Category Archives: West Cornwall

Porthcurno

Season: spring

A bright day with a rising tide greeted me at Porthcurno beach for this seasonal re-visit.  The calm sea shone silver, the breakers almost translucent as they arched and fell on the golden sand.  This is a magical beach in any weather and season.  You could sense the pressure lifting from beachgoers’ shoulders as they walked the beach or sat gazing out to sea.  Highly recommended.

 

Spring visit photo gallery

The rhythms of nature at the beach for Jane.

Jane Adams Gallery, St Just

By the majestic sea at Porthcurno beach, on a rising tide.

Season: summer

Bright sunshine greeted me for this return to the iconic Porthcurno beach, in West Cornwall.  As the tide fell away, you could still find seaweed goodwill messages, to be read from the Minack theatre above by this year’s visiting actors.  Lots of people were on the beach and a harmonious atmosphere pervaded the little groups I talked to.  The enhancing benefit that this magical place gave to everyone who was there was almost palpable.  This is a great beach, highly recommended.

Summer visit photo gallery

Ellie and Abigail, from the University of London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, enjoy the beach.

Eamon and Tommy, from the Peter Pan production team, working at the Minack Theatre.

Simon’s analysis of the beach.

Honeymooners Trish and Geoff, on the steps above Porthcurno beach.

A beautiful beach, in the morning.

Season: spring

This is one of the most beautiful, natural beaches in Cornwall.  It feels pristine and untouched.  My re-visit at low tide showed me the two beaches round to the east, where I was also able to film.  Great beach, strongly recommended.

Spring visit photo

On the waterline at Porthcurno beach.

On the small beach next to Porthcurno beach.

With Cherry, who explained the harmonising qualities of the beach to her.

Charlotte says it straight.

Season: autumn

An iconic Penwith beach, sitting next to the Minack Theatre, which is carved into the cliffs above.  The beach still has the tiny cable house, designed to help send telegrams to America, standing at the head of the beach.  There is a nearby choice of large car parks with toilets, and there is a café at the Minack theatre.  The beach has very impressive square blocks of granite in the westerly cliffs, almost pink in certain light.

Chat with artist Jane on Porthcurno beach.

The wonderful beach at Porthcurno in Penwith.

 

Carbis Bay

Season: spring

The tide had fallen away for this re-visit, exposing the fine golden sand here at Carbis Bay.  Holidaymakers were enjoying the start of the season, walking languidly along the waterline.  A passing storm was replaced by bright sunshine, as clean sets of surf broke onto the beach.  All was well with the world.

Spring visit photo gallery

Nick and Rachel reflect on beaches, near and far.

From St Ives round to Hayle and beyond, the fine vista at Carbis Bay.

Season: winter

The tide was halfway in for this winter re-visit.  The views towards St Ives, Godrevy lighthouse, Gwithian and Hayle Towans, such an appealing element here, were distant, misty outlines.  This blurred the line between the sea and the sky, a hazy, sleepy visual to counter the relentless sound of the waves against the beach.  Even on a cloudy day, the peculiarly clear light at this end of Cornwall set the blue sea into relief against the soft, golden sand.

Winter visit photo gallery

The contemplative side of the beach for Carrie.

A winter morning at Carbis Bay in Cornwall.

Season: summer

It’s a great time of year to be on the beach in the morning.  I was talking to Ann, whom I’d met on a previous visit, about this and that, while the tide reached its zenith.  Carbis Bay beach is quite steep, so the waves seem to build vertically and hang poised, before crashing down on themselves, never making it as far up the beach as you expect.  The sun was bright and there were lots of friends with dogs, meeting daily to start the day in style.  It was a harmonious place to be.  Great beach, highly recommended.

Summer visit photo gallery

With Jen, at the start of a special day.

Tom’s relationship with the beach.

In the morning at Carbis Bay in the summer, a pleasure indeed.

Season: spring

It was wet and mild for this spring re-visit to Carbis Bay.  The tide was in and the mesmeric turquoise of the sea here remained, despite the grey, overcast sky.  You can see the pleasure that the beach gives to visitors in Peter’s face, during our brief chat.

Spring visit photo

At the end of the beach, in Carbis Bay.

Peter sifts through family memories.

