The Isles of Scilly include five, small inhabited islands, four of which once formed a single larger island (the exception was St Agnes). But around 3000 years ago rising sea levels divided the land and created the present formation.
The channel between Tresco and Bryher is normally very busy with boats ferrying tourists and residents between islands as well as providing anchorage for visiting yachts. But four or five times a year, for a short while on three or four consecutive days, the sea bed is exposed. It is the time of the Spring tides – a time when it is possible to walk between Tresco and Bryher and, indeed, between Tresco and St Martins. For those whose holiday happens to coincide with a Spring tide the walk is often high on their ‘things I must do’ list.
Such an occasion occurred 10 days ago and the pictures below record the event, beginning with two or three ‘pioneers’ and developing into a steady stream. (See also my post Isles of Scilly)
Click on each image to enlarge
I love the way it filled up with people… I’ve never been to the Isles of Scilla.. I should add it to my bucket list.
Helen if you enjoy peace, quiet and natural beauty you must add the Scilly Isles to your list. Try to stay on one of the ‘Off Islands’ rather than St Mary’s which is a little more ‘cosmopolitan’! Each island has its own distinctive character.
Thanks Louis.. I will look into it and yes indeed I do enjoy all those things..
I like the idea of people making the pilgrimage just because they can. That first photo is beautiful!
It was an interesting occasion to witness. Most seemed very unsure until they saw that it really was possible. I like your choice of ‘pilgrimage’ – thet’s exactly what it was.
Very nice pictures that tells a story of the strait between the two island slowly filling up with people at spring tide. Very nice!
Thanks Otto. I was fortunate to be there on such a comparatively rare occasion.
Just love the evolution of population. Beautiful captures.
Many thanks Elena.
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That’s very interesting, Louis. It makes for unusual photographs – I like how small the people appear in some of them. almost like creatures you can’t quite decipher.
Thanks Karen. That’s an interesting comment. The processing of some of the images was strongly influences by the paintings of LS Lowry.