Season: summer

A flat sea and bright morning sun faced me on this return to Porthpean.  The tide was high and I met two regular beachgoers, enjoying their daily morning tonic.

With Mark and Karen, on the beach at Porthpean.

A still setting, near St Austell in the morning.

Season: spring

A blue, grey morning greeted me at Porthpean beach in St Austell, for this re-visit.  The tide was in and the sea was calm, looking across the bay.  Porthpean sits half way between Trenarren and Charlestown, on the South West Coast Path.  This is part of a fine section of walking on Cornwall’s south coast and Porthpean’s a great spot to stop for a break during a walk.

Belinda explains what the beach means to her.

Porthpean beach at high tide, from above.

Season: autumn

This is a real locals’ beach, on the south side of St Austell, with a sailing club just above the beach.  I was there in a wild easterly wind, straight onto the beach, which brought the sea to life.  I had two great chats with people happy to be alive, including a charming young family.  St Austell is handy for any requirements and facilities, as this is really a town beach.

The beach at Porthpean, from the slipway by the Sailing Club.

Here’s a view from the waterline.

My chat with a family who were rockpooling at Porthpean Beach.

Another chat, this time with Tony, at Porthpean Beach.