England’s final frontier: totally untamed and thoroughly unspoilt
On the most south-westerly edge of the Isles of Scilly, St. Agnes is totally unspoilt and astonishingly peaceful. It measures just a mile or so across, and its closest neighbour is Gugh, to which it is joined by a sand bar at low tide.
This is an island of wonderful contrasts, from rocky outcrops on its exposed west side to paradise beaches in its more sheltered coves; the tranquillity of the sandbar between St. Agnes and Gugh is particularly magical. Inland are quaint cottages and a patchwork of flower fields, while a lighthouse stands at the island’s highest point. St. Agnes is also a thriving community of working farms and creative, light industrial flair.
St. Agnes urges your senses to seek adventure. Head off in search of the circular maze of rounded beach stones; marvel at the stone stacks and cairns that dot Wingletang Down, or comb the beaches for shipwrecked treasures at Beady Pool. Periglis Beach is a fine spot for a picnic as well as a shell collectors’ paradise. It also offers stunning views across to the bird sanctuary that is Annet, the Western Rocks and out to Bishop Rock. And then there’s the Old Man of Gugh, who stands 3 metres tall and is believed to be associated with Bronze Age rituals.
Of course, there is always the option to simply go for a dip, or sit and watch the world go by whilst sampling the local produce at the restaurants and cafés, or supping a beer at the Turk’s Head pub.
