Rat Island

Island in Cornwall

England

Rat Island

Pillbox entrance On Tolman Point. — Pillbox entrance Credit: David Lally

Rat Island, located off the coast of Cornwall, England, is a small uninhabited island with a rich history and unique natural features. Also known as St. Michael's Mount, this island is situated approximately 500 meters from the mainland and covers an area of around 0.23 hectares. The island is accessible during low tide via a causeway, but becomes completely cut off from the mainland during high tide, adding to its allure.

Rat Island gets its name from the abundance of rats that once inhabited the island. However, efforts have been made to eradicate the rat population, restoring the natural balance of the island's ecosystem. Today, it serves as a sanctuary for a variety of bird species, including gulls, cormorants, and oystercatchers.

The island boasts a stunning landscape, characterized by rocky cliffs, lush vegetation, and sandy beaches. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare plants such as sea beet and sea kale. The surrounding waters are known for their rich marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

The history of Rat Island is fascinating, with evidence of human habitation dating back to at least the Bronze Age. It was once home to a chapel dedicated to St. Michael, which was later converted into a private residence. Today, the island is owned by the National Trust and is open to visitors, who can explore its historic buildings, enjoy scenic walks, and soak in the natural beauty of this idyllic island.

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Rat Island Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.917801/-6.31806 or Grid Reference SV9010. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pillbox entrance

On Tolman Point.

David Lally

Rock formations at Peninnis Head

Bob Ford

Morning Point, the Garrison

Looking SE to the offshore rocks Wras and (behind and smaller) Biggal; Inner Head SV908093 (part of Peninnis Head) is just visible to the far left, on the other side of Porth Cressa bay. Note the passing storm on the horizon...

Dave Dunford

Peninnis Head

Looking SSE to the lighthouse from approx. SV910097.

Dave Dunford

Old Town Bay from Peninnis

There is a former Battery on the island to the right of the pine tree.

Dave Dunford

Tolman Point

Viewed from the north on the very edge of the square; note the WW2 pillbox.

Dave Dunford

Lighthouse at Peninnis Head, St. Mary's

The lighthouse guides shipping passing through St. Mary's Sound, between the islands of Agnes and St. Mary's. The lattice-work construction reduces its wind resistance.

Caroline Tandy

St. Maryâs: Peninnis Point

Viewed from the ferry from Penzance shortly before arrival on the island.

Chris Downer

Photographing the Rock Labyrinth

The area between the lighthouse and the Outer Head is appropriately known as the Rock Labyrinth. In younger (and slimmer) days we would explore this fantastic maze of huge granite rocks.

David Lally

Carn Leh, St. Mary's, Scilly Isles

Dr Neil Clifton

Footpath on Peninnis Head, St. Mary's, Scilly Isles

Dr Neil Clifton

Granite Stone Walls

Granite is pretty much the only rock there is on the Scillies and there's plenty of it, so it makes sense to build your field walls out of it.

Tony Atkin

Fields on the eastern side of Peninnis

The field at the bottom of the hill on the right is being used for bulb growing, the others look as though they have been left to grass.

Tony Atkin

Carn Leh Cove

The headland of Carn Leh separates this small cove from the larger Old Town Bay.

Tony Atkin

Peninnis Head

Looking towards the Outer Head and the Lighthouse.

Tony Atkin

Rock Formations on Inner Head

Around Peninnis Head the granite rock has been worn to fantastic shapes by the waves and weather.

Tony Atkin

Rocky Promontory on Inner Head

In the background is the island of Gugh.

Tony Atkin

The Foreshore North of Inner Head

Lots of pink granite exposed on the foreshore at low tide.

Tony Atkin

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Rat Island is located at Grid Ref: SV9010 (Lat: 49.917801, Lng: -6.31806)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///trespass.niece.coasted. Near St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Nearby Locations

Porth Cressa Brow Harry's Walls Buzza Hill Town Beach Porth Mellon Carn Thomas

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 49.917801,-6.31806

Source: PGS

Lat/Long: 49.915664/-6.3138986

Rat Island

Island in Cornwall

England

Rat Island

Rat Island Images

What 3 Words

Nearby Locations

Related Wikis

Tregarthen's Hotel

Star Castle, Isles of Scilly

Wesleyan Methodist Church, Hugh Town

Hugh Town

Nearby Amenities

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