That's proper flying!! Love the Twin Otter - especially the overhead thrust levers - so distinctive and characteristic. Really envied you watching the flight deck activity. Great video (and brilliant weather)!!
Flew into the Isles of Scilly for our honeymoon in a DeHaviland Dragon Rapide biplane sixty years ago. We have been back several times since, by sea and under our own steam in Cessna 150, 172 and Piper Cherokee. The scenery is so spectacular. Unforgettable!
A biplane, wow - never been in one. That must’ve been fantastic and, tbh, it’s taken me a long time to get over there but I certainly won’t forget it either. A brilliant experience 😊👍
I have just replicated your trip after watching. Your channel , boy what a trip , fantastic , sail , fly back on the twin otter , taxi back to Penzance, in one day , highly recommended, many thanks , I did mention your RU-vid channel to the staff which they were pleased , cheers ,
Brilliant, I love it when someone does a similar trip and I hope you had as good a time as me Steve. When I think back now it was certainly the best day trip (all round) I’ve had for a long time! Special mention to the staff actually because they were excellent too 👍
Now I can see why Harold Wilson (British Prime Minister in the 60s and 70s) loved it so much. He had a very modest bungalow there, which his wife retired to. It was sold only recently following her death. Both of them are buried on the Isles I believe? Really enjoyed that Mark. Nice way to end a trip.
They're both buried in Old Town Churchyard. While you're there, it's worth carrying on around the coast until you reach the end of the airport runway. There are pedestrian control signals on the path, to stop you walking across the end of the runway when planes are landing or taking off, which is quite a cool experience. We are off to stay on St Mary's next month (we go whenever we can) and can't wait.
Cheers Shane, it was an amazing place. I don’t know much about the Harold Wilson thing tbh but it just goes to show, you don’t need a big house with lots of land necessarily. It just needs to be in the right place. I would love to retire here but I’m not sure I could afford it! I’ll definitely be back though 👍
😮 wow God bless lady pilots ✅ absolutely great place to visit Mark the Polly tunnels they have to grow u name it they can grow it beautiful flowers and vegetables you must go back my friend you have only touched the tip of the iceberg 👍 on this wonderful cheap visit peanuts Mark! Anyway my friend thanks for the 📹 pal all the best John 😊😊
Great video. I was lucky a couple of years ago when my son worked on S Marys so was able to visit for a few days. Good as it was, you would have enjoyed flying on the smaller plane. Just a pilot and no bulkhead and if you’re lucky you sit right behind the pilot with uninterrupted views.
That would be the Islander presumably. I flew some inter-island flights in Orkney last year on one. It is a great experience yes and I have a couple of vids on the channel on those trips 👍
Great video, Mark. The weather looked perfect on the video, and the Isle of Scilly looked a great place to explore. I think it's a great way to travel and get the views from both land and sea, from your ferry across, to the aerial views on the return. Glad you had good weather for it. Andy.
WooHoo! That's my man, Mark. Nice quiet tour of the isle of St. Mary's. That's what I wanted to see. A little bit of the island and a taste of the place. You need to go back, though. I'd love to see a bit/lot more ;-) Well done! Paul in Oz.
Hi Mark.....Liverpool Kev here...Thank you for another wonderful video....I read a new ship due for the route?....I am going to repeat myself here (My only pleasure haha)....but you have such a relaxed presentation style....like travelling with a mate from the pub....yet excellent professional video ...Loved the flight...When I was working...I did a number of flights with VLM Prop aircraft from Liverpool to London City (20 mins check in at London City...What bliss!)...Thank you again Mark...Really cheered me up seeing you in the sunshine in the Scilly Isles...Take care as ever.....Liverpool Kev
What a great video, and a lovely end to my day, really relaxing and enjoyable - thank you so much - definitely this trip, including the ferry over to the island - is now on my bucket list. All the very best for future travels. I’ve watched several of your videos and am now happily subscribed! 👍
I flew there and back in 2001, on the outward journey I sat to the right and just behind the seat of the vacant pilots seat with similar views to yours , the plane was a Britton Norman Islander, it didn’t look as big as your’s I think about 10 or 12 seats, on the return journey I was at the back, if I remember rightly is was quite cramped, in those days the Lands End St Just airfield was a grass strip a good 4 days break
It’s a great flight in either aircraft. Yes the Islander is a bit smaller - I flew around Orkney in one and the main difference I guess I no bulkhead between you and the pilots so you are literally looking over their shoulder or if you’re lucky get the co-pilots seat when full.
Great stuff. It's a shame you could stay a fee nights, I used to live on Scilly and the best thing is often getting a boat trip over to one of the off islands. Also some great nights in The Atlantic!
Interesting Daz, I am going to go back so I may well ask you for some recommendations as next time I’ll definitely be staying a couple of nights at least. 👍
Another great, informative and interesting video from you. You have so much enthusiasm in all you do for your viewers, and also your down to earth approach which is always appreciated. Your flight back was just amazing with some gorgeous scenery. Thank you Mark😊
Really glad you enjoyed your trip down here in the western tip of Cornwall. The Scillionian III holds a special place in my heart, and watching your video makes me realise I need another trip to the Scilly Isles it's just a magical place. I've never flown though but your video certainly makes me think I should give it a go.
