Exploring Cornwall: Islands Off the Cornish Coast

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by: lw
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Word Count: 505
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 Time: 4:27 PM
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The county of Cornwall in south west England is well known for its breathtaking and dramatic coastline. It is no surprise, then, that while many visitors to the region prefer to stick to the mainland - there are plenty of offshore destinations which are certainly worth visiting. Here is a short guide to everywhere that is anywhere off the coast of Cornwall.

Isles of Scilly
A logical starting point for any article about places off the Cornish coast, the Isles of Scilly comprise of five inhabited and a number of uninhabited islands located 45 miles south west of Land's End. The islands are a designated area of outstanding natural beauty and are popular among tourists eager to experience the relaxed and peaceful surroundings of beaches, wildlife and interesting geology. Those with a penchant for sailing (and, more specifically, gig rowing) and scuba diving will find some of the cleanest and warmest coastal waters around the Scillies. Access from the mainland is available all year and from a variety of locations including Penzance and Exeter.

Looe Island
Looe Island (sometimes known as St Georges Island) lies one mile from the mainland town of Looe on the south Cornish coast. For the latter part of the 20th Century the island was privately owned until 2004 when it was bequeathed to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust who are now preserving it as a nature reserve and welcome visitors during the summer months. The island has a rich religious history - once being the site of a Bendictine chapel and abundance of wildlife on shore and off. The surrounding waters are also protected, and the island can be accessed by boat.

St Michaels Mount
St Michael's Mount is located just off the south Cornish coast near Marazion. The castle is home to the St Auben family while the community of villagers who live around it work to sustain the mount as a self-contained parish. Today the castle is owned by the National Trust, but in the past it has acted as a fortress, stately home and even a priory - and offers an excellent insight into the history of the region. The castle is open to the public at specific times relating to the seasons, so it is sometimes necessary to book.

Offshore lighthouses and others
Carn Bras and Wolf Rock are two small offshore islands off the coast of Lands End which are both home to lighthouses. The former is part of the Longships group of uninhabited islets (the lighthouse has been automated since 1988) and is popular as a destination for recreational divers. Off the north coast, The Carracks are another group of islets of interest to those in search of wildlife. The largest in the group is often referred to as 'Seal Island' due to the abundance of Atlantic Grey Seals which congregate there at certain times of year. Boat trips to The Carracks are available from nearby St Ives.

About the Author

Sam Southern writes about Cornwall self catering, hotels and places to visit in the region. For more details about staying in the area visit: http://www.killanoon.co.uk/