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.

Lostwithiel

Season: winter

The river was in spate at Lostwithiel for this winter visit. Recent storms had coincided with spring tides and an onshore wind further down the River Fowey. Up here, debris had been washed down from the waterlogged fields. While the busy town enjoyed extra weekend visitors, a bench by the old bridge was an ideal spot for reflection and an appreciation of nature.

Peter’s appreciation of Lostwithiel.

The full flowing river at Lostwithiel.

Season: winter

It was an auction day in Lostwithiel, the antiques capital of Cornwall, so the town was full of people. After filming at the medieval bridge, the rain took me inside, where I chatted to the proprietors of two local businesses in the shelter of their premises. Lostwithiel is steeped in history, with a proud commercial heritage. The businesses are nearly all owner-run, characterful and varied, making a trip to the town great fun.

The river that runs through Lostwithiel then down to Fowey and out to sea.

Chatting to Pippa and her daughter, Hannah, at their business.

Claire explains how beach images stay with her forever.

Season: autumn

“1940’s Day” at Lostwithiel led me up the Fowey River. The day was great fun, with the townsfolk dressed in character for the last War. I was able to film the Tea Dance and chat to a member of the South West Battle Group re-enactment club. This town is a great place for a visit. Once Cornwall’s capital and a stannary town, there are now antique shops galore. There’s a church in the centre of the town with a particularly interesting font, placed right on the junction of the St Michael and St Mary ley lines.

The tranquility of the upper reaches of the Fowey River at Lostwithiel.

My chat with a member of the South West Battle Group re-enactment society on “1940’s Day” in Lostwithiel.

Charlestown beach

Season: autumn

The bright sunshine led me away from the harbour to the beach at Charlestown this morning. An ebb tide had left a pristine beach in its wake, with clear rock pools and glistening rocks exposed as the sea fell away. The sun had risen in the east, throwing bright lines out behind the masts of the tall ships that filled the inner harbour.

Debbie, in harmony with the beach.

The beach and the harbour at Charlestown in the morning.

Season: winter

The tide had fallen back, but this visit followed a stormy spell of high spring tides and an onshore wind that had scattered marine debris over both of the beaches overnight. Weekend visitors to the picturesque inner harbour were therefore able to enjoy the beach in the aftermath. Charlestown is well worth a visit at any time of the year, with an excellent maritime museum, attractive shops, pubs and a café, plus the Tall Ships in the inner harbour.

The beach as an expression of faith for Will and Emily.

A view from the harbour wall at Charlestown.

Portobello beach

Season: summer:

Warm sunshine was the order of the day for this summer visit to Portobello beach in Edinburgh. There was an exuberant atmosphere to suit its metropolitan location, the promenade decorated with cafe chairs and tables, the sand thronged with playing children, adverts being filmed on the beach and couples strolling by the water’s edge. The Portobello Rowing Club were out on the beach with two boats and I chatted to one of its members, Nick.

Nick explains life at Rowporty.

What this and other beaches mean to Anne.

Good times at the beach.

The scene in the sunshine at Portobello beach.

Season: winter

This is the main town beach for Edinburgh and it has a traditional feel, as if many people have passed this way. At two miles long, it offers views of Musselburgh and Leith, as well as across to Fife. All the amenities that you might want are here, including windsurfing, the chance to walk the dog or even fly a kite. The beach itself is sandy, relaxing and a tonic, nearby yet far from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s capital city.

Family connections at the beach for Craig and Alison.

What the beach means to seven film makers, on Portobello beach. You can watch the finished article here.

The scene at Portobello beach in the winter.