern Isles. Ruby Red Devon cows, managed by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, graze along parts of the clifftop.

Yes, the Lower Town, St Martin's Head & Higher Town loop is generally dog-friendly. However, please keep dogs under close control, especially around livestock (like the Ruby Red Devon cows) and nesting birds, and always clean up after your pet. Some areas may require dogs to be on a lead.

The Isles of Scilly benefit from a mild, subtropical climate, making this trail enjoyable for much of the year. Spring (April-May) offers vibrant wildflowers, while late spring and summer (June-August) provide the warmest weather for swimming in the bays. Autumn (September-October) can also be pleasant with fewer crowds. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Lower Town, St Martin's Head & Higher Town loop. The trail is located within the Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is freely accessible to the public.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of official trails such as School Lane and Pound Lane, integrating them into the larger loop around St Martin's.

Absolutely! The loop encompasses several beautiful bays with temptingly turquoise, crystal-clear waters. Great Bay is often highlighted as ideal for swimming, and Par Beach and Little Bay Beach, St. Martin's also offer excellent spots for a refreshing dip.

At low tide, an exciting option is to cross a stony tidal bar to White Island, which adds an extra mile to your walk. This offers a unique extension to the experience, but be sure to check tide times carefully, as the bar disappears at high tide, potentially stranding you.