Category Archives: Mid Cornwall

Swanpool beach

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.

Halwyn

Season: winter

A high tide placed Roundwood Quay in relief for this winter visit. Sitting at the junction of the River Fal and Cowlands Creek, you can appreciate why an Iron Age Fort was built on the ground above here. Cormorants and an egret flew past. A tranquil atmosphere and changeable weather completed the scene. There’s a fine National Trust walk in the area for people to enjoy, taking in Tregew Farm.

A maritime perspective on the beach.

A peaceful scene at Roundwood Quay, by Halwyn.

Season: spring

A low tide and bright sunshine greeted me for this visit to the creeks that lie south of Truro in Cornwall. At Halwyn, the remaining laid up boat, a ferry, seemed to be within touching distance of the beach. I then went round to Coombe to enjoy the first primroses of the season.

An important place for Ruth and Julia, especially at this time of year.

By the water on a low tide at Halwyn.

Season: autumn

The beautiful creekside hamlet of Coombe sits just over the hill from Halwyn. On this occasion a high tide caused the creek to glisten in the morning light, reflecting the trees by the water.

With Pat and John by the creek in Coombe.

Ken is at ease by the water.

The scene at Coombe this morning.

Season: summer

The low pressure that accompanies some unseasonably wet weather has a positive spin-off on mornings like this. The lower reaches of the River Fal at Halwyn were flat calm, glistening under warm cloud cover. The shadows thrown by the boats at anchor were crystal clear and mullet were jumping at Roundwood Quay.

Tony surveys his surroundings on a regular fishing trip to Roundwood Quay.

Looking out from the covered beach at Halwyn on a high tide.

Season: spring

For a different perspective on the River Fal at Halwyn, I went to nearby Roundwood Quay. This brought Cowlands Creek into view, showcasing the tin counting house and the site of an Iron Age fort. It was peaceful and quiet, a tranquil spot to be in the morning.

The River Fal, viewed from Roundwood Quay.

Season: winter

The small beach at Halwyn is on the River Fal above Carrick Roads. The panorama from the beach is steeped in history, most significantly as a major embarkation point for tanks and troops on D Day, during the Second World War. The tea gardens at Halwyn were the scene of a meeting between Churchill and Eisenhower, who were checking preparations for the invasion. The location is peaceful, with the view varied by the changes in temporarily laid up shipping, an interesting and accurate macro-economic indicator.

Looking across to Tolverne from Halwyn on the River Fal.

Mylor Churchtown

Season: spring

It was a busy time at Mylor Churchtown. Boats were being secured across Carrick Roads on their swinging moorings, as the yacht harbour transferred them from their winter hard standing to the marina. Around the corner at Restronguet Sailing Club, it was an oasis of calm, with morning dog walkers enjoying the peaceful strand line all the way on to Trefusis Point. Summer was on the way at Mylor Churchtown.

Malcolm describes the sailing waters of the Carrick Roads.

Why Julie is at the beach.

Season: spring

A high tide was falling away from the beach by Mylor Yacht Harbour on a tranquil morning. This is a time to prepare for the new season in the sailing community, with anti-fouling being applied and boats returning to the water from the winter’s hard standing. Along the pontoon were the sail powered oyster dredgers, coming to the end of their season. The location is stunning here, affording a clear view across to the Roseland Peninsula and St Just.

Becky’s place in this area.

A life of travel for James and Becky aboard the Eda Frandsen.

A tranquil morning at Mylor.

Season: autumn

The start of autumn brought a favourable change to the weather in this corner of Cornwall. Settled under a gentle breeze, busy Mylor Yacht Harbour was quite a picture, with weekending sailors preparing to depart for a day’s sailing or working on their boats. Guests were arriving for a wedding in the ancient church. All was well with the world.

Richard explains the beach’s place in his yachting routine.

Season: summer

Sitting quietly on the west side of Carrick Roads is Mylor Yacht Harbour, located on the site of the former naval dockyard at Mylor Churchtown. In olden days there was a naval training ship, HMS Ganges, moored off the creek and even twenty years ago, a small naval vessel moored against the harbour. Now there’s a sea of yachts on swinging moorings during the summer, virtually obscuring the view across the head of the creek to Greatwood Quay. It’s a great commercial success story and the ambiance is up-market and well-to-do. The misty backdrop to my first film lent a soporific air to the scene and this place does feel like a slightly surreal staging point for international yachtsmen. These are some of the best sailing waters in the UK and of course, it’s a hundred miles due south to Brittany, with excellent access to the Scilly Isles and West Cork.

Ruth’s take on the beach.

Another misty day at Mylor Churchtown.

Season: spring

Misty Mylor was no place for a scene-setting view of Carrick Roads, with the yacht harbour shrouded in thick mist, so I enjoyed two chats by the water and beat a hasty retreat.

Richard tells it straight.

Three generations and a dog on the beach at Mylor Churchtown.

Season: winter

This affluent area in a creek on the Carrick Roads has plenty for all ages and interests. Apart from the outstanding natural beauty of the Carrick Roads, looking across to St Just and the Roseland Peninsula, there are cafes, parking, toilets, a yacht club, a church and a restaurant, all tastefully clustered around the Mylor Yacht Harbour. It can get very crowded in the summer, so off-season is a great time to visit, perhaps walking round Trefusis Point to Flushing and looking across to Falmouth, Pendennis Castle and the docks.

With Alice and Toby, representative of the patrons on this beach at a weekend. There is so much choice of activity at hand, from the popular Restronguet Sailing Club and Mylor Yacht Club to gig rowing or kayaking up the creeks, or perhaps relaxing at the well-appointed cafe, bistro bar and restaurant in the yacht harbour.

A view from St Mylor Church of Mylor Yacht Harbour and the grave of smuggler Thomas James.

A view of the beach and Carrick Roads, as seen from Restronguet Sailing Club.

Vault beach

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.

Place

Season: autumn

The creek was a scene of peace and tranquility on this occasion. There wasn’t a breath of wind, the sunshine was warm and bright and the trees were still covered in leaves. The midday sun lit Cellars beach and St Mawes, looking across from Place House. It was a chance to enjoy an Indian summer day.

The romance of the beach, shared by Megan and Derek.

Looking out from Place House towards Cellars beach and beyond.

Season: winter

Place was briefly a hotel, known as Place Manor, but has actually been in the same family for over five hundred years. Based on the site of a monastery that was dissolved in Tudor times by Henry VIII, it has a spectacular setting opposite Cellars beach and St Mawes. You can rent the house to celebrate a special event, or simply to get away from it all in an idyllic setting. There are plenty of enjoyable walks in the area. On this occasion recent storms had given way to bright sunshine.

Two views of the beach from Ann and Audrey.

A tranquil scene at Place.

Percuil Freshwater

I was invited to the Freshwater Boatyard by its owner, Mark Humphrey when we met at the St Mawes Sailing Club. What a wonderful place this is to live and work, next to the beautiful Percuil River and Freshwater beach. The working boatyard is not generally open to the public, so it was a great privilege to chat to master boat builder John Leach in the workshop.

My first chat with Gawain and John at the Freshwater Boatyard on the Percuil River near St Mawes.

A chance to look at the St Mawes One Design that John had originally built and was now renovating.

A panoramic view of the Percuil River, as seen from Freshwater beach.

Portscatho

Season: winter

A high tide and a pale winter sun greeted me for this visit. Across the bay Gull Rock and the Nare Head were clearly visible, as was the beautiful Porthