Connecting Counties; the ferry leaves Cremyll Quayside beside Mount Edgcumbe, with its beautiful Cornish landscapes, and passes by some of Plymouth’s most spectacular and historical waterfronts, including Royal William Yard. The journey only takes approximately ten minutes, so no need to worry about motion sickness.
I adore the petite castle-styled roof terminal building with its whimsical clock on the quay where the ferry sets sail. Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, is a popular stomping ground with my family whatever the weather. So at the end of visits, I’ve spent hours on the beach eating an ice lolly whilst admiring scenery as the pedestrian boat goes to and from Admiral’s Hard, Stonehouse.
Those of you who are familiar with my blog posts will know that I would also have taken photographs, and as I was writing this, I digressed and looked through past images taken from the Devon side on other jaunts. I’ll post them on social media.
Recently, I was amazed to learn the service has been running for a thousand years, and was responsible for more important roles such as transporting animals and carriages, as well as people over one of South West England’s most famous rivers. When a new road was constructed on the Cornish side in the late 1660s, it allowed mail to be delivered to the most south-westerly parts of the country.
Sailing and rowing boats traversed the waves up until the end of the 19th century. But, how I wish I had been around to see the steamboats that took over from 1885 onwards.
There were also horse boats with a hand-driven wheel for manoeuvring and they operated up to the 1930s.
In 1691, the Naval Dockyard came into being. More vessels for workers were necessary and they docked at nearby Mutton Cove. Another of my favourite destinations on the Plymouth shores.
From steamboats to cruisers. Cremyll Ferry crafts have landed at different stages throughout time along this stretch of the river, named the Hamoaze. Teeming with a variety of vessels over the years. So unlike today’s tranquil outlook, which reminds me – I need to go back soon and take a trip on the elegant and traditional Edgcumbe Belle.
Best wishes,
Sue. X
P.S. Please read previous blog posts about the places mentioned above.
About Time Too!
King William IV’s Namesake
Mutton Cove