Season: spring
A mountainous sea thundered against Gyllyngvase beach for this early spring re-visit. Icy winds and a morning chill set the tone. An ebb tide clawed at the sand, leaving thirty feet of trace on the sand before returning to the beach. Above the sea, an apocalytic sky, with clouds full of snow, threatened to add its contents to the elemental scene.
The attraction of the sea to Matt.
A wild morning on Gyllyngvase beach.
Season: autumn
It’s always a pleasure to visit this high octane Falmouth beach, particularly on a bright weekend morning, when it’s a hive of activity. As a town beach, it holds a natural attraction for townspeople, with volleyball nets, a popular cafe and a safe swimming environment. The tide was low during this re-visit and there was plenty of space for everyone, in and out of the water. There are pleasant gardens by the beach too, with fine views to enjoy over Falmouth Bay, looking round from Pendennis Castle to the Helford Estuary.
Mary explains what it’s like to swim at Gyllyngvase (see Peter also, lower down on this page).
A view of the beach from the rocks at low tide.
Season: summer
A bright morning, on a low tide, set the large ships in Falmouth Bay in relief, against an azure, flat sea. Early morning swimmers reminded me of paintings from the Alex Katz exhibition, showing at Tate St Ives this summer. I had filmed in the atrium there in the spring; here it is.
Sisters Victoria and Vanessa, enjoying nature’s bounty at Gyllyngvase beach.
The beach in the morning.
Season: spring
Bright sunshine greeted me on this re-visit to Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth. The spring morning had attracted swimmers and walkers alike. The beach had its seasonal fixtures in place for the summer – volleyball pitch, sandpit, trestle tables and lifeguard viewing platform. As the tide fell away on the steep beach, the clean breakers crashed onto the sand, a raw energy to start the day.
John explains the release the beach gives him.
At the waterline in the morning, looking out across Falmouth Bay to start the day.
Season: winter
It was a mild January dawn return to Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth, the sea and sky grey blue against the sand. Being a town beach, there were plenty of people about. The atmosphere was one of routine and regularity, fitting the beach visit into hectic schedules. Both interviews show the deep affection held by people for being at the beach. Falmouth is such a buzzing town at present. I highly recommend a visit.
Peter’s relationship with the water at the beach, from an aesthetic perspective.
Victoria, at Gyllyngvase beach early in the morning.
A mild, grey blue vista, on Gyllyngvase beach at dawn.
Season: autumn
Another famous Cornish beach, the main Falmouth leisure beach which looks out to the South over Falmouth Bay and the tankers waiting for orders or bunkers. This beach is popular all year round and I met two swimmers who use the sea every day of the year. The weather was astounding during my visit and the beach was at its best. The 3rd video is one of my favourite manonabeach films, one I carry round on the phone to look at from time to time.
On the waterline at Gyllyngvase beach.
Watching the swimmers at Gyllyngvase beach.
A spectacular panorama…
My chat with two swimming ladies on the beach.