Season: autumn

Carbis Bay is a beach with fine sand just east of St Ives.  With a small accessible car park, it’s a great place to see seals and look across to St Ives and Godrevy Lighthouse.  The relatively steep shelf creates crashing sets of waves, particularly towards high tide.  It has the Sands Café next to the beach and the Carbis Bay Hotel and apartments behind.

My chat with Ralph, who works on the beach at Carbis Bay and at the Carbis Bay Hotel.

Interview with Derek, walking his dog at Carbis Bay

The relentless action of the Atlantic Ocean on the rocks at Carbis Bay on the North Coast of Cornwall.

Seals in the sea by the beach at Carbis Bay.

Sennen

Season: spring

Fine weather and a rising tide greeted me for this seasonal re-visit.  The arc of the bay was back lit by the morning sun and visitors were out, enjoying the shops and cafes at Sennen Cove.  This is a stunning beach in any weather, popular with surfers, beachcombers and walkers alike.  There’s a sense of deep perspective and a long distance to the horizon.  Highly recommended.

Spring season photo gallery

John’s lifelong relationship with the beach.

Young Cultural Creatives

Whitesand Bay at Sennen Cove in the morning.

At the end of the beach, as the tide rushes in.

Season: summer

It was back to the wild Atlantic seas at Sennen Cove, for this re-visit.  At high tide, the waves crashed onto Whitesand Bay, also broaching the harbour wall.  A strong, mild wind carried a sense of the sea’s power across the western tip of Cornwall, heady and stimulating, as witnessed by Wendy, in the shelter of the harbour.

Summer visit photo gallery

With Wendy, at Sennen Cove in Penwith.

The action of the sea, on Sennen’s harbour wall and beyond.

Wild waves, crashing onto Whitesand Bay in Sennen Cove.

Season: spring

There was a benign, peaceful atmosphere at Sennen Cove for this re-visit.  The sea lapped against the white sand, a bit odd for such a wild beach as this.  The falling tide left kelp and rounded rocks visible at the far end of Whitesand Bay.  There’s a pleasing crescent shape to the beach, with the surrounding land cossetting you as you look out to sea.

Spring visit photo gallery

A regular visitor’s take on the beach.

An international perspective, on the beach and the UK.

Whitesand Bay at Sennen Cove, on a spring morning

Season: winter

The sea was alive at Sennen Cove for my winter re-visit, with surfers and beachgoers alike enjoying it.  On a rising half tide, the crescent shape of Whitesand Bay was clearly visible, backed by the pristine dunes.  I met a beach cleaner and enjoyed inhaling the pure Atlantic sea breeze, here at the end of these islands of ours.

Winter visit photo

My chat with Heather, a beach aficionado, at Sennen Cove in February.

The waves against the beach at Whitesand Bay, Sennen Cove, in the winter.

Season: autumn

Early morning, with the sun coming over the dunes on a low tide, was just breathtaking, filling me with a wonder at isolated nature, just like I’d experienced at Gwithian and Watergate Bay beaches.  The early morning light is a great time to see Cornwall’s beaches, well worth getting up for.  At the far western end of the county, Sennen has wild nature and waves but also an excellent array of facilities, plus arts and craft shops and a harbour with a lifeboat.  You couldn’t fail to enjoy a visit here, plenty of parking, toilets etc. and a pub / hotel right on the beach.

On the beach at Sennen Cove at dawn.

Sennen Cove from the harbour.

Treen Cove

Season: spring

The low tide at Treen Cove revealed a pristine sandy beach, backed by rounded, dense stones, fashioned by the Atlantic.  The cove’s cliffs featured waterfalls that showered the beach, through lime and limpet green foliage.  It’s an inaccessible beach and you need to keep an eye on the tide here.  The compensation is a totally unspoilt wonderland of textures and colour, with the Gurnard’s Head rocks to the south, Zennor and Morvah in close attendance.  A taste of wild Cornwall.

Spring season photo gallery

Andy and Debbie give their beach eulogy.

On a brand new beach at Treen Cove.

Extra winter visit photo gallery

Season: summer

Just after high tide, Treen Cove and its beach were full of the Atlantic.  There was a tranquil atmosphere down by the waterline.  You feel the great distance west as you look out from the rocks here, all the way to America.

