Books / history
Treasure Island Trail launched
Bristol’s link with Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island, is being celebrated by a series of monthly guided walks. The Treasure Island Trail is the brainchild of The Long John Silver Trust and follows a route around the city’s historic Floating Harbour.
The walks began on Saturday, May 25 and will take place on the last Saturday of every month, culminating in a walk as part of Bristol Festival of Literature on October 26.
The Trust’s aim is to celebrate Bristol’s link with Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic book and with other great works of literature such as Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver’s Travels.
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Chair of the Long John Silver Trust, William Fairney, says: “Bristol has fascinating connections with great works of literature and the Treasure Island Trail celebrates this cultural heritage while our guides cast new light on the books.”
The Hole In The Wall pub was the inspiration for Treasure Island’s Spyglass Inn and features on the trail.
The route is marked by a series of barrels planted with palm trees which mark significant events in Treasure Island and other books inspired by Bristol’s maritime heritage. Landmarks on the trail include the Hole In The Wall pub in The Grove. In Treasure Island, Long John Silver is landlord of the Spyglass Inn which is based on the Hole In The Wall.
The plants in the barrels are maintained by adults with learning disabilities from PROPS in Fishponds. PROPS supports adults with learning disabilities to gain work skills and put them into practice with a number of projects and enterprises.
The trail starts at the Merchant Venturers’ Almshouse on King Street and follows a route along Welsh Back and Redcliffe Quay finishing next to the Prince Street Bridge. It lasts 45-60 minutes.
A map-based app of the Treasure Island Trail is also available. The app includes an audio guide to the trail for people with visual impairments.
Treasure Island Trail walks take place on the last Saturday of every month. Tickets are £5 for adults, £2.50 for children under 16 available from the Tourist Information Centre or from the guide at the start of the walk. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/316442112583426/
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