Archaeology Walks with Dr Katharine Sawyer
Delve into the deep and fascinating history of Tresco with a guided walk led by Dr Katharine Sawyer, Archaeologist and Guide
| Smith Square, 10:00 or 13:30 |
| £10 per walk, cash only* |
Tresco is rich in history with burial chambers and pre-historic sites all over the island. Delve into it's deep and fascinating past with a guided walk led by archaeologist Dr Katharine Sawyer. A St Marys local, Katharine will guide you to the hidden gems of our prehistoric past which remain here, some dating back 4,000 years.
Katharine offers walks at both 10:00 and 13:30 and each walk will follow a different route. Katharine will be on Tresco on the following dates in 2025:
April: Wednesday 2nd, Wednesday 16th & Wednesday 30th
May: Wednesday 14th & Monday 26th
June: Wednesday 18th
July: Wednesday 9th
August: Wednesday 6th & Wednesday 20th
September: Wednesday 3rd & Wednesday 17th
October: Wednesday 1st
Walks depart from Smith Square by the Island Office and cost £10 per walk or £20 for those wishing to join in both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Please pre-book your place through the Island Office, as spaces are limited. Payable by CASH to Katharine directly on the day.
Please note that some walks will take you into the Abbey Garden. If you are staying on Tresco, please bring your cottage card to present at the desk. If you are not staying on Tresco, please note you will need to pay the £18 entrance fee.
Please be aware that walks cover steep, rocky and uneven ground so please wear suitable footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing. Walks last between 1hr and 30mins - 2 hours
*If you don't have any cash, walks can also be booked to your cottage
The routes on offer
Katharine offers a variety of routes in order to best showcase the rich and diverse history of the island. Below is an outline of each walk - all beginning at Smith Square.
Route 1 - The Castle Down Climb: This walk will lead you north along the coast to Cromwell's Castle, then up to King Charles Castle and across to Tregarthen Hill Burial Chamber. Finally, along Gimble Porth and down to The Ruin Beach Café.
Route 2 - The Middle Down Meander: This walk will delve into the history of the Middle Down millstone, Smuggler's Cache, Old Blockhouse and our Bronze Age settlement site. You will then wander to St Nicholas' Church and end at New Grimsby.
Route 3 -The Abbey Garden Amble: This walk will take place in the gardens and will highlight points of interest you may have walked past several times. You will discover the Roman altar and the Roman midden; learn about the Priory church, the Roman inscribed gravestone and the Bronze Age holed stone; and uncover stories of the Valhalla figureheads.
