St Michael's Mount

Wednesday 8 August

Finally we get to go to St Michael’s Mount. We were told it was worth the visit and indeed it was. We didn’t really have a clue what time the tides were so couldn’t judge our arrival to coincide with low water. We guessed if we arrived and the tide was in we would have to get the ferry and walk back across causeway or visa versa. 

As it happened we set off about 9.30 and walked down to the railway crossing and commenced the one mile walk to Marazion along the sea front and again on the South West Coast Path. When we left it was a bit cool and cloudy and we of course dressed for the conditions. By the time we got half way it was clear that the weather had got the better of us again and we were both wishing we had put out shorts and sandals on instead long trousers and walking boots.

We had to walk past all the car parks starting to fill with visiting cars and quite a few flashy German coaches! Nothing for it, but to make a dash for ferry before the Germans got there. St Michael’s have got the ferrying over to the mount off to a fine art. There was no queue to be seen and the ferry boats were coming thick and fast. The boats themselves look like old fashioned ex Cruse ship life boats but smaller. They just held twenty people and it cost £2 each person each way. Kev reckoned they are floating cash boxes as a boat arrived at least one per minute and this went on all day. Those clever enough and interested could work out the maths for a days takings. It's a lot!

The journey over was great and only took a few minutes. The driver of the boat was very skilled and knew exactly how to get the best from the boat in tight corners. He did the most perfect hand-break turn and four wheel drift to get us on the inside wall of the harbour.

Once back on solid ground we were off through the gates flashing our National Trust Card and up the hill. The path up the side of the Mount is not for the un-sure-footed as it consists of boulders and well worn rock that could easily send you flying if you lose concentration. It is also very steep and half way up you definitely need a break and a good wipe down with a damp copy of the National Trust Magazine. It just so happened we stopped by the famous ‘Giants Heart” a heart shaped cobblestone sunk into the path (along with thousands of others that all looked the same) it is supposed to belong to the Giant and if you put you foot on it you can feel his heart beat. He kept wading across to the mainland and pinching the sheep so the locals bumped him off.  Anyway, we couldn’t find it and had to wait for a kid to come along and point it out. Needless to say, it was just by the sign post that said Giants Heart?

When we got to the top we both knew too well why it is called a mount and we sat on some rather uncomfortable rocks to get our breath and cool down a bit before making the final assault to the Castle. They have lots of ramparts and small canons here and how the kids love them, pretending to blow up the tankers on the horizon. We were hoping they might blow themselves up!!

Recovered, we walked through the impressive doorway up some stairs and into a room that was once a study. Then on to a really nice Saloon and then a Banqueting hall called the Chevy Chase room (not named after the American entertainer!). The Castle was of course a Monastery and dates back to the 12th century, They certainly know a good bit of real-estate these monks when they saw it and this is one of the best. We loved the architecture it is in amazingly good condition and well looked after. We also liked that it is still a family home. The route takes you on a trip through the castle seeing the chapel and out onto the roof offering the most amazing views of the coast and the terrace gardens a terrifyingly long way below. It really made you think trice about looking over. We were unable to view the gardens as today is one of the days they close the gardens to the public. 

Anyone know what this stained glass pane is about?

On the roof

Dizzy hights looking down at the garden

The tour ends where it started and we made our way down to the National Trust Shop, Cafe and had our lunch. We could see from the sign that we had to wait till 13.55 for the tide to have waned sufficient for us to walk the causeway without getting our feet wet. Others were not so patient as us and plowed in up to their thighs. We walked over safe and sound at the allotted time and had a good look around Marazion before heading back to camp.

A really super day and we are so glad we went.