Lovely vid, both inbound crossing and outbound flight. Sitting watching this in my cottage up at Pelistry, one week left to enjoy these islands, before a return on the "Big white stomach pump" to the drudgery of life!!
What a lovely place. Thank you for showing us around. It’s definitely on my bucket list now. It looked a nice airport as well. The sail and fly ticket is a good idea. It’s really interesting watching the pilots, I enjoyed the landing. Reminds me of the Krypton Factor, remember that? I think we are spoiled by the choices on offer of exploring the far reaches of the UK.
I do remember the Krypton Factor yes! Definitely recommend the Isles and for me, the sail/rail is the best option just because it gives you another dimension to the trip. Helicopter next time!
An excellent exploration of a "hidden gem" of an island - the unveiling of each part of the countryside vistas was highly enjoyable and expertly done - highly commended !
Sounds like you might have caught the Scilly bug. We first went there about 40 years ago and have been back 10 times for holidays. If you go back try the launches to the off islands and try the beaches on St. Martins. Thanks for an excellent video.
Another great video on the Scillies. You mentioned in response to my comment on the earlier video that you might consider returning to the off islands in the future. That would make a wonderful video. Many people focus on the flora and fauna of the islands which can be very different to the mainland of the UK. One subject that has had less written about it in recent years are the huge number of ship wrecks on and around the islands. There are several books, nearly all out of print, but it is a fascinating story. While the air route you took is very short it is sometimes not without its challenges most notably in July 1983 when a British Airways Helicopters S61 crashed off the coast of Land’s End in poor visibility killing 20 of the 26 onboard. The Scillies are beautiful but as many have found the seas around them can be treacherous.
I did read about that helicopter crash - nasty! I will go back sometime and yes, hopefully make some more vids if there is enough interest. Stay for longer too next time and maybe fly out of Exeter 👍
I really enjoyed this video The Isles of Scilly is such a stunning location with them quiet empty peaceful beaches places like that are so much more up my street. Nice flight from St Marys to Lands End Airport with the De Havilland DHC6 Twin Otter with Skybus and you are very lucky to be sat right behind the action that the cockpit holds. truly fascinating watching the pilots do their thing and getting up into the air for that breath taking scenery on the way into the mainland of Cornwall.
I totally agree. She was great and actually it doesn’t take much to turn the experience into a real day to remember and the pilot managed to do that. I’ll never forget it, a brilliant day 😊👍
Wow you certainly enjoyed that and with the loverly weather and superb flight no wonder you did. I have never been in such a small plane when flying to a small Island though I did a solo helicopter tour in LA in 05 and it was just the pilot and myself which was amazing. The price of your trip looked very reasonable considering all the elements and looks to have been money well spent. Another place ticked off.
Cheers mate. Yep, for the price it was good value. If you want to do the even smaller Islander, I would recommend going up to the Orkneys and doing the inter-island flights. Trouble is, it’s quite expensive to get there in the first place!
Excellent delivery as always Mark, stunning scenery, lovely weather, just perfect, I don't know if you've ever done Glasgow to Barra Mark, it's a must mate, landing on the beach in such a beautiful location, I did it last year, honestly, it's on another level bud, thanks Mark 👍
Absolutely fabulous vid that one Mark, its clear you had a super time in the making of that and that came across really well, what a lovely place the Scilly Isles are indeed, looked quite idyllic. Its a place I've never been but you've made me want to go! Definitely helped by the glorious weather you encountered, i might have to sample that maybe in the summertime. :) I was well impressed by the fact that you went in via coach to Penzance then sailing to St Marys and flight back, just my sort of variety :D The plane journey on the Twin Otter looked a treat, also just my sort of thing. The reference to Pratt & Whitney engines took me back, and the noise from them did as well! I once did all that gadding about in the HIghlands of Scotland, just been enjoying your vid on that subject, i was fortunate enough once to get into the cockpit seat on the Westray/Papa Westray service way back in the 80s, all 90 seconds or so of it! :) Headphones and all listening to air-traffic control guiding us in, the most amazing experience ever! Landed on the beach on Barra on that trip as well. :) All that is what i always call PROPER flying, with the weight distribution and all of those things a major factor and so much more personal an experience than the regular commercial airlines provide that we have all become accustomed to. So well done again, living and reliving your travel experiences via You-Tube have become an essential part of my viewing habits now, so much better than the 'normal' tv schedules. But well done again, you are never actually alone on these trips, they are highly informative and quite addictive too so keep up the good work mate as often as you can. :)
Cheers Phil and I appreciate you taking the time to comment mate. I’m glad this stuff brings back fond memories. Actually I may go back to Barra myself, it’s such a great landing 👍
Indeed the isles of Scilly look like a hidden gem in their own right. And presumably the flight is also the only way to the Isles during the times ferries do not operate. As for me, I am soon off to Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth in 10 days
Yep, Skybus or the helicopter (which I haven’t looked into tbh). Enjoy Aber, I hope the weather’s kind! If you need any advice on Shrewsbury, let me know 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip if you have any recommendations for pubs and not to miss heritage sites that would be great from your end Mark. I'll be staying at the Vaults
From the Vaults head up the bank to Oil and across the road from that, Dough & Oil is good for pizza. Not sure I’m gonna be around tbh but do let me know what your plans are via Ko-fi or dm 👍
Nice video, enjoyed it especially being from Jersey, which is huge in comparison! That plane reminds me of the flying coffins from Guernsey to Jersey they used to run in the days. Made you feel wealthy as it felt you were on a private plane lol
I think these kind of flights are definitely more interesting (for me anyway) because of the potential opportunity to see what’s going on on the flightdeck and the lower cruising altitude. Always think it feels more like flying than the normal airliner stuff you get.
