Where I run (3)

(Tresco continued.)

Then a sharp right at the quay and first left 100 yards further along. The first section of this is over sand before you're back on the concrete roadway for the first climb which gets gradually steeper (but by no means the steepest) as you run past the Blockhouse on your left.

From the top the roadway ends and you're on soil & gravel but it's still a recognised pathway down which people & tractors (no cars on Tresco) pass every day,through the huge pine trees on your left you get a better view of St Martins and its hotel,with St Mary's the main island glimpsed ahead.

Through an always open gate and it's downhill to the Great Pool - watch out for the loose stones under foot as it's easy to slip or turn your ankle.With the Pool on your right the concrete path starts again,follow it until it bears sharp right and straight up to the famous Tresco Abbey.Right by the Abbey turn left (the old Abbey gardens entrance) and follow the path around past the giant cucumber leaves to the heliport (the old cricket pitch) which will be on your left.

On the other side of the heliport the path drops before rising up,it's here that you'll find the steepest climb where I move barely quicker than walking pace (it's that bad!).Then the gradient drops off although you're still on the up hill stretch.If you have the energy look left and off the bottom of Bryher (the next island across and home to Hell Bay & its hotel) on a good day you can see the Bishops Rock Lighthouse off in the distance.

The path drops down into New Grimsby past the island shop and bike hire hut and about 300 yards further along bear right at the New Inn (fantastic food,drink & ice cream).From here your heart may sink at the sight of yet another hill ahead but worry not! it is the last test on this run.

Once down the other side and past the church on your right you'll soon recognise the quay at Old Grimsby and the end of the run a little further ahead - unless you want to go round again...