Season: summer
Brilliant sunshine greeted me for this summer visit. As high tide approached, the Atlantic breakers rolled in relentlessly and timelessly, with clean sets for everyone to enjoy. The beach was packed, so the scene-setting film was taken on the cliffs above, where I met John, who added an international perspective to the appeal of Cornwall’s beaches.
John’s attraction to the beach.
Looking down at Watergate Bay on a summer evening.
Season: winter
People milled about at low tide during this visit. It was a mild, blowy weekend scene, with a bright white concentration of surf pounding onto the flat, glistening beach. As often happens here, there was a misty atmosphere as you looked towards Newquay. Extensive debris from cliff falls was strewn at the back of the beach. This beach is wild and has a primeval feel, backed by towering, imposing cliffs. Great care is needed on a rising tide, such as on this occasion.
A tonic from work and a place to call home for Ian and Lesley.
The wild beauty of Watergate Bay in the winter.
Season: autumn
My visit here was a special early morning treat, as the sun came up on a falling tide, showing the flat beach with a brilliant glassy finish. Imposing cliffs as a backdrop give a sense of foreboding, a perfect counterpoint to the violent seas crashing in to one of Cornwall’s most dangerous and exhilarating beaches. There has been extensive up-market and sensitive tourist development based around the Watergate Bay Hotel and up the valley over recent years, so if you have deep pockets you will be well catered for. The beach however will always be there for everyone to enjoy.
A quick look at the power of the north coast waves, which have eroded the cliffs at Watergate Bay.