Summer visit photo gallery

Rupert’s vital reference point, the beach, wherever he is.

Enjoying the beauty of Treen Cove in the morning.

Season: spring

I returned to Treen Cove on a low spring tide, the only time the beach is accessible, by a tricky, rocky descent after a fair walk down from the road at the Gurnard’s Head Hotel.  This was an outstanding natural experience, from the beauty of the exposed sandy beach to the violent action of the breakers on the hard rock.  By the way, my interviewee, Andy from the hotel, told me that the derelict building above the beach is an old pilchard processing plant, rather than an engine house, as I suggested.

Spring visit photo

Raw nature and a beautiful beach at Treen Cove.

Treen Cove again, this time from the back of the beach at low tide.

With Andy, who works above Treen Cove at the Gurnard’s Head Hotel.

Season: autumn

Treen Cove is exactly half way between St Ives and St Just, 6 miles each way on the scenic coast road.  With no facilities and a long and at times tricky path to negotiate from behind the Gurnard’s Head Hotel, Treen Cove seems a drag to get to, but, believe me, it’s worth it.  When here, you feel very close to a big ocean and its motions, and you can walk even closer to it via Gurnard’s Head itself.  Just see the deep pleasure that my interviewee Lucy felt, as a relief from her hectic job as a lawyer in Bristol.

Interview with Lucy and Andy at Treen Cove, across from Gurnard’s Head.

Seals in the water, at Treen Cove in West Cornwall.

First view of Treen Cove and across to Gurnard’s Head.

Gwithian

Season: spring

If you want a taste of elemental Cornwall, this is a fine beach to visit, as it forms part of the long stretch from Godrevy down to Hayle Towans, an unbroken ribbon of golden sand and dunes that face the wild Atlantic, with views across to Carbis Bay and St Ives.  The tide was almost out and my visit coincided with the advent of a storm from the west, to showcase the wild nature of this popular surfing beach.

Spring season photo gallery

What the beach means to Anna.

On the shoreline at Gwithian, just as the weather turns.

Winter (December 2012) visit photo gallery

Season: summer

If I lived in a city and I wanted to slip away when my head hit the pillow, this is where I’d go.  There’s such a wide range of sensory experiences.  Gwithian can be as wild as you like, especially down on the beach, in the wind and next to the surf, but today it was benign, peace personified.  There’s a rich variety of perspectives, from the contours and hollows of the dunes to a razor sharp horizon on a clear day.  The beach is long and flat, so the variety of water textures on this ebb tide was stunning.  Great beach, highly recommended.

Summer visit photo gallery

With Georgina, above the beach at Gwithian on a fine morning.

Down on the waterline,with Artie and his dogs.

A sensory overload, at Gwithian beach on the North Coast of Cornwall.

Season: spring

Choosing your favourite beach is like your top ten records, different every time.  This beach is very special though, as it’s where, on my previous visit, it became clear to me that manonabeach was something worth pushing on with.  So I suppose that’s one thing that this beach means to me.  It was very mild and misty on this visit, with a lot of surfers in the sea.  The ebb tide left the sand glistening.  A wide expanse of sand was opening up as the tide fell away.  Great place, highly recommended.

Bob’s affinity for water and the sea, always pulling him to the beach.

An ebb tide at Gwithian, in North Cornwall.

Season: autumn

This magnificent North Coast beach is long and wild when the wind’s up, which it was during my visit.  There’s parking above the beach, along with a vibrant café and toilets.  Great beach, highly recommended.

The exposed beach at Gwithian.

This was a quick look at the action of the sea on the exposed rocks at low tide on Gwithian beach, hard to imagine how such hard rock can be sculpted so severely by sea and sand.

This wild, windswept walk was so invigorating.  At low tide, there was so much beach and the air was alive on a windy day.  This was a beach at its most elemental.

The charming chalets of Upton Towans sit on the dunes back from the beach, where the Jampot café sits.  I walked amongst the fragile dwellings, a counterpoint to the ferocity of the ocean just below the dunes on Gwithian beach.

More from my ramble through Upton Towans, featuring the charming Jam Pot cafe, an ideal hideaway on a blustery day.

