Outer Ranneys

Island in Cornwall

England

Outer Ranneys

The south end of Annet From St Agnes. — The south end of Annet Credit: Andrew Abbott

Outer Ranneys is a small island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. It is situated approximately 2 miles southwest of the mainland, making it easily accessible by boat. The island measures around 0.5 square miles and is known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife.

The landscape of Outer Ranneys is characterized by rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling hills. It offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline. The island is covered with lush vegetation, including grasses, wildflowers, and some low-lying shrubs.

Outer Ranneys is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers various activities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing. The island is home to a wide range of bird species, including puffins, gulls, and cormorants, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The surrounding waters are also rich in marine life, attracting anglers seeking a catch.

Despite its relatively small size, Outer Ranneys has a unique charm and tranquility that draws visitors seeking a peaceful retreat. There are no permanent residents on the island, but it is occasionally inhabited by researchers or temporary visitors staying in holiday homes or campsites.

In terms of amenities, Outer Ranneys has limited facilities. Visitors are advised to bring their own supplies and equipment, as there are no shops or restaurants on the island. However, the nearby coastal town of Cornwall offers a range of amenities and services, including accommodations, dining options, and boat rentals for those seeking to explore Outer Ranneys.

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Outer Ranneys Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.892509/-6.384774 or Grid Reference SV8508. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The south end of Annet

From St Agnes.

Andrew Abbott

Western Rocks - Scillies

Great Crebawethan - these islands are solely for seabirds and seals. One of the most isolated parts of the Scillies.

Richard Knights

Islands south of Annet - Scilly

Lots of sharp, low lying points of granite. One group is aptly called Hellweathers.

Richard Knights

Looking NNE across the narrowest part of Annet, Isles of Scilly

Rowan Legg

Irishman's Carn, North West Par of Annet, Isles of Scilly

Looking SW across the North West Par (or Porth) of Annet, Bishop Rock lighthouse is just visible on the horizon (photo by Nat Legg).

Rowan Legg

Annet Head, Annet, Isles of Scilly

Looking North to Annet Head, Old Wreck navigation buoy is visible in the distance. Please give photo credit to Nat Legg.

Rowan Legg

Old Woman's House, Isles of Scilly

Looking WSW across Smith Sound to Old Woman's House and Annet Neck (the gap between the rocks), Bishop Rock lighthouse is just visible behind the rocks to the left of the picture.

Rowan Legg

Haycocks, Annet - Scilly

These jags of granite look ideal for trapping and dispatching ships in bad weather.

Richard Knights

Sunset over Annet

The Isles of Scilly consist far more of sky and sea than land; here the sun sets over Annet which even from just three quarters of a mile away on Troy Town campsite, St Agnes, is just a thin line. The Islands are the tips of the most westerly of a series of granite domes which form the most of high ground of the South West peninsula of England. From the west these are Scilly, The Penwith peninsula (Land's End), Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor. High Willhays on Dartmoor reaches 621m above sea level SX5889 : High Willhays, but time and the Atlantic Ocean have taken their toll on Scilly and the best that can be managed is around 50m at what used to be called “coastguards” on St Mary's SV9112 : Corsican Tower, Telegraph. Probably due to its exposed position at the south west of the archipelago Annet is the largest of the islands to have never been inhabited and has been designated as a bird sanctuary for many years, it is an important breeding site for the Puffin and Manx Shearwater. On a 1:50,000 scale map Annet has just one 10 metre contour. The 1:25,000 scale shows that it does pass 15 metres, still “just a wave above the sea”.

David Lally

Great Smith

David Lally

Hellweathers

David Lally

Muncoy, from the North West

David Lally

Muncoy, from the East

With the South end of St Agnes just visible on the left horizon.

David Lally

Haycocks from the North West

David Lally

Haycocks & Bishop Rock Lighthouse

First glimpse of the Scilly Isles as seen from the morning ferry. Beyond the Haycocks and Annet you can see Bishop Rock Lighthouse that is situated on the World's smallest island. Link

Grey Seal at the Western Rocks, Scilly

The Grey Seals on Scilly must be the most laid-back seals in Britain. They will hold their position on a rock despite the tourists passing by and the tide rising. Many, like this one almost seem to be saying "Is this my best side?"

John Rostron

Kittiwakes on the low cliffs, Annet, Scilly

By late June, the Kittiwake chicks have fledged, but the adults are still hanging around the nest sites. These cliffs are only a few metres above high tide mark. The effects of salty spray can be seen by the yellow lichens on the boulders below. At the top is the bracken-covered plateau of Annet, fringed with what look like brambles. The bay, just south of Annet Head, is a favourite spot for the tourist boat passengers to see Kittiwakes and Puffins.

John Rostron