Season: summer
A beautiful morning at Loe Bar, an age away from the windy scene that greeted me in the autumn. A German film crew were adapting a Rosamunde Pilcher novel, filming on the bank above the Bar, so I had a chat with two extras. As the tide rose, you could see and feel the enormous undertow on this steep sided, lethal beach. The difference in the water on either side of the Bar, the raging Atlantic and the tranquil Loe Pool, was marked, divided by a thin, sandy bar and a few sea cabbages.
John’s affinity for the head space he gets at the beach.
Tim’s perennial love of the sea, which he passes on.
A study in tranquility, Loe Bar in the morning.
Season: autumn
Loe Bar is a raised ridge of beach above the hazardous, steep-shelved Porthleven Sands, dividing that beach from the fresh water Loe Pool, an outstanding nature reserve and beauty spot. It’s a dynamic place to be. I witnessed extensive renovations taking place to the main Helston outfall pipe. I also saw first-hand the damage the sea has done to the cliffs. Both these observations are in the films. Access is hard won via a lane down from parking above to the south, or along Porthleven Sands from the village, or through the estate which includes Loe Pool. There are no facilities but it’s well worth the effort when you get there.
Getting a lift with David and his concrete mixer lorry.
An interview explaining the work being done at Loe Bar.
What the sea can do to the rocky cliffs at Porthleven Sands.
A blustery view from the Bar, across to Loe Pool and back to the ocean.