Walking Tides: Walk Between Bryher and Tresco

Every so often, the tide retreats far enough to reveal something rather special: a temporary path across the seabed from Bryher to Tresco.

For most of the year, the two islands are separated by the channel. But on the lowest spring tides, the water draws back to uncover a trail of sandbars and shallows connecting Bryher and Tresco on foot.

Setting out from Church Quay on Bryher, make your way across the exposed seabed towards Tresco – paddling through the odd shallow pool, picking your way over sand and seaweed and enjoying the strange experience of walking somewhere that, just a few hours later, will once again be beneath the sea.

Wet ankles are to be expected. Wet knees aren’t unheard of. Any more than that, you might want to check you’re on the right route!

Once on Tresco, stay for lunch, a wander or a little longer exploring the island before catching a boat home to Bryher – or, if tides and conditions allow, make the return journey on foot (if you choose to do this, you’ll need to head straight back; never start walking more than 30 minutes after low water).

Walking from Bryher to Tresco

The crossing runs between Church Quay on Bryher and Flood Hatch on Tresco.

From Church Quay, follow the exposed sandbars out into the channel before bearing towards Flood Hatch as you approach Tresco.

There is no permanently marked route and conditions vary with every tide, so please check locally before setting out.

A Few Words of Caution

The predicted tides below indicate when a crossing may be possible, but weather, atmospheric pressure and local conditions can all affect the height and timing of the tide.

The information on this page is believed to be correct and accurate, but we would always suggest checking tide times and other information locally before making the crossing.

Before setting out:

• Wear suitable footwear
• Check the tide times, weather and local conditions
• Never attempt the crossing in fog or poor visibility
• Always tell someone where you’re going
• If in doubt, ask locally before setting out
• Never begin a crossing more than 30 minutes after low water

If you reach Tresco and find yourself tempted to stay awhile, don’t try to race the returning tide. Enjoy the island and catch a boat back to Bryher instead.

2026 Walking Tides

September

Friday 11th – 11.55am*
Saturday 12th – 12.33pm
Sunday 13th – 1.09pm*

October

Tuesday 27th – 11.19am*

November

No walkable tides

December

Friday 25th – 11.44am
Saturday 26th – 12.34pm

*Dates marked with an asterisk are more marginal, and whether the crossing is possible will be particularly dependent on atmospheric pressure and conditions.

2027 Walking Tides

January

Friday 22nd – 10.47am – 0.7m*
Saturday 23rd – 11.36am – 0.4m
Sunday 24th – 12.23pm – 0.4m
Monday 25th – 1.06pm – 0.4m
Tuesday 26th – 1.48pm – 0.6m

February

Saturday 20th – 10.36am – 0.6m
Sunday 21st – 11.20am – 0.3m
Monday 22nd – 12.02pm – 0.3m
Tuesday 23rd – 12.41pm – 0.3m
Wednesday 24th – 1.18pm – 0.6m

March

Wednesday 10th – 12.11pm – 0.7m

Sunday 21st – 10.16am – 0.6m
Monday 22nd – 10.57am – 0.4m
Tuesday 23rd – 11.36am – 0.4m
Wednesday 24th – 12.12pm – 0.5m
Thursday 25th – 12.47pm – 0.7m*

April

Thursday 8th – 12.43pm – 0.7m*

Monday 19th – 10.50am – 0.7m*
Tuesday 20th – 11.30am – 0.7m*
Wednesday 21st – 12.07pm – 0.7m*

May & June

No walkable tides

July

Monday 5th – 12.39pm – 0.7m*
Tuesday 6th – 1.28pm – 0.7m*
Wednesday 7th – 2.17pm – 0.7m*

August

Tuesday 3rd – 12.27pm – 0.5m
Wednesday 4th – 1.13pm – 0.4m
Thursday 5th – 1.57pm – 0.4m
Friday 6th – 2.40pm – 0.6m

Tuesday 31st – 11.23am – 0.7m*

September

Wednesday 1st – 12.08pm – 0.4m
Thursday 2nd – 12.51pm – 0.3m
Friday 3rd – 1.31pm – 0.4m
Saturday 4th – 2.11pm – 0.6m

Wednesday 29th – 11.03am – 0.7m*
Thursday 30th – 11.45am – 0.5m

October

Friday 1st – 12.26pm – 0.5m
Saturday 2nd – 1.05pm – 0.6m

November & December

No walkable tides

*Dates marked with an asterisk are more marginal, with walkability particularly dependent on atmospheric pressure and conditions.