Europe 2023 10th August Day 7 - St Michael's Mount, Mousehole and Land's End

No issue this morning after the numerous pints, red wine and a single malt so must be the purity of the local beverage that causes no ills. Downstairs at 8 for a full cooked breakfast (becoming a bit of a norm) before jumping into the VW chariot for the journey across the hill to Marazion to visit St Michael's Mount. Mist and fog as we crossed the hill down towards Penzance and onto Marazion which did not bode well for the StMM journey. Things cleared a little so that we could see StMM as we pulled into the Long Stay car park approx 15kms from our destination 🤬 Not really but I'm not giving Jane absolution as we passed 2 more empty car parks much closer than the realistic 1.5km to the boat departure point across to the island. It was like a well tuned military operation getting people across the small causeway in small boats 12 people to a vessel. There must have been at least 6-8 boats operating at once, one after another. You can actually walk across to the island but only at low tide.

Once across it was another gorgeous secluded stone walled harbour and off up the pathway to the castle proper. Rather steep and lots of small cobblestones which made for a concertated effort not to trip. At the top the vist through the castle (originally a monastery in the 8th century and finally purchased by the St Aubyn's in the 1650's) and the beautiful chapel is certainly a delight and In excellent condition and representative of the various eras of occupation. The views however were non existent due to the weather so after the excursion through the castle we returned below and headed to the Harbour Loft for a Cream tea for lunch. 

This was then followed by a lovely sojourn through the gardens before heading back to the harbour for our return voyage back to Marazion.

A walk around this lovely little town was most enjoyable before we headed back to the car in the drizzle and off towards Penzance. A quick stop at Sainsbury's for some essentials and a new phone charging cable and then on the road to Lands End.

We decided to call into Mousehole on the way as Janes mum always spoke highly of it. Road into the town, though narrow was good and not as many tourists here as elsewhere. No idea why as an absolutely gorgeous harbour town. Had a fantastic walk around in good weather and even stopped for an afternoon cuppa.

It was then on to Lands end via number of small narrow roads. It was getting close to 4pm by the time we got there and not quite what we both expected. A massive carpark with directional controllers and a minimum 4 hour £7 parking fee 🤬 .More of an amusement arcade with a market of some sort, shops and a hotel. Heaps of people, especially families and there was even an Aardman (Wallace and Grommet) experience. We didn't go into that but continued around all the 'crap' to the viewing areas. Was quite a view but still quite misty, so probably didn't get the whole experience, except the cold and wind of course 😇.

From here we decided to take the coastal path back to the Tinners Arms, stopping to have a look at the ruins of the Carn Gaver engine house. Lots of old tin mining ruins around this area and a working/tourist mine but we decided to pass and continue on home.

Quick dump of the gear and downstairs to the restaurant ( too cold and wet to sit outside this evening) for a pint and food. Excellent fresh salt and pepper calamari and haddock and chips for dinner followed by a game of draughts and Scrabble ( which I won if you can believe it) then upstairs to retire after a very long day.