A Path Less Travelled
Ask people what they love most about Tresco and pretty close to the top of their list will be R&R. Rest and Relaxation. You can guarantee very few will say ‘running.’
We all know that running is good for the body, but scientific studies have also proved it is good for the soul. Not only does it help you lose weight and tone up; running is actually one of the best stress relievers known to science.
Perhaps that’s hard to believe if you think of a run on the mainland. Dodging traffic on the roads, pounding endless miles of hard tarmac, admiring the views of… well, what exactly?
On Tresco, though, things are different. Sure, for some the very idea of taking a run whilst on holiday may make them quake in their flip flops, but try it sometime.
Draw inspiration from our maps and routes below, take a deep breath, and take the first step. Run through the vibrant heather of the North end in the early autumn, jog through whispering rushes and across silver sands in the summer, or take to the car-free tracks criss-crossing the heart of the island and lined with stunning flowers in the Spring.
You might just discover the freedom that a run on Tresco can bring.
Perhaps in the case of this beautiful isle an extra character should be added to the old axiom. R, R & R: Rest, Relaxation and Running.
Route One
Approximate Distance: 3.5 miles | Approximate Time at 9 Minute Miles: 32 minutes | Approx Calories Burned: 500
A beautifully scenic route at any time of year, taking in all Tresco has to offer.
Head downhill from The New Inn and turn left at Timothy’s Corner, skirting along New Grimsby harbour and past the Abbey Farm cottages. At the fork by Great Pool turn left and run along Abbey Drive – a picture of wild flowers in the spring.
As you run past the grand entrance to the Abbey, head downhill and bear right to pass Abbey Pool on your left.
Continue along this lane, passing Valhalla and the Garden entrance before crossing the old Heliport, heading toward Carn Near Quay. Run through the heather on Appletree Banks and take the first left off the road onto a sandy track along the edge of Bathinghouse Porth, enjoying the stunning views across to St Mary’s.
Bear left to head back toward the Abbey Pool and on reaching the main track turn left again to join a stunning stretch hugging the coast of Pentle Bay to reach the Old Blockhouse.
Leaving the fort behind you rejoin the road and run along the shore at Old Grimsby, bearing left at Lucy-Tania and following the track past the Church and over Town Hill, returning to The New Inn.
Route Two
Approximate Distance: 2 miles | Approximate Time at 9 Minute Miles: 18 minutes | Approx Calories Burned: 300
A short, sharp exploration of Tresco’s rugged North end, this route is stunning in early autumn when the heather is in full colour.
Set out along the road from New Grimsby quay, taking the first left and climbing to the top of the hill before bearing left onto the track as the road flattens out. Follow this track, bearing right when it forks near the edge of the copse and then right again shortly after.
Run through the heather, hugging the treeline and overlooking the white sands of Gimble Porth. As you reach the north end take the track across to King Charles’ Castle and circle the ancient fort, taking in handsome views across to Bryher’s Shipman Head.
Turn back to the main track and run South along the shoulder of the island. When the track forks take the right hand track and follow the path to return to New Grimsby quay.
