St Michael’s Mount

Key Facts

• Location: Near Marazion, Cornwall
• Terrain: Coastal waters of Mounts Bay
• Access: Any state of tide
• Map: OS Explorer 102
• Starting point: Marazion beach
• Accommodation/food:

  Plenty in Penzance

• Island Summary:

  St Michaels Mount is a small tidal island in the sheltered Mounts Bay linked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite stones, passable to the walker between mid-tide and low water. Swimming around St Michael’s Mount offers a completely unique perspective of the island. You’ll swim around the outside of the harbour wall to the steep and craggy west and south coasts, where you’ll be able to see the famed gardens on the precipitous cliffs topped by the castle itself. During this stretch of the swim you will have the ultimate in peace and freedom – right next to one of the honey spots of Cornwall.

• Look out for:
  • Great views of the castle and gardens
  • Swimming over the causeway
  • Warming up with a coffee on Marazion's beach front
• Route description:

  The starting point for the swim is generally Marazion beach at any state of the tide. At mid to high tide it is possible to also start from the causeway. A number of good safety considerations for the St Michael’s Mount swim are offered by Sea Swim Cornwall  who also provide guided swims. A charity swim for prostate cancer also runs annually, for more information check (Book early) Chestnut Appeal

• Getting there:

  Getting to St Michael’s Mount: ½ mile south of A394 at Marazion, ample parking in Marazion opposite St Michael’s Mount. When the tide is in, you can take a trip on the St Michael’s Mount amphibious vehicle, which leaves from the Slipway car-park in Marazion. For details of boats, call 01736 710507 or visit www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk