Rame Peninsula
The Rame Peninsular and Torpoint
Known as Cornwall’s forgotten corner, the Rame peninsular is a beautiful landscape of tidal creeks, sandy beaches, lush farmland and country parks. Small villages hide at the heads of creeks, waiting to be discovered by adventurous travellers, whilst the stretch of coast fronting onto Whitsand Bay offers fantastic views and great walking along the South West Coast Path.
Rame Head, at the eastern end of Whitsand Bay, guards Plymouth Sound from the prevailing winds. It is crowned by the remains of a 14th Century chapel, dedicated to St Michael and is a popular spot for birdwatchers. The nearby Penlee Battery, a disused Napoleonic fort, is now a nature reserve.
Sheltered by the headland are the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. Once a popular haunt of smugglers, they are now well geared up for the tourist trade with waterfront pubs and restaurants. A seasonal passenger ferry runs from Kingsand to Plymouth.
Much of the peninsular is owned by the Mt Edgcumbe estate, the country park of which, is open to the public. Providing wonderful walking opportunities, especially during the spring when the National Camellia collection is in flower, the park is a joy all year round. Mt Edgcumbe House opens at Easter for the season, when visitors can also visit the Earl’s garden. In 2009, major work to improve the outbuildings of the house will see craft workshops, galleries and a restaurant open for the first time.
The main town of the area is Torpoint, a crossing point on the Tamar River for at least 200 years. Its links with Plymouth extend beyond the ferries chains, having the Naval training base of HMS Raleigh just outside the town. Antony House, a National Trust property, is also just outside the town. The 18th century house sits in grounds running down to the waterside and is bordered by a large woodland garden. This year will see the house and grounds turned into Wonderland to celebrate the new Tim Burton film 'Alice in Wonderland'
