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.

Sennen Cove beach

Season: spring

Fine weather and a rising tide were the order of the day. The arc of the bay was backlit by the morning sun and visitors were enjoying the shops and cafes at Sennen Cove. There is a sense of deep perspective and a long distance to the horizon here.

John’s lifelong relationship with the beach.

Whitesand Bay at Sennen Cove in the morning.

At the end of the beach as the tide rushes in.

Season: winter

Whitesand Bay, by Sennen Cove, is a particularly fine sight on a low tide such as this, being one of Cornwall’s flattest and most scenic beaches. The sand arcs round to the headland and the raking backdrop is natural, primeval and unspoilt. It’s no wonder then that so many people were walking off the Christmas and New Year festivities during this winter visit. The enhancing dynamic of where the air, land and sea meet was self-evident.

What the beach means to Scott and Claire.

Low tide at Whitesand Bay.

Season: summer

Looking out towards the wild Atlantic seas at Sennen Cove, the waves crashed onto Whitesand Bay, even broaching the harbour wall. A strong, mild wind carried a sense of the sea’s power across the western tip of Cornwall, heady and stimulating, viewed from the shelter of the harbour.

With Wendy at Sennen Cove in Penwith.

The action of the sea on Sennen Cove’s harbour wall and beyond.

Wild waves crashing onto Whitesand Bay at Sennen Cove.

Season: spring

There was a benign, peaceful atmosphere at Sennen Cove on this occasion. The sea lapped against the white sand, feeling a bit odd for such a wild beach as this. The falling tide had revealed kelp and rounded rocks at the far end of the bay. There’s a pleasing crescent shape to the beach, with the surrounding land cossetting you as you look out to sea.

A regular visitor’s take on the beach.

Whitesand Bay on a spring morning.

Season: winter

The sea was alive at Sennen Cove for this winter visit, with surfers and beachgoers alike enjoying it. On a rising half tide, the crescent shape of Whitesand Bay was clearly visible, backed by the pristine dunes. The Atlantic sea breeze is pure here at the tip of these beautiful islands.

With Heather, a beach aficionado, at Sennen Cove in February.

The waves against the beach at Whitesand Bay, Sennen Cove in the winter.

Season: autumn

Early morning, with the sun coming over the dunes on a low tide, was just breathtaking, inspiring a sense of wonder at isolated nature. The early morning light is a great time to see Cornwall’s beaches, well worth getting up early for. At the far western end of the county, Sennen has wild nature and waves, but also an excellent array of facilities, plus arts and craft shops and a harbour with a lifeboat. There is plenty of parking, toilets and a pub with accommodation right by the beach.

On the beach at Sennen Cove at dawn.

Sennen Cove, as seen from the harbour.

Branscombe beach

Season: summer

Branscombe beach sits in front of the picturesque village of Branscombe, with parking and toilets by the beach. The pebble strand stretches along to Beer Head in the east, with the South West Coast Path above the beach as a spectacular alternative, including far reaching views. Boats can be hired and fishing trips run from the beach.

A lucky find for Ann at Branscombe beach.

What the beach means to David.

A fine day at Branscombe beach.

Blakeney

Season: summer

A slight mist pervaded Blakeney for this early morning visit. The tide was out and a tranquil atmosphere prevailed. Ann’s simple appreciation of the beach was appropriate to the setting, eloquent and understated.

What the beach means to Ann.

By the water at low tide in Blakeney.

Season: winter

I arrived an hour after a high spring tide had pushed the sea onto the walkway by the river at Blakeney. The tide was running swiftly out to sea past the barge Juno, which still had water under her keel. I visited the art gallery of David Jackson, whom I mistakenly referred to as Alan, where I interviewed proud local man Colin. The grey morning was brightened by his appreciation of all things Norfolk and the diverse attractions that lie in proximity to the beach on this part of our coastline.

Norfolk all the way for Colin.

The river at Blakeney on an ebbing spring tide.

Season: winter

If you walk out in the morning from Blakeney Quay, along either the elevated footpath or the causeway by the water, you’re soon in a world of birdsong and salt marshes. The horizon wanders as you swing round and it can be quite disorientating at first. When your focus adjusts, subtle height and distance variations in this coastal environment become apparent and you start to listen more carefully to the sounds around you. The effect is very settling and harmonious, a revitalising start to the day.

Brenda’s homage to the beach.

Morning birdsong at Blakeney.

Season: autumn

Blakeney is a small, quiet village, despite being close to many of the other resorts in this part of Norfolk. It’s in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with endless views across the estuary and salt marshes out to Blakeney Point, owned by the National Trust. The Point, a long spit made up of sand and shingle, is an important breeding ground for terns. It’s also home to common and grey seals. From nearby, you can get to Blakeney Point by ferry. You’ll be mixing with dinghy sailors, bird and seal watchers and walkers.

Maddy and Mark give their assessment of the beach.

An expansive scene at Blakeney, looking over the salt marshes.