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.

Gullane beach

Season: summer

A bright morning at the weekend had brought locals and visitors alike down to this beautiful beach. Gullane Bents is dog friendly and has a fine rural backdrop, interlaced with paths for walkers. There’s a pleasing arc to the beach at any tide and a fine walk round to Yellowcraig, if you are feeling energetic. On this occasion the gentle lapping of the waves from the Firth of Forth provided adequate accompaniment, so it was down to the water for a paddle. This is a wonderful setting, next to a well-heeled and pleasant village.

What the beach means to Virginia.

A fine weekend morning at Gullane Bents.

Season: spring

This beach is located close to the celebrated Muirfield Golf Course, but was frequented by Sunday walkers on this occasion. As the tide fell away, the arc of the beach became pronounced, inviting a walk along the dunes, east towards Yellowcraig and onwards to North Berwick. The John Muir Way is a highlight at any time, but I was struck by the rich golden colour of the sand here, with razor clam shells scattered along the strand line. I have visited many times, but each welcome is different in mood and temperament, such is the wonder of the beach.

What the beach means to friends Ailsa, Mhairi and Kirsteen.

An ebb tide at Gullane Bents.

Season: spring

Bright sunshine coincided with the start of spring for this visit. The tide was almost in and walkers were enjoying fine views out to the Firth of Forth. The descent from the car park is quite theatrical, with the beach arcing around the edge of the bay and the approach path lined with sea buckthorn, bright orange when in bloom.

The beach as an ever-changing place for Rhona and Liz.

Season: summer

The tide was rising at Gullane for this summer visit. Blue skies, sunshine and warm weather had attracted walkers, people watchers and swimmers to the beach. This beach gradually reveals itself as you approach though the grasses and dunes. The resulting scene might be from a child’s picture book.

A summer scene at Gullane beach.

Season: winter

Gullane has an expansive, sandy beach, with fine views of the Firth of Forth. In the summer it’s popular with families for sunbathing, walking, kite flying, picnics, windsurfing and canoeing. In terms of natural attractions, the sea buckthorn and the extensive dune system provide a haven for small birds. Toilets and car parking are to hand. Longniddry is less than a mile away, with its shops, restaurant and train station.

The sights and sounds of the beach.

The spiritual appeal of the beach for Sandra.

A view from the dunes at Gullane Bents.

Pettycur Bay

Season: winter

Pettycur Bay has a pleasant sandy beach and sits on to the west of Kinghorn. It is a haven of peace and tranquility, with excellent walks and beautiful scenery. Nearby is the seaside town of Burntisland. Lifeguards are on the beach during the summer and there are views across the Firth of Forth towards Edinburgh. The Holiday Park and Bay Hotel offer facilities, directly by the beach. Andy refers to Scottish Coastal Rowing and the World Championship at Ullapool.

Andy’s perspective on the beach.

A view of Pettycur Bay from the harbour.

Season: summer

Pettycur Bay has a dramatic setting. On this occasion, the wind was strong but mild from the south west, whipping up the waves against the sandy beach. I went to the rocky edge of the shoreline to interview Brett, who compared what can be seen from this beach to what he sees from Elmer Sands in Sussex.

The beach as a place to look out from.

A wild and warm scene at Pettycur Bay.

Trevone beach

Season: summer

I visited as early as possible in summer and was greeted with a beautiful, peaceful beach in the morning. Continuing high pressure subdued the waves and there were the remains of a misty dawn. This is a stunningly attractive beach and cove, one of the finest in Cornwall, deep set and surrounded by rocks at low tide.

Catherine’s affinity for the beach.

Denis and the release of the sea.

By the water at Trevone Bay on a low tide.

Season: spring

An early morning visit to the beach at Trevone Bay is always a treat, especially at low tide. On this occasion the black rocks by the water’s edge gleamed in the ebb tide and there was a fine view across to Trevose Head lighthouse. If you take the time to study the rocks by the beach on such a low tide, you see them in their topographic context and you can imagine yourself diving among them under the water. This beach is one in a string of popular North Coast of Cornwall beaches to the west of Stepper Point and the River Camel. There are fine beaches in the other direction too.

The appeal of Trevone Bay for Richard.

A view from the back of the beach at low tide.

Season: summer

Summer sunshine had attracted visitors to this beautiful beach, enjoying some leisure time under azure blue skies. The tide was coming in and the rocks on the shore glistened under the bright sun as each wave fell back. The beach is well protected by the RNLI crew, who man a cabin at the top of the beach. This part of North Cornwall boasts many exquisite beaches, with Mother Ivy’s, Harlyn Bay and Constantine Bay all close by. Trevone is also well placed for trips to nearby Padstow, itself a great visitor destination.

The beach as relaxation for David, either here or at home in Devon.

A summer day at Trevone Bay.

Season: autumn

Trevone beach was predictably empty and mothballed on this off-season visit. This village has one of the highest percentages of second homes in Cornwall. These houses are generally not let out to other visitors, as their owners are affluent. I didn’t expect to find someone to talk to, so here are just two short films of a very pretty cove and beach. There are no facilities except in July and August, when there are plenty.

Trevone Bay and the beach with crashing surf.

Here’s another view of a beautiful bay and beach off-season.