The Fool On The Hill - The St. Michael's Way walk from St. Ives to St. Michael's Mount near Penzance.

Now, as you will discover shortly, St. Michael's Way actually skirts around the base of Trencrom Hill and, so, there is no need to ascend to the summit.

But if you've got the time (or are only doing part of the walk) you really should do.

Why?

Because it's there, of course. And because it gives you the best elevated view of the peninsula that you can get.

There is a path that circles the base of Trencrom Hill .....
..... but it is a bridle path so keep an eye out for horse drivers.
If you just follow the path eventually you will come to forks in the path .....
...... which allow you to ascend to the heights.

According to local legend a giant used to live on Trencrom Hill, as did one on St. Michael's Mount. One day the giant on St. Mike's Mount wanted to borrow a hammer and so asked the giant on Trencrom to chuck it to him.

Unfortunately, back at Mont Saint Michel, Mrs. Giant decided to make an untimely intervention. Blinded by looking into the sun she failed to spot the flying tool and copped it straight in the mush thus rendering her into Mrs. Ex-Giant.

Her hubby buried her near the Causeway and fetched a large stone from elsewhere and laid it over her grave. The Great Hogus (I kid you not) at Marazion [See later on] is said to be a type of stone encountered nowhere else in the area.

Any truth in the story then? Well, it was told to me by legendary local raconteur, Harding Laity, and he has been round long enough to have possibly witnessed the incident!

Meanwhile, enjoy the view (just don't chuck any tools about).

The shiny fields will shortly become significant.
In the meantime, St. Michael's Mount appears out of the haze.
Compare and contrast with the St. Ives side.
No, honest. These photos were taken at the same time. Why did you think all the artists came to St. Ives? It wasn't just the Doom Bar, you know, the quality of the light had something to do with it as well!
Oh, and it wouldn't be a proper feature on the wilds of Cornwall if it didn't feature a ruined mine. At least this one is doing its bit for the environment and has gone green!

Right, back to the walk, then.

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