Torpoint is in Cornwall. It has for many years been a main access point to Devon and in particular Plymouth from Cornwall. The ferry toils back and forth across the river Tamar. In fact they run several ferries at once - service is available 24/7 (at a variable departure interval depending on traffic).
The ferry is chain driven. This shot is taken while the chain is tight alongside the bank where the ferry ramp allows the cars to drive on and off. The journey takes a few minutes to cross the Tamar river and costs £1.50. The Tamar Bridge and the Torpoint Ferry are unique in that you only pay one way. The locals in Devon joke that it is free to go into Cornwall but you have to pay to get out again.
I like the perspective of this chain just above the water. It is difficult to gauge its size from the shot - it is pretty big. I could not put both my hands around it and touch them together. Two of these chains hold each ferry on its journey.
The ferry carries perhaps 75 cars each way? An important link for some. An economic necessity for the locals. A lifesaver - all other ferry operations are suspended to carry an ambulance. As soon as it reaches the ferry boarding point the ferry departs immediately. This is not a weak link in the chain of life...
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