Season: summer
This seasonal visit was at the height of the visitor season on a warm and sunny day. Although it was quite early, there were plenty of tourists on Summerleaze beach, mingling with the early morning dog walkers. The tide was racing in across the flat beach and clean surf had attracted some early birds with their surfboards. It was shaping up to be a typical North Cornwall day in mid-August.
With Jayne on the waterline at Summerleaze beach in Bude, reflecting on a life spent at the beach.
Looking down on Summerleaze beach in the morning.
A straightforward analysis from Janet.
Season: spring
Seasonal showers greeted me at Summerleaze beach in Bude, the weather varying between bright sunshine and hail. At low tide the beach is an enormous expanse of sand, rock and river channel. Summerleaze sits head on to the Atlantic, wild and hypnotic when you’re by the water. Bude is very hospitable and open to visitors, yet retains a proud independence. The depth of affection for Bude, plus pride and belonging to a community, radiates from all three interviews.
Ted explains the pull of the beach.
Mini, aka Martin, explains what Surf Life Saving Clubs offer from a young age into adult life.
Charlie takes us back in time.
Season: winter
I saw the wild beauty of North Cornwall at its finest during this trip to Bude. On arrival in stormy conditions half a dozen horses and riders were enjoying the surf and spray on the shoreline. The beach is extensive at low tide and easily accessible, either from the town on foot or via the adjacent car park. Everything is to hand, including a wonderful lido fed by the sea called Bude Sea Pool.
A chat with waitress Sarah at the Life’s a Beach cafe on Summerleaze beach.
Season: autumn
The tide was high at Summerleaze beach for this re-visit. Bude has one of only two sea locks in the country. The lock gates had been opened to allow the fishing boats into the safety of the inner harbour for winter. At the other end of the beach hardy dog walkers enjoyed the bracing wind and the lively seascape. The Sea Pool was full, its steps and railings taking the full force of the Atlantic, a stormy day indeed.
The appeal of the beach, part of Jason’s decision to re-locate.
A wild high tide at Summerleaze beach in Bude.
Summerleaze beach is great – something for everyone.
Thanks Sue, I really enjoyed my trip to Summerleaze beach. You can follow the manonabeach Facebook page or @manonabeach on Twitter too. Good luck with the campaign to save Bude Sea Pool, which I’ve enjoyed swimming in during the summer.
The beach is a place we go to everyday walking dogs, body boarding, relaxing, meeting family and friends. The beach plays a big part in our life. We are constantly surprised by how a walk along the beach or along cliff top makes us feel energised and refreshed. We cannot imagine not living by the beach ever again.
Summerleaze Beach means many things to me. I have such lovely memories of walks with my late Grandfather who loved nothing more than to spend time on the beach and the Breakwater watching the waves crashing in.
As a child my family and I spent many holidays playing on the sand, swimming in the sea pool or jumping the waves in the sea!
As a teenager and by that time now living in Bude, many lazy days were enjoyed just sunbathing in the secluded sand dunes whilst listening to the radio!
In recent years, as a Mum, I have spent many a day crabbing or body boarding with my children.
These days I enjoy nothing more than an early morning walk with my dog taking in the tranquillity and sheer beauty of the area.