Season: spring
The scene-setting film for this visit was taken from a western aspect at the Dodman Point to showcase the size and arc of Vault beach. The Dodman headland protects Vault from the prevailing south westerly winds, making this a clean and prime swimming spot. This was a bright morning, heralding another warm spring day. Nature had conspired to replace much of the sand taken from the beach during the winter storms. All was well with the world.
Bob and Sarah share their beach testimonies.
Season: winter
A high tide at Vault beach brought a lively sea close to the path access to the beach. The walk down from Lamledra is always a thrill, pure unspoilt nature with no man-made intrusions. Perhaps this vista informs its reputation as one of Cornwall’s premier swimming beaches. There’s a pleasing arc to the strand line as you walk by the shore, with the lofty headland ahead leading to Dodman Point and the ancient hill fort on its top, here there is also a large Victorian stone cross.
The rejuvenating effect of the beach on Carol and Tim.
A high tide in the morning at Vault beach.
Season: spring
Vault is one of the best swimming beaches in Cornwall, a perfect arc in the lea of the Dodman Point, where the sea is always clean. Looking back from the water’s edge, all around you is pristine nature. Few people can walk down the path from Lamledra to the beach without stopping to gaze in wonder at the scene below. If a child were to draw their ideal crescent beach, this would be it.
Jane’s euphoria in this wonderful place.
A view from above Vault beach.
Season: spring
The sun was shining on Easter Sunday for this visit. A couple were swimming and the sea shone with silver patches on a blue grey background. Sadly, a tagged and identified dolphin was beached at the high tide mark, thankfully showing no evidence of net marks on its skin. The low spring tide had exposed the rocks at the bottom of the beach. The family at Lamledra House, above, always referred to this beach as The Vault.
With Keith, who savours an escape from a hectic life amidst the tranquility of the beach.
Looking down on Vault beach from the Lamledra path above.
Season: autumn
This fine, crescent-shaped swimming beach lies below Lamledra House, just beyond a promontory which separates it from the pretty fishing village of Gorran Haven. Access is either via a gentle path down from the car park above or via the coast path from Gorran Haven. The water is always crystal clear and the south coast tide regularly alters the shape and depth of the beach. One of manonabeach®’s favourite beaches, I strongly recommend a visit – just see my 360 degree film, below, as a snapshot of the old Cornwall before tourism.
A spin around a pristine environment.
With Canadians Michael and Pamela on a misty morning at Vault beach. They were walking the whole South West Coast Path from Poole in Dorset round to Minehead in Somerset.