An interesting fact for you. When they bought one of the twin otters a few years back in 2013 they were flown back Calgery Alberta Canada and flew back to Cornwall. 4500 mile flight, It took them 6 days stopping off at Greenland and Iceland to refuel.
I’ve heard of these kind of flights but yep, must take quite a while. I always thought Wick was well-known as a stop-off point for these type of flights.
That looked great 😊🛩 12 years ago I volunteered with the Wildlife Trust there for a month. I really liked St. Agnes. It had a different feel to the other islands. I liked how the road there just kind of faded away and the idea that the next road available would be in Newfoundland (one of those day dream moments lol) On a separate note (I'm probably not the only one to suggest this idea) but I saw you met up with Johnny Hoover. I had an idea of you teaming up with Johnny to take on Steve Marsh and Scott Mansen in some kind of good natured travel related challenge. Maybe with GLovesTrains as referee (I know it might be hard to organise as you are all busy working hard on your own respective channels. Might be fun though 😆)
Hi Barry, cheers for the comment. I did message Scott a couple of times but never got a response. I won’t bother again so I doubt it’s going to happen unfortunately 🤷♂️
The Twin Otter, that serves Scilly is just :) However they did have a fleet of Britten Norman Islanders, Isles of Scilly Travel did, which used to operate and that was proper flying, the best experience that I can remember from flying on the Twin Otters, was of course me, and three other people got on the last flight of the day, we were all slightly delayed, and the female pilot, managed to give us a tour over the other Islands before landing at St Mary's.
There were a couple of Islanders I think. The one on the ramp was full of cargo so I don’t know if it was being used exclusively for that and maybe there are more later on in the year if frequencies and demand increases, I flew one on the Orkney inter-island service last year and yes, another great experience 👍
What an absolutely stunning place, really impressed actually. I’ve seen more of these beautiful islands in your video than anything I’ve seen on tv. Same procedure for flying offshore on helicopter, check in then watch the flight brief on a tv then go on the aircraft. I also enjoy sitting on a similar seat on a helicopter and watching the pilots do their thing and looking out the window, unfortunately since Covid some of the helicopters had plastic flappy doors put in behind the pilots which ruined the view looking into the flight deck but really depends on make and model of helicopter and operating company
Cheers Walter, that is something I’ve never experienced on a helicopter. I’d like to try it one day though back over to St Mary’s rather than the rigs tbh (though I’m sure they’re interesting in themselves). Maybe I’ll have a look at Penzance helicopters for next year 👍
And having never seen any Scilly Isles footage before, to my knowledge straight after your excellent production Mark I see Michael Portillo's visit was on the BBC (now on i-player) last week. He cheated though and flew in by helicopter 😁 it does certainly look a very nice place 👌
Does look like it was one of those dreamily super days! I was under the impression that the helicopter service ceased several years ago - but its appears to be up and running from your video!
Flown a few times on a twin otter from Edinburg to Tingwall Shetland, 3 hours ,cup of tea and a biscuit. Didn't like sitting next to those things that go round and round though, what if they came off😱😱😂😂
Interesting video, marred only by wind noise... The "outlying islands" are known as "off-islands", BTW! Also well done for calling then _The Isles of Scilly,_ not _the Scilly Isles_ !
Well I can enjoy a long coach trip, if it’s good. I’m sure plenty of people will watch if it’s bad too! Thanks for the suggestion, I’ve popped it on the list 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip yea, would be interesting to see how your journey experience for this would be :) Edit update Around thirteen hours or so in travel😊 Thank you for doing this And considering my suggestion
Surprised at the open cockpit , was there any security checks before boarding ?, you can tell i'm only used to international flights,. also taken aback by the islands roads, i was expecting lanes, is the island simalar size to anglesey/iom/iow ?, or scottish isles ? for comparison ,. cheers mark,.ps, are you related to any of the swains transport fraternity ?, steve/glyn,.
Cheers Mike. The isles are a lot smaller than Anglesey. St Mary’s is the main isle so I guess the road you saw would’ve probably been the widest. I’m not related to the haulage people afaik but yep, I’m aware of them - they’ve been around here for a long time!
Think I would have got the ferry back, not keen on flying in any aircraft certainly not a light one. Last experience of one 60 years ago did not end well having an emergency landing on a beach, engine failure, a wet one as the tide was rising quickly, the distance between the groynes too short so had to set down in shallow water beyond them. Only a few inches but caused the bi-plane to flip over.
