on 21st Nov 2018

Extraordinary East Falklands!

In Hiking, Battlefields, beaches, history, Walking, Penguins

All too often, visitors to the Falkland Islands land at Mount Pleasant, and immediately take off to the outer islands. However, East Falklands is rich in wildlife and history. No flights are required, just hop in a vehicle and explore! Whether you visit the Falklands in the summer or in the winter, it’s always open!

Extraordinary East Falklands!

All too often, visitors to the Falkland Islands land at Mount Pleasant, and immediately take off to the outer islands. There is no doubt that the smaller islands are rich in birdlife, spectacular scenery, and wonderful hospitality. However, East Falklands has it all…and much more. No flights required, just hop in a vehicle and explore! Whether you visit the Falklands in the summer or in the winter, it’s always open! Here are some ideas to keep you busy.

Loop Back in Time…

Drive the circular road that loops around East Falkland taking in our unique history and heritage. In a clockwise direction from Stanley: the Argentine War Cemetery and 1982 memorials for Col. “H” Jones and Nick Taylor at Darwin, the extraordinary Bodie Creek suspension bridge and 1982 Museum at Goose Green, Gentoo penguins at Newhaven, Blue Beach Cemetery at San Carlos, and amazing mountain and valley views driving via Teal Inlet back to Stanley.

Climb Mount Usborne

Capture the panorama of the Falklands from the top of Mount Usborne, the highest point in the Falklands. It’s worthwhile taking a guide with you to make the most of this expedition, as they can show you some relics of the 1982 War on the way up. Stay at the cosy Darwin House, the perfect place to relax and enjoy a magnificent meal after the long hike.

Go Fishing!

Few places can offer wilderness fishing akin to the Falkland Islands. There are no crowds here, just remote locations to enjoy the privacy of estuaries, rivers and streams. Add a backdrop of rugged hills or a beautiful beach and of course the fish – brown trout and mullet noted for their size - to create an experience regularly described by anglers as outstanding. The Frying Pan, Swan Inlet, Lantioja, and the Murrell River are exceptional fishing locations in East Falkland.

Solar System Walk

This fascinating walk, that starts in Stanley and winds its way into the surrounding hills was designed and constructed by local sculptor and artist Rob Yssel, The 1:1 billion scale model is made from recycled local materials and is the only one of its kind in the world. All the planets are in line of sight and the sun sculpture is observable from every planet. It takes a full day hiking to see every planet, but it’s well worth it, and the views of Stanley are spectacular.

Immerse yourself in Falklands life at North Arm

North Arm is a thriving sheep farm, with a small school, shop and museum. However, don’t expect to find more than a handful of children at the school, or the shop’s opening hours to be more than a few hours a week! But this makes the experience all the more special. But the museum is always open, and is packed with artefacts of Falkland farming and camp life. North Arm Farm offers accommodation for intrepid travellers who wish to get a feel of real Falklands’ life; simple, clean and comfortable.

See Magellanic penguins and become a lighthouse keeper!

Just 4 miles from Stanley, Gypsy Cove is a pleasant walk or an easy drive or taxi ride. The small bay with its white sand beach is sheltered from prevailing winds, and is where Magellanic penguins nest and breed in underground burrows. Before leaving Stanley, pick up the huge key for the Cape Pembroke Lighthouse, and climb the tower for beautiful views of the surrounding area.