Thursday 21 May 2015

Zac excelled himself today, having walked with one of my friends from Downderry to Seaton along the beach where we (the humans!) had a nice lunch at the Beach Cafe and the 3 dogs had a rest and a drink.  Then afterwards, Zac and I went out along Rame Head to enjoy the beautiful views and to enjoy a walk around the promontory.

The start of Sharrow Point coastal path:

The beach a long way below -

The lifeguards' hut, perched precariously on the cliffs -
On the right of this photo, St Michael's Chapel standing high on the headland of Rame Head.
 "There was a hillfort atop Rame Head in the Iron Age, and the site was granted to Tavistock Abbey in the 10th century (meaning that for centuries Rame Head was technically a part of Devon despite being well on the Cornwall side of the Tamar River!). Circumstantial evidence suggests that there was a late Celtic hermitage here, but nothing is known for certain about the origins of the chapel until 1397, when the chapel was licensed for Mass in 1397. Presumably it was built shortly before that time. Like many hilltop churches, Rame Head Chapel was dedicated to St Michael the Archangel. A license was granted in 1427 for Mass to be said on Mondays and at Michaelmas."
The building in the centre is Polhawn Fort, recently voted the Most Romantic Venue for a Wedding in the UK. 
A frigate (F330 for anyone wanting to identify her) engaged in sea trials after being under repair in Plymouth Dockyard.
And keeping a watchful eye on this and many more sea-farers are the voluntary members of the Coastguards, in their eyrie high on the clifftop.
 Time for a sit down?  Yes please.  Phew!




 Who would have thought there's be such a diversity of flora on this winswept promontory?


 Oooohhh that's a long, long way down!
 Windswept Zac!
 D'you fancy the climb?  No thanks, not today. Remember - the congregation used to make this journey from the next village twice a week.
 Every patch of earth is covered in Bluebells.





There are still traces of the rails which were put into place to help transport the stone to the top of the hill to construct the Chapel, probably dating from 1882 when the building was restored by the IVth Earl of Edgcumbe; it has since been allowed to fall into ruin.
 A group of the ponies that live on these cliffs to keep the grass and vegetation under control.  No lawnmowers needed here!
 One of the most spectacular views can be enjoyed here by members of the Caravan Club:

 St Germanus' Church, Rame:  Earl Ordulf, owner of vast estates in the West Country and Uncle to King Ethelred gave Rame to Tavistock Abbey in AD 981. In the 11thCentury the Abbey was obliged to find fifteen knights for the King’s service and one was maintained by settling Rame upon him. Over the centuries the manor passed to the Dawneys, the Durnfords and finally the Edgcumbes.










7 comments:

  1. What lovely places you show us. It's a part of Cornwall that I don't know at all. I would not want to have a caravan holiday overlooking the cliffs!
    How perfect to see swathes of 'proper' English bluebells.

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  2. It looks stunning.

    We must try to get over that way whilst we are visitng Cornwall.

    Debih

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    1. Oh you would love it - a gentle circular walk around the headland where the ponies and the flowers are. Definitely bring your camera.
      It's about 45 miles from you.

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  3. Oh, what stunning scenery you have! I'm coming to visit. LOL. Now I have to look for a photo of Zac....

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  4. Ooh I can hardly wait for my next visit!
    Carole

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    1. I hope it won't be long before you visit again ;)

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  5. great pics, thanks for sharing,x

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