South East Coast Of St Mary's

Saturday 30th June 2012

I took a quick walk around the coastal path from Old Town and under the airport to Porth Hellick this afternoon. I decided to cut back to the road through Salakee Farm. Not my best plan as it was still quite muddy from the rains in the week.

I managed to get a snap of the Twin Otter coming into land. I think it was the flight from Exeter, which had a couple of our guests on board.

Armed Forces Day

Saturday 30th June 2012

It's Armed Forces Day, so our head Chef, Rob has been baking to help raise money for SSAFA Forces help.

He's baked a huge sponge cake and a box full of chocolate brownies... I'm probably biased, but I have to say that Rob's brownies are the best brownies I've ever tasted!

Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor

“A Happy Hotel”

Reviewed 28 June 2012

What struck me most about this hotel was the number of guests who told me they had made many return visits and I soon understood why. This is a well run and happy hotel, clean and bright to return to at the end of the day and offering a varied menu and good quality food. It also has a small heated indoor pool which, when the weather is cool and unsettled as it was for me, is a bonus. Strongly recommended.

Guest Email & Poem - Remembering Scilly One Year On

We have received a lovely email from one of our guests who came to Scilly and stayed with us at the Bell Rock Hotel for their 30th Wedding Anniversary last year (2011). It is very touching that we helped to make their holiday a special one. Scilly has obviously left a lasting impression. The islands have inspired a poem....



----- Original Message -----
From: K GOODGER
To: Bell RockHotel
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 10:56 PM
Subject: One year on


Hello Daniel

It is exactly one year ago today that my husband and I spent our 30th wedding anniversary in your lovely hotel in the wonderful Island of St Marys. To this day I can still picture the beautiful cake your chef made for us to celebrate. We had a wonderfully relaxing week which has left an indelible memory. I live in hope of one day returning but in the meantime I am sending you a copy of something I have just finished writing...one year on. I hope you like it. Once again thank you for making that week so lovely.

Mrs Judith Goodger.



"Oh, Isles of Scilly" - Written By Judith Goodger

I close my eyes and often dream of ‘Scilly’
Of fine white sand and seas so crystal clear
Of ever smiling, friendly, helpful people
And of a way of life that’s held so dear.

The little boats that speed between the islands
At night they nestle safely in the bay
Protected by the ever present lifeboat
It’s presence ever welcome all the day.

The little beaches dotted round the coastlines
Of every single island, big or small,
The craggy rocks, the waves that roll around them
I close my eyes and see them, one and all.

The flowers in their luminescent beauty
The shearwaters and puffins skim the sea
The peaceful walks around each lovely island
The tame ‘wild birds’ that help you eat your tea.

The bustling little airport on St Mary’s
Where planes and helicopters fly hand in hand.
The busy quaysides hustle and it’s bustle
As ‘Scillonian’ comes safely to dry land

The ‘always open’ tiny island churches
The farm shop stalls that sit along the way
Laden with their goods for sale. You’re trusted
To only take your need, and then to pay.

It seems another world whilst on these Islands
A place to stop and breathe for just a while
There’s time to take in all of Natures Beauty
And such beauty lies on every singleIsle

St Mary’s and St Agnes how I miss you
St Martin’s, Bryher and Tresco, one and all
The ever present Samson and it’s sisters
At night, asleep, I often hear your call.

If I should ne’er return to those dear Islands
To breathe their air, or see their sights so true
Forever I will hold them in my memory
Dear Isles of Scilly..I’ll ne’er forget you.

St Mary's Perimeter Road

Thursday 28th June 2012

I decided to stick to the hard roads after a couple of damp foggy days. I didn't fancy getting wet feet and muddy off the beaten track.
It's not very often we get 72 hours of solid fog! Flying from lunchtime on Monday to lunchtime on Thursday was a bit of a non starter! We always strongly recommend taking out adequate travel insurance to cover all eventualities and the last few days reinforces that even more.

So, the perimeter road from Sally Port end of town, right around St Mary's and back is 5.5 miles. I've been meaning to measure it properly as I knew it was around the 5 mile mark. It took 1 1/2 hours without stopping for longer than taking a couple of snaps on my phone. You will probably want to set aside at least 3 or 4 hours to make the most of a leisurely walk if you are going to go right around. This doesn't account for pit stops either!

