A Path Less Travelled

After months of lockdown, what better than the freedom of a family-owned island, with hundreds of acres of coast paths, fields, woodland, beaches and tracks to explore?

Below, we've taken a look at a couple of great running routes - perfect for a gentle jog for your first tentative steps into running, or for the more seasoned sprinters. Each route can be taken at your own pace, whether you want to take in the views around every corner or set a new personal best.

Draw inspiration from our maps and routes below, take a deep breath and then the first step...

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. Perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike.

Head downhill from The New Inn and turn left at Timothy’s Corner, skirting along New Grimsby harbour and past the Island Office. At the fork by Great Pool turn left and run along Abbey Drive – a picture of wildflowers in the spring.

As you run past the entrance to the Abbey, head downhill and bear right, passing Abbey Pool on your left. Continue along this lane, passing Valhalla and the Garden entrance before crossing the Heliport, heading toward Carn Near Quay. Run through the bracken 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.

You've earned something refreshing in the garden...

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 perfect for those looking for a challenge or, taken more gently, a great introduction to hill running.

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 over the heath-clad clifftops, 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.