Godrevy

Season: spring

Bright sunshine and a low, turning tide greeted me at Godrevy for this seasonal re-visit.  The lighthouse was framed in azure blue, both sea and sky.  Across the bay, St Ives stood on its headland, with the Atlantic behind.  The full beach down to Hayle Towans via Gwithian was laid out, golden sand against the stark cliffs and dunes.  It was a picture perfect day.

Spring visit photo gallery

Jon and Sandra’s eulogy to the elements at the beach.

A fine panorama from above Godrevy beach.

Season: summer

Godrevy was balmy and hypnotic for this re-visit, with brilliant blues in the calm sea, offset by golden sands and stark, black rock, flecked with vivid greens.  The lighthouse stood sentinel off the coast and there was a clear, panoramic view, from the Atlantic, St Ives, Carbis Bay, Hayle and Gwithian, round to Godrevy and the headland where I stood.

Summer visit photo gallery

Elizabeth, at home and where she wants to be.

Jim and Natalia, at one with nature on the beach.

A stunning vista, Godrevy in the morning.

Season: spring

Wild weather greeted me at Godrevy, often the case on this elemental beach.  The high tide had the rounded stones clattering, as they were dragged back into the surf.  The sounds of the sea and the wind were invigorating to all on the beach.  I chatted to visitors Callum and Jane, who clearly felt a strong pull to this beach.

Spring visit photo

With Callum and Jane, on Godrevy beach.

The wild pleasure of the beach at Godrevy.

Season: autumn

Located at the end of Gwithian beach, just below Upton Towans in the sand dunes, Godrevy sits in front of a wildlife sanctuary on Cornwall North Coast.  At its headland sits the white Godrevy lighthouse, whose rocks attract dolphins and seals, for the fishing.  I was struck by the fusion between the sky and the sea early in the morning, a palette of pastels.  Parking is close at hand in two car parks, or on the road to walk through the nature reserve.

On the waterline at Godrevy.

A view of the beach from the headland next to Godrevy Lighthouse.

Rinsey Cove

Season: spring

It was a fine bright day and a chance to enjoy a covering of sand at Rinsey Cove.  On a low tide, the beach looked spectacular, white waves crashing in on the new beach, over the multi-coloured rocks.  Matt’s interview on a previous visit introduces the geology here and you can get more detail from Mark’s comment and link at the bottom of this post.  It’s always a pleasure to visit the wild elements at this top left hand corner of the Lizard Peninsula.  Highly recommended.

Spring visit photo gallery

The beach as a metaphor for life.

Secrets coves and beaches, ideal for Georgia.

The view from the waterline, at low tide in Rinsey Cove.

Season: autumn

It’s exciting to seeing a fresh new beach, on an ebb tide, like this morning at Rinsey Cove.  There’s outstanding natural scenery here anyway, especially the colours and texture of the rocks on the beach and the cliffs, but the fresh sand made a perfect setting for the geology.  The sea is always lively on this side of Cornwall, with the waves crashing relentlessly onto the sand and rocks.  Rinsey Cove is elemental, nature in the raw.

Autumn visit photo gallery

With Graham and Judy, explaining their serendipitous union.

On the waterline at Rinsey Cove, surrounded by wild nature.

Season: summer

It was a bright sunny morning at Rinsey Cove, the high tide acting against the black rock in this geological wonderland.  I met fisherman Peter and another Peter, visiting Rinsey House with his family.  It was good to see the house with its new roof, after watching the renovations during the last visit.

Summer visit photo gallery

Tales of whales in Cornwall, by Peter from Wales.

Fisherman Peter’s lifelong love of the beach.

Watching the sea against the rocks, approaching high tide at Rinsey Cove.

Season: spring

A fine, late spring evening greeted me at Rinsey Cove for this re-visit.  An hour after high tide, the sun played on a pristine new beach, with a calm blue sea rolling relentlessly in.  Two people were fishing for bass off the point and I had the beach to myself.  Above the Cove stood an old, renovated engine house, from the prolific days of mining here.  To the north west stood Rinsey Head House, currently being re-roofed by HJB Roofing.  I went to take a look under the covers and was able to interview Ben about his association to Rinsey Cove.  The workmanship on the roof was impressive, as you can see by the still of Ben on the roof, so here’s a mention for the craftsmen, from proprietor Henri Blight, to Scott Hocking, Mark Peters and Ben Verry – thanks for your hospitality and the chat.

