Islandeering
A new book about islandeering guides you through visits to some of the UK’s tiniest islands where there is no power or fresh water, and the boundary between land and sea presents offers the ultimate places for adventure, challenge and solitude.
The experience is called ‘islandeering’ – walking, scrambling, wading and even swimming around an island’s rim. With dramatic clifftops, wild beaches, tiny tracks and deep gullies there is always a route to be found.
From urban islets to clifftop nature reserves, secretive military islands to remote beach idylls, there are secluded swims, seashore foraging, incredible wildlife, stunning seascapes, abandoned villages and vibrant communities to discover. Getting to them can be an adventure in their own right with exhilarating RIB rides, exposed cliff scrambles and epic tidal crossings, one of which is known as Britain’s ‘deadliest highway’.
Here are some the UK’s best islandeering adventures.
1. Scolt Head, Norfolk
A wet and wild wade through sun-warmed channels leads to a walk along a stunning natural beach . From Burnham Overy Staithe, cross two streams to get to the island then wade along the tidal creeks and wildlife-filled saltmarsh of the south shore, enjoying warm, secluded swims on the way. Cross to the north coast with its pounding surf and wild and extensive sands. Return in true islandeering style – by letting the incoming tide float you gently back.
Distance:13.8km
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: 2
OS Map: OS Explorer 250 & 251
2. Steep Holm, Somerset
The exhilarating RIB ride from Weston-Super-Mare is all part of the adventure, but once at the island an easy clifftop amble around a small former military outpost turned nature reserve awaits. Those with a head for heights can test their nerve on steep exposed sections. If the thought of this makes you feel dizzy, pick your way through the remains of underground munition stores or enjoy spectacular views across the Bristol Channel instead.
Distance: 2.2km
Time: 45 minutes; 12 hours exploration
Difficulty: 1 (4 for cliff diversions)
OS Map: OS Explorer 153
3. Foulness, Essex
Foulness is Essex ’s best-kept secret. Step out onto Maplin Sands to follow the legendary Broomway. With an incoming tide that is faster than most people can run and MoD owners who like to fire missiles out across the sands, this walk does require some planning. The reward for the few who attempt it is a fabulous wilderness experience and the chance to chat to friendly islanders with their unique language and tales of ‘stringies’, ‘cadgers’ and ‘doggies’.
Distance: 29km
Time: 6 hours
Difficulty: 2
OS Map: OS Explorer 176
4. Chapel, Cumbria
Chapel in Cumbria offers an exhilarating route with notorious sinking sands and extremely quick tides. It’s best to go with a guide who will know the safest route across the fast-flowing River Leven and the wilderness of Morecombe Bay (The Queen’s Guide to the Sands; guideoversands.co.uk ). …