The Mount

I have long wanted to see St Michaels Mount near Penzance. I think it has something to do with an atmospheric black-and-white photo that I saw as a child and the fascinating idea that you could live on an island that you walk to at low tide.

There is a village and harbour on the island. About 30 people live there now, down from about 300.

The castle sits on the highest point of the small island and is accessed by a steep cobblestone path. These photos are of the terraced roof with maybe 3 levels of rooms below.

Inside on the top level are the public rooms, all spacious but not large, and all with sea views, of course.

The dining hall was once the refectory for monks. Before it was a fortified castle, it was a monastry.

It has its own church. There was an organist playing which was lovely and regular services are still held here.

Views from the terrace, which was very very windy.

Due to the strong winds, they did not have any boats runnning to ferry people back to mainland after the tide turned. So we had to walk over after 10.30 and leave by 2.00. Life here is lived around the tides.