Spring visit photo gallery

Ben explains what the beach means to him.

On the waterline, at Rinsey Cove.

Looking down at Rinsey Cove, from the path above.

Season: winter

The most stunning visual and sensory experience of the manonabeach project so far, Rinsey Cove is in the north west corner of the Lizard Peninsula, in the teeth of the Atlantic breakers.  I hope the film captures the breathtaking array of textures and colours I saw down on the beach. It was like being in a geological washing machine on the waterfront.  There are no facilities to hand.  Access is fairly steep and rocky near the beach, but well worth it.  Highly recommended, a special place.

My chat with Matt at Rinsey Cove in Cornwall, on New Years Day.

Approaching the beach at Rinsey Cove, on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall.

Penzance Mounts Bay

Season: spring

The sun started to break through, after a long spell of low pressure and this was an ideal place to be, by Mounts Bay in Penzance.  The sound of the pebbles rolling back on the ebb of the tide is rejuvenating and the light here is unique, fusing with the elements in a way captured by the Newlyn School of Art’s Stanhope Forbes and Henry Scott Tuke.

Spring visit photo gallery

The beach as a reminder for Liz, on a break to the South West.

Pure Nuff Stuff

By the waterline, at Mounts Bay in Penzance.

Marazion Hotel

 Season: summer

It was a stunning morning in Penzance for this re-visit.  On a high tide, the water lapped against a shingle beach, rolling the pebbles back as each wave ebbed.  The promenade was full of people, many stopping to gaze out over Mounts Bay at the mesmerising sight in front of them.  The Scillonian slipped its mooring and cruised past during filming, on its way to the Isles of Scilly.

Summer visit photo gallery

Marcia’s lifelong love of the beach.

A fine sight in the morning, Mounts Bay at Penzance on a high tide.

Season: spring

It was a flat calm Mounts Bay for my spring re-visit to Penzance.  From Marazion round to Newlyn, the sea glistened silver on a calm sea, with St Michaels Mount framed in the light.  The low tide allowed me out onto Battery Rocks, close to the water lapping against the walls of the Jubilee Pool.

Spring visit photo

With Adrian, on the beach at Battery Rocks.

A beautiful, calm morning, looking across Mounts Bay from Battery Rocks in Penzance.

Season: autumn

Half way around Mounts Bay, Penzance sea front is an ideal spot to grasp the scale of the Bay, from Marazion in the East round to Newlyn and Mousehole.  There is straightforward parking, with all the shops and restaurants catering for every type of visitor.  The sea front takes you round to the Lido and Battery Rocks, another popular spot for sea swimmers in the Bay.  At Penzance Mounts Bay, you can watch the world go by, walk the promenade or exercise in the sea, all bases covered.

A long chat with Graham in Penzance, looking out on Mounts Bay

Graffiti to cheer your soul at Battery Rocks in Penzance.

A sense of the action of the sea on the pebbles next to the sea wall in Penzance.

My first view of Mounts Bay at Penzance, in changeable weather.

 

Mounts Bay

Season: spring

There was a moody sense for this early morning visit, enhancing the grey, silver and black colours on the shoreline and in the sky.  The tide was well out and the causeway carried workers across to St Michaels Mount, for ongoing renovations to the castle.  The low tide framed Marazion on its hillside and emphasised the sea wall that stands between it and the island.  Further along the beach, overnighting camper van visitors started their day with a walk on this magical beach.

Spring visit photo gallery

The tonic of a regular beach visit for Virginia.

Marazion Hotel

A special memory on this beach for Nicole.

A moody, silver grey morning at Mounts Bay.

Season: summer

The sun burst through for this re-visit, on a low tide at Mounts Bay and Marazion.  Summer had arrived and the beach was full of people, some gazing out at the flat, gentle water of the Bay.  It was an idyllic sight and a wonderful place to be, as always.

Summer visit photo gallery

Paul’s enduring love for the beach.

Looking at Mounts Bay from the sand dunes behind, in bright sunshine at last.

