SKY, SEA & STONE
A specialist small-group walking retreat on the Isles of Scilly
Come explore and revive.
April 20th-24th 2027
Step away from the everyday and into a slower, more elemental way of seeing the islands. Sky, Sea & Stone combines thoughtful coastal walking, prehistoric landscapes and open Atlantic horizons with stargazing, sea-based exploration and optional wellbeing experiences.
This is not a conventional walking holiday. It is a curated retreat for people who value insight, calm and connection to place and each other.
WHY THIS RETREAT IS DIFFERENT
Archaeoastronomy & Landscape Interpretation
Ancient sites are explored not only for what they are, but for how they relate to the sun, moon, stars and horizon. Subtle alignments, seasonal markers and cosmological ideas bring deep time into a living landscape.
Local Knowledge & Watersports Expertise
A local watersports professional brings first-hand knowledge of tides, weather, coastal character and island logistics. Kayaking and sea exploration become part of the story rather than simply an activity beside it.
WALKING AT THE HEART
Each guided walk is carefully paced, with time to pause, discuss and absorb. Routes trace ancient paths, headlands, burial sites and stone features in dialogue with the sea and sky. The aim is not distance for its own sake, but attentiveness to light, texture, atmosphere and place.
BEYOND WALKING
| KAYAKING & COASTAL EXPLORATION | STARGAZING & NIGHT-SKY SESSIONS | OPTIONAL SAUNA & SEA IMMERSION |
| Gentle journeys along the shoreline reveal archaeology, geology and settlement patterns from the water, with the sea providing a restorative physical rhythm. | Explore constellations, navigation and celestial storytelling, connecting the day’s landscapes to the wider cosmos. | A coastal sauna and dawn sea dip can add deep relaxation after days outdoors — heat, salt water and Atlantic air in a simple ritual of restoration. |
These experiences are enhancements, not obligations. Each guest can shape their own balance of activity and rest.
DAYS SHAPED BY EASE
A gentle 4–5 day rhythm • Tuesday–Saturday
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL & ORIENTATION
Crossing into a different world
Arrival: Optional group meet at Penzance Harbour, with help coordinating the transfer to St Martins. Settle into your accommodation before a gentle coastal walk.
Evening: Welcome dinner and a short introduction: “How to read this landscape” — including what makes Scilly distinctive astronomically.
Welcome pack: Map, simple sky guide, notebook and night-sky guidance.
DAY 2 — ISLAND & ALIGNMENT
Ancient landscape, light & sky
Explore ancient sites with specialist interpretation, with a dawn swim if desired. A golden-hour / low-light walk follows the changing landscape, leading into an evening night-sky session.
DAY 3 — SEA, BODY & SKY
Immersion & restoration
Morning: Watersports or coastal exploration by kayak.
Afternoon: Free time for beach, cafés or quiet rest.
Late afternoon: Optional coastal sauna and cold-dip experience.
Evening: Gentle low-light walk.
DAY 4 — DEEP TIME & COSMOS
Perspective beyond the landscape
Morning: Longer off-island “synthesis” walk, drawing together the themes of the retreat.
Evening: Visit to the Cosmos Observatory.
DAY 5 — MAINLAND TIME
A final island perspective
Morning: Travel to St Mary’s for a relaxed morning stroll, shopping, cafés and a final look around before departure.
INTIMATE BY DESIGN
Maximum 8 participants • Two expert leaders. The small scale keeps the experience quietly luxurious and genuinely personal, allowing space for conversation, individual attention and shared discovery.
WHO IT’S FOR
For people who enjoy immersive walking, archaeology, astronomy, landscape and place-based knowledge; who appreciate expert guidance delivered with warmth; and who want a space that nourishes curiosity as well as wellbeing.
No prior expertise is needed — only curiosity and a love of land, sky and seascape.
PRACTICAL OVERVIEW
- Duration: 4–5 days
- Walking: Moderate, with flexibility and plenty of pauses
- Accommodation: Not included; a carefully curated list of local options is provided
- Kayaking & sauna: Optional enhancements, arranged locally
- Group size: Maximum 8 participants
- The advertised schedule is subject to weather conditions and may be rearranged to ensure the best experience
SKY, SEA & STONE
A specialist retreat where ancient landscapes, Atlantic waters and night skies become part of one immersive journey.
Price: £950 per person
Early Bird: £750 per person when booked by 20th December 2026
Deposit of £250 secures your place on this exclusive retreat – balance due by February 19th 2027
Reserve your space: email: info@stmartinswatersports.co.uk
Included
Inter-island boat transfers between St Mary’s and St Martins
The planned retreat activities, including
Exclusive boat trip
Sauna experience
Kayak hire
Guided stargazing session at the Observatory
Evening welcome meal
Exclusive retreat welcome pack
Not Included
Travel to and from the Isles of Scilly mainland
Accommodation on St Martins — we will provide a carefully selected list of local accommodation providers to suit different preferences and budgets
Meals during the retreat, except the welcome meal
Booking & Cancellation
To confirm your place, payment must be made in accordance with the booking arrangements provided at the time of booking.
If you need to cancel your booking, please notify us in writing/email
Cancellation charges are as follows:
90 days or more before the retreat: Full refund
89–31 days before the retreat: 50% refund
30 days or less before the retreat: No refund
We strongly recommend that guests take out appropriate travel insurance, including cancellation and interruption cover, before travelling.
If we need to cancel or make a significant change to the retreat, we will contact you as soon as possible and explain the options available to you.
