Rinsey Cornwall 365

Sun Behind the Land Enlarge	Orange Sky Enlarge	Bishop or Camel Enlarge	Rinsey Sunset Enlarge	After Dusk Enlarge
Golden Prosper Enlarge	Rinsey Sunset Enlarge	Wheal Prosper Enlarge	Cliffs At Rinsey Enlarge	Rock Formation Enlarge
Caterpillar Enlarge	Rock Pool Enlarge	Wheal Prosper Enlarge	Lifeboat Enlarge	Wheal Prosper Enlarge
Rinsey Head Enlarge	Camel Enlarge

About Rinsey Cornwall.

Rinsey is located nine miles south east of St. Ives on the A394, described in the guide books as a small hamlet, the area is best known for its restored 19th century engine house. In direct contrast to its name Wheal Prosper was not a very successful mine and traded for only a short period from 1860 – 1866. Prosper was quite a common name for Cornish mines, Collins in “Observation on the West of England Mining Region.” Gives accounts of six Wheal Prospers but does not include the mine at Rinsey,
Wheal Prosper was built with slate or killas that was quarried from a small quarry close by and granite quoins were added to strengthen the building. A tall and graceful chimney stack makes this a very picturesque building and it has been featured in the television sequel to Poldark.
The engine house is easily accessed, a National Trust car park is sited nearby and a footpath leads directly to Wheal Prosper. This footpath passes a ‘bat castle that has been built over the mouth of Michell’s shaft. The shaft itself is reported to extend 420ft below the surface and the ‘bat castle’ provides not only a safety cover for the shaft but its design allows bats to roost in the underground workings, twilight is the best time to observe the bats comings and goings.
A path near the engine house leads down to the beach known as Rinsey Cove and at low tide the ‘adit portal can be approached via a cave but care should be exercised due to the danger of rising tides and loose rocks. The path down to the cove is fairly steep but the climb back up will be worth it as the beach at low tide is lovely yellow sand and the views superb