Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Prussia Cove

Season: spring

If you park at the top of the hill next to the big house with the turrets on the tower, then walk down the lane to Prussia Cove early in the morning, I dare you not to feel the pioneering spirit of old that still hangs in the air. This is an extremely creative place, by turn inspiring and threatening. It was no surprise then, when I ran across a member of the International Musicians Seminar, who arrive to play together here twice a year, coming from all over the world. You can learn more about Jenna’s work at her website.

With musician Jenna above Bessy’s Cove.

Atmosphere and drama at Prussia Cove.

Season: summer

Looking west, just above the Lizard Peninsula, was the Atlantic Ocean in all its splendour for this visit. A fisherman stressed the enhancing effect of the beach’s natural stimuli. The sun was out and all was well at the weekend.

On the rocks by the Atlantic with a fisherman.

Looking out west towards a fishing boat.

Season: winter

This part of the Cornish coast looks west from the Lizard Peninsula, located between Praa Sands to the south and Marazion to the west. Essentially a headland comprising Kenneggy Cove, Bessy’s Cove and Piskies Cove, Prussia Cove has a tradition of derring-do and smuggling. There’s a walk down a lane from the car park and no shops or toilets to be found down here. It’s a magical place, highly recommended.

A snapshot of Old Cornwall.

Wilcove

Season: spring

The tide was out on this occasion at Wilcove, which sits on the River Tamar. The empty creek is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds, when the tide is out. Although grey, the morning was peaceful and tranquil, punctuated by birdsong.

With Sally by the water at Wilcove.

At the high tide mark, Alison explain the appeal of the beach to her.

Looking back at Wilcove from the beach and the water’s edge.

Great Lantic beach

Season: summer

This magical beach is difficult to access down a steep path, but it is well worth the effort. The nature here is pristine and on this occasion Lantic Bay was serene and tranquil, with clear turquoises and blues in the sea and sky. The tide had just turned back from high water and the upper beach vegetation was in bloom, this being high summer. On the high ridge above the beach, ardent walkers enjoyed the South West Coast Path, the odd one dropping down for a well earned rest on this beautiful beach.

Simon’s empathy for the great outdoors.

A stunning, unspoilt beach, looking out on Lantic Bay.

Season: spring

This unspoilt beach is always a pleasure to visit, despite the steep path down to the sea. The weekend had tempted beachgoers outside and I was able to chat with a group of friends enjoying the pristine nature. The beach is located below outstanding cliff-top walking on the South West Coast Path between Polruan and Polperro. This side of the Fowey River estuary has wonderful sea views, looking out from the high cliffs, as well as beautiful, wild beaches.

Al expands on the allure of the sea.

A group of friends on the beach at Lantic Bay.

The unspoilt beauty of Great Lantic beach.

Season: summer

A visit to Great Lantic beach near Polruan at the head of the River Fowey estuary is always a massive treat. A steep descent heightens the anticipation and arriving on this beach is never a disappointment. It’s totally wild, unspoilt and timeless, without commercial intrusion and usually deserted or sparsely populated. The geology is outstanding, with creased, folded and eroded rock formations standing proud against the relentless assault of the ocean.

Andrew’s appreciation of the beach’s invigorating effect on all of his family.

Richard tackles a family challenge and Diana enjoys the colours.

An outstanding clash of elements by the water.

Season: autumn

Great Lantic beach is near Polruan, across the water from Fowey. This is a magical beach, where I laid out the stones for the original manonabeach® website banner (below). There are exotic plants among the pebbles on the higher reaches of the beach, with fires and stone stacks that people have left. The geology is stunning. Access is difficult, but well worth it.

With two coast path walkers at the top of the very steep path up from Great Lantic beach.