This year’s Walk Scilly Festival welcomed a special guest - Blundstone UK ambassador and outdoor enthusiast, Ted Simpson. Known for his love of wild landscapes and slow, meaningful adventures, Ted made his way to the Isles of Scilly this April for his first taste of island life. And what a way to discover it.
Ted’s Scillonian journey began aboard the iconic Scillonian III passenger ferry from Penzance — a rite of passage for many first-time visitors. Watching the Cornish coastline slip away and the low-lying Isles of Scilly appear on the horizon set the tone for a week of salty air, wild landscapes, and warm local welcomes.
Meeting the Locals… and the Wildlife
During Walk Scilly, Ted had the chance to join some of the islands' best-known experts. One of the highlights was a guided walk around St. Martin’s with local ornithologist and wildlife guide, Will Wagstaff from Island Wildlife Tours. Together, they explored the island’s unspoiled headlands and beaches, spotting seabirds and sharing stories of Scilly’s rich natural heritage.
But the wildlife encounters didn’t end there. Ted boarded a boat for a Wildlife Safari across the archipelago, where the big stars were the charismatic puffins, bobbing and swooping around the rocky islets - a sight he won’t soon forget.
Garden Escapes and Island Adventures
No trip to Scilly would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden. Ted met up with Head Gardener Andrew Lawson, who revealed the stories behind the exotic plants thriving in the garden’s sheltered microclimate. It was a glimpse into a truly unique, subtropical world that felt far removed from mainland Britain.
Adventure was never far away, either. Ted headed for a post-hike unwind with a sauna session overlooking the sea with Adventure Scilly — the perfect way to end a day outdoors, surrounded by nothing but the sound of the waves and seabirds overhead.
Island Hospitality at Mincarlo
Ted’s base for the week was Mincarlo, a waterfront guesthouse on St. Mary’s with views that stretch out across the harbour and beyond. After days spent walking, wildlife-watching, and exploring, it was the ideal spot to relax, reflect, and soak up the easy pace of island life.
A Festival to Remember
From its friendly local guides and expert-led walks to spontaneous moments of island magic, Walk Scilly proved to be an unforgettable adventure for Ted. His visit captured everything that makes the Isles of Scilly so special — a place where you can slow down, head outdoors, and reconnect with nature, one footstep at a time.
Feeling inspired? Start planning your own adventure – next year’s Walk Scilly Festival promises even more opportunities to explore the islands’ wild beauty on foot as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary. Save the date, April 10 - 19, 2026!
