Season: spring
A shimmering sun over a high tide lit the morning at Swanpool beach. This town beach was already a hive of activity, with children being picked up for a school trip from the adjacent car park, plus runners, swimmers and kayakers already in action. Kayaks were laid out ready for the visitors and commuting motorists whizzed past on their way to Falmouth for another day’s work. There were smiles on faces and there was a warm breeze in the air.
With David and Jill at Swanpool beach.
Hugo and his kayak.
The beach at high tide, as seen from the beach huts.
Season: winter
A mild morning and a high tide were the order of the day at Swanpool beach. I met swimmer Keith again and Gemma, who was running round to Gyllyngvase as part of her morning routine. The recent storms had encouraged the tankers in Falmouth Bay to stay relatively close to the shore. It was a peaceful scene, with the natural beauty here as the focus, rather than the many visitors who throng this beach during the summer.
What this beach means to Gemma.
A reacquaintance with swimmer Keith – see last winter’s visit below.
Tankers shelter in Falmouth Bay.
Season: spring
The easterly wind made a short, sharp sea as the tide fell away. At this stage of the tide run, the beach is quite steep and the waves resonated as they hit the sand and shingle, a flicker of the sound of Suffolk beaches. At this time of year the beach seems to attract reflective beachgoers, with the sea’s moods providing a vivid focus. Do you know the rule of six, which refers to the strength of the tide during its passage in either direction? With the value one representing the weakest pull of the tide, it reads 1,2,3,3,2,1 in the six hours between either tidal extreme.
Janet’s sense of perspective.
The waves crash in on an ebb tide.
Season: winter
Swanpool is a local beach for the people of Falmouth, so it tends to figure in busy daily routines. I chatted to a regular swimmer, who espoused the health benefits of his daily dips. There are toilets, a beach cafe and fish restaurant all to hand, as well as the convenience of nearby Falmouth.
A chat with Keith, who swims regularly at Swanpool beach.
The beach at Swanpool on a January morning.
Season: autumn
This is one of several Falmouth beaches. A small beach, it has a fine view of Falmouth Bay and the big boats waiting for bunkers or orders. Interviewee Brian was helping to move some beach huts from the beach at the end of the season. There was a happy atmosphere at Swanpool, which is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of the nearby town.
With Brian at Swanpool beach in the morning before he goes to work.
A view of Swanpool beach from the water’s edge.