Season: spring

It had been too long since my last visit to Marazion, this magical place on the east side of Mounts Bay.  Wild weather had covered the beach in kelp and St Michaels Mount stood in relief against the black, blue and grey storm clouds that framed it.  The sea was calm, the sky being the centre of attention just now, in a spell of low pressure over Cornwall.

Spring visit photo

Suzanne, on coming home.

At Mounts Bay, enjoying the calm after the storm.

Season: winter

I returned to the scene of a favourite manonabeach trip from September, 2011.  It was mild and misty on arrival, with the tide run perfect to show off the causeway to St Michaels Mount.  I’ve put the first film up before the interviews, because it really sets the scene.  This is a magical location, on the energising St Michaels ley line.  You can see this in the two interviews I did, the same positive message I got from my two interviews back in September (see below these films).  Highly recommended, all you need is here and convenient for the beach at Marazion.

The causeway and Marazion, at Mounts Bay in Cornwall.

Chatting to Moira and Sarah, who were filming for Project 12, a positive initiative for this year.

A happy young couple, on their honeymoon at Mounts Bay in Cornwall.

St Michaels Mount, after the mist had cleared.

Season: autumn

This was an early visit in the manonabeach project and I was blessed with bright sunshine.  Mounts Bay is set up to receive visitors in all respects.  As well as the outstanding scenery of the Bay, you can park easily and toilets and shops are at hand, along with galleries, pubs and hotels.  You can walk across to St Michaels Mount at low tide, or catch the amphibious vehicle at other times.  The Mount is a National Trust property, with fine gardens as well as the castle to visit.  Mounts Bay has sandy walks and a breakwater to sit on, where I found the young couple I filmed making their breakfast outdoors.

This chat with a young couple in the sunshine was a real pleasure.  They were young and clearly thrilled by where they found themselves, cooking their breakfast outside on the breakwater during our Indian summer.

The beach seemed to have a very positive effect on this couple; they appeared very harmonised by being there.

A peaceful saunter along the waterline at sunny Mounts Bay, very therapeutic.

My first view of Mounts Bay at Marazion.

Porthminster

Season: winter

Porthminster beach is one of St Ives’ busiest, due to its large size with acres of golden sand and its position, just below the railway station and main town car park.  The beach was quiet for this re-visit, however and there was plenty of space down on the waterline, to enjoy the view across the bay, taking in St Ives harbour and Godrevy lighthouse.  This is a great beach to visit at any time of the year, if only for the amazing light.

Winter visit photo gallery

What the beach means to Izabella.

The tide rolls in at Porthminster beach.

Season: spring

An uncharacteristically misty day greeted me for this morning re-visit.  This St Ives beach looked immaculate, in full swing for the season, with neat bins on the beach, tables and seats neatly arranged and an industrious atmosphere at the Porthminster café along the beach, serving breakfasts already.  This is one of Cornwall’s iconic beaches, heavily patronised by visitors, many of whom, like my interviewee Claire, keep impressions of this beach with them when back home.

Spring visit photo gallery

Porthminster beach, through the decades.

The precious value of the beach to Claire

A misty morning at Porthminster beach, in St Ives.

Season: winter

There are places that have a resonant appeal which is hard to define, rather like when you meet a charismatic person.  The Bay of Naples, looking across from Sorrento, is an example and so is St Ives, but Porthminster beach here can exert a particular hold.  There is a structure to the view from the beach that’s very reassuring, with clear reference points as you look out, yet the constantly changing light and elements can’t be captured and labelled, which is both refreshing and intoxicating.

Winter visit photo

On Porthminster beach with Steve, explaining the beach’s permanence.

Josephine and Helen say what the beach means to them.

Looking down on Porthminster beach, from the grass behind.

Season: autumn

I visited this most easterly beach in St Ives on Bonfire Night to see the spectacular fireworks, which I caught on film.  The beach is popular for weddings too, due to its stunning views of St Ives harbour and beyond, as well as the proximity of hotels to the beach.  There is also a choice of beach cafes and all facilities are available.  You can enjoy the shops, restaurants and pubs of St Ives, all in easy proximity.  An excellent choice for well-heeled metropolitan visitors to the county.

Preparations for the fireworks on Guy Fawkes night, at Porthminster beach in St Ives.

The fireworks at Porthminster beach, continued.