Season: winter
Although it is the second smallest of the St Ives beaches and a safe place to swim, Porthgwidden can be a feisty proposition on a rising tide, the unexpected “seventh wave” often creeping further up the beach than an unwary visitor expects. It’s enclosed by rocky headlands on both sides, so waves seem to explode onto the granite, particularly on the town side. There are beach huts for the warmer months and an excellent cafe, giving Porthgwidden a welcoming, cosmopolitan feel. The view directly out to Godrevy lighthouse and the frequent visits by wildlife, seals and cormorants in particular, only add to the attraction.
Kath and Murray summarise the appeal of the beach for them.
By the rocks and the sea as the tide rushes in.
Season: winter
On the back of recent storms, the headland by Porthgwidden beach at St Ives was as sensitive as ever to the changeable, fast-moving weather. The light for this visit was passing through cascading storm clouds out at sea over the lighthouse in the distance onto a fresh, clean beach. The waves appeared to be translucent, topped in crisp white. The early morning is a fine time to catch Porthgwidden beach, before its popularity draws people down here at any time of the year.
The pleasure of working by this beach.
A beautiful morning at Porthgwidden beach in St Ives.
Season: autumn
Although it was quite early, Porthgwidden beach and the sea beyond was a hive of activity. There were seals in the water, fishermen about their business and regular swimmers taking the waters. As the tide fell away, bright sunshine lit the beach in a broad, straight line from over Hayle Towans in the east all the way up to the beach cafe and over the hill to Porthmeor beach. It was a magical start to the day.
Fiona and Nigel’s eulogy to the beach and all it offers here in St Ives.
By the water at Porthgwidden beach in the morning.
Season: winter
The 100th manonabeach® beach visit was on the shortest day of the year, December 21st. St Ives was a wonderful place to be on such an occasion.
100 beaches and counting…
