St Michael’s Mount (or Karrek Loos yn Koos if you’re practicing your Cornish) sits protecting the bay of Marazion. Surrounded by calm, turquoise seas in the summer and angry, grey waters in the winter it harbours stories of myth and legend dating back centuries.
The story goes that a mythical giant named Cormoran once lived on the Mount, but he would wade ashore to steal cows and sheep from the villagers, terrorising the farmers.
However, one night, a local boy called Jack rowed out to the island and dug a deep pit while the giant was asleep. As the sun rose, Jack blew a horn to wake the angry giant who staggered down from the summit and, blinded by the sunlight, fell into the pit and died.
These days there is a little sign of the giant, apart from the heart shaped stone on the path leading to the top of the mount. Locals say that if you put your ear to the stone and listen carefully enough then the giant’s heartbeat can still be heard.
Excited by bumping in to someone taller than me we jumped on to the taxi ferry to take us across to the island. When the tide if out it’s possible to walk across using the stone pathway but we didn’t fancy taking the wet option during high tide.
The island has a small harbour where the island inhabitants moor their boats.
It wasn’t too long before we found evidence of the giant. Although I listened as carefully as I could I didn’t manage to hear a giant’s heartbeat coming from the ground. But hearing and imagination do diminish as you get older.
The views from the top looking back to Marazion are spectacular. Mainland Cornwall has rarely looked more idyllic.
The tour around the castle at the top of the mount is fantastic. Although managed by The National Trust, it it still the official residence of Lord St Levan. I don’t think he lives their full time but not a bad holiday home.
There are some great places for a quick spot of yoga too.
Unfortunately, even after our tour we were unable to walk back along the path. A few braves souls had ventured in to the chest deep water but I much preferred the boat option.
St Michael’s Mount is brilliant for history buffs, walkers and anyone who likes stunning views. The island is full of stories and I look forward to going back in the future to learn more.
davecoles 