Season: autumn
The easterly aspect at Portmellon makes it a fine beach to visit in the morning. It sits in an inlet, between Mevagissey to the north and Colona beach to the south, just beyond Chapel Point. The tide had brought kelp up onto the sand, from the recent storms, its colours and textures glistening in the morning sun.
Kate’s runs an artist’s eye over the terrain.
Portmellon in the morning
Season: summer
In the morning, facing east, Portmellon greets the dawn every day. Colona House guards the northern edge of the inlet, with the idyllic Chapel Point to the south. Here’s the start of the day, in all its glory:
Season: spring
If you can avoid an easterly wind, this beach reflects the gentler side of Cornwall, sitting in the lea of the prevailing winds. Today, it was mild and calm, with the tide falling away from the substantial sea defences. As Portmellon village woke up, the sun shimmered on a grey blue sea.
The changing appeal of the beach.
Portmellon, on a falling tide.
Season: winter
It was a gentle, grey blue morning for my return to Portmellon, at high tide with a modest swell. Nevertheless, the seaweed and sand strewn along the road was witness to the power of nature at work here. The hamlet faces east and has a changing demeanour, as explained by Rod, below:
With Rod, on the waterline at Portmellon.
Evidence of a recent spring tide at Portmellon, near Mevagissey in Cornwall.
Season: autumn
This quiet village south of St Austell sits between Gorran Haven and Mevagissey. Most people here live on a hill behind the beach and road, which is just as well, because an easterly storm regularly crosses the road and bombards the beach-side houses, strewing seaweed over the road and any passing cars. There is ample parking, a pub (The Rising Sun) and toilets, but no shop.
The view from outside the entrance to The Rising Sun pub.
A view from the boatyard end of the village.
I think I’d agree with every one of them. I do so envy you the ocean. I grew up by the sea and now live in a land-locked country – we have beuiatful lakes, but it just isn’t the same!!