The first shot was up at Telegraph where the old Telegraph Tower, previously used by the coastguard was surrounded by clear vivid blue skies.
...at this point I remembered I hadn't put in my wine order for the hotel so got straight on the phone! I think I'd be lost without my mobile...

From telegraph I headed down Pungees Lane to Argymoor Duck Pond where I was lucky enough to see mother duck & her baby ducklings.

The last picture I took for the day's walk was at Holy Vale, looking through the trees towards the airport direction.

Back Online!

The broadband fault on Scilly was widespread and came back on late last night.
...so, we are now back in the room!

Internet Is Down!!

There appears to be a wide spread Internet problem throughout Hugh Town (at least) as of Thursday 28th June.
If you are waiting for a reply through email from us, please bear with us until it comes back online.
Luckily I can blog using my mobile phone.... However, I can't access our work email.
In the mean time we are still accessible on the telephone: 01720 422575

Sunset Sunday 24th June 2012

An evening stroll around the Garrison. A perfect way to end a lovely sunny Sunday :)

Porthmellon - Harry's Walls - Porthloo Duck Pond

Sunday 24th June 2012

At last, I've time to up load some photographs I took on Sunday.

A walk across Porthmellon beach before climbing up to Harry's Walls which is the uncompleted 16th Century fort originally designed to protect St Mary's harbour. The plans were scrapped in favour of the current Garrison site.

There's also some pictures of Porthloo Duck Pond thrown in for good measure!

New Sample Menus 2012

The good news is, over night, the newly uploaded Sample Menus for 2012 have successfully linked through ok.
To view, please just click on the album. There are 6 different menus to look at, including the Sunday night menu for our traditional roast beef dinner. Use the big arrows right or left of the picture to scroll different menus.
Once in the album you can zoom in on the picture by clicking on the magnifying glass positioned at the top left above the menu picture. You can then zoom in and out if you wish by using the + or - button on the left of the picture. Top right x to close picture.

Sunday 24th June Photos

I've photos from Sunday to post up when I get a minute. Was busy today, so didn't get around to it. Hopefully Tuesday... Watch this space :)

Menu Samples 2012

I have just uploaded new menu samples for 2012. They are hosted externally from the blog, and so they are not yet showing up at present (8.45pm Mon. 25th June). I shall check again Tuesday morning as I may need to reassign the link to the renamed photo gallery.

Google Chrome

After much resistance to change, I have downloaded Google Chrome as my other browser was not playing ball any more. It refused to let me write a post, and I've been having to use my phone app instead. This is ok if I just wish to post a photograph and some text alongside it, but no good if I want to post something written, or to copy and paste in guest correspondence.
If you are having any trouble at all with viewing or navigating this blog (I wouldn't think just viewing should cause any issues on any browser; I think it was just a nuisance for me working on the blog), I would recommend downloading the Google Chrome browser.

Guest Review Extracted From TripAdvisor

“Our holiday in st Mary's, Lsles of Scilly”

Reviewed 22 June 2012

I had stayed at the Bell Rock ten years ago and fifteen years ago and I was delighted to find that the standard was as good as I remembered it. We have just returned from a five night holiday.and want to return soon Food is excellent and the staff very helpful. The bedrooms were very clean and comfortable. The weather was not very good this time but we did not let it spoil our holiday it was freak weather

Guest Email of Thanks

----- Original Message -----
From: MARY BALMFORTH
To: Bell Rock Hotel
Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2012 2:25 PM
Subject: Re: Bell Rock Hotel


Hi Daniel.
Thank you once again for a memorable time spent in IOS. Journey home nasty on motorway.
I am never disappointed. Every year has some new experience, this year the Jubilee! Comfort friendliness, and food never fails, standards one expects are always achieved.
Looking forward to next year. Liz Balmforth

Guest Email of Thanks

----- Original Message -----
From: Liz Costa
To: Bell Rock Hotel
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2012 1:33 PM
Subject: Re: Bell Rock Hotel


Dear Daniel

Many thanks. After the really hairy drive home [Bodmin to Southampton acquaplaning all the way], comforting to have the good memories.

I enjoyed my stay - where else on Scilly would I receive such a friendly welcome and be looked after by such a team of professional staff? When extolling the many virtues of the Isles of Scilly to friends and colleagues the obvious question of where to stay comes up and I will only ever recommend The Bell Rock - nowhere else offers the same experience.

Planning a 3-day break in October for two - will contact you nearer the time and hope you have space [around 12th would be good].

Again, thanks for a wonderful holiday despite the somewhat strange weather pattern.

Best regards to all

Liz Costa

Carreg Dhu - Sharks Pit - Porthmellon

Friday 23rd June 2012

From Old Town heading up the road inland past John Bordeaux's Pottery, you can cut through the pines opposite the road junction. This will bring you out to Carreg Dhu community gardens. It's a long time since I went in there and it seems to have got bigger!!
I had a guest complain to me not so long ago that it's a little overgrown and in need of attention. Why complain? It's free to enter, and it's tended to by volunteers who give up precious spare time to look after the area. I thought it was looking lovely. It's a very peaceful sun trap where you can relax in the quiet on one of the many seats with a book. It's definitely worth a visit.

From Carreg Dhu and back on the main road to Telegraph, I took a right and then the first left past Farmer Brown's bulb shop at Sunnyside and went down Rocky Hill.
At the bottom there you can turn right for the duck pond. I didn't go as far as that though, and took a left up past mount flagon and back onto the coastal path leading back to Porthmellon.

Buzza - Peninnis - Carn Lea

Friday 22nd June 2012

A shorter walk for Friday just 3.7 miles.

A climb up the hill to Buzza Tower to take in the views across the harbour to Samson & Bryher.

Then onwards down King Edward's Road (dirt track!) to Peninnis. Along the way is the old mill stone.

Left turn at the gate onto Peninnis down takes you into Old Town past Carn Lea. There are many stone cairn stacks along here now as everyone tries their skill at finding and balancing stones of decreasing sizes.
...just be careful of your toes if you give it a try. Feet generally don't take kindly to having rocks dropped on them :(

View From Home

Tuesday 19th June 2012

...I love the view from my house. A calm evening at 9pm looking out from my bedroom window.

Coastal Path Under The Airport & Old Town

Tuesday 19th June 2012

...and the reason the buzzer & flashing lights and signs at the end of the runway become apparent!

Normandy & Porth Hellick

Tuesday 19th June 2012

Rocky Hill Through To Holy Vale

Tuesday 19th June 2012

...Sorry for the delay! Finally, here are the photographs I took on Tuesday.
I took the central route across St Mary's up Rocky Hill to Sunnyside and across the road to cut through to Holy Vale.

Tuesday 19th June 2012

I've photos from Tuesday... Apologies, as I've not had time yet to post them. I'll try later today :)

Do You Have A Favourite View?

If you have a favourite view on St Mary's please feel free to request a photograph. Just email me (Daniel Lawson) at the Bell Rock Hotel: bellrock.hotel@btclick.com (copy & paste the link).
I am often out for walks, so I will do my best to get the picture for you quickly.
Don't forget to say in your email, who you are and where you are from for a photo dedication.
Any requests for off islands might take some time I'm afraid as I don't often get off St Mary's.

Pelistry Beach & Tolls Island

Monday 18th June 2012

The coastal path on the south side of Pelistry is a little overgrown at the moment, but still passable. Just look out for the occasional nettle or hog weed!!
There was a Gannet diving for fish just off Toll's Island.

Around Porth Hellick

Monday 18th June 2012

Onwards past the Airport on St Mary's keeping on the coastal path you will arrive at Porth Hellick.

Coastal Path From Old Town To Giants Castle

Monday 18th June 2012

A new week starts and a change for the better in the weather. Sunday wasn't bad at all to be fair, but I forgot to take any pictures!

The coastal path from Old Town out to Giants Castle takes you past the end of the runway for St Mary's Airport. There are various signs so you can't miss it... And it was safe for me to cross as the buzzer wasn't sounding and the green light was on.
There can't be many places left in the UK where you can cross past the end of a runway! There's a sign telling you not to hang around... I promise I was very quick with the photos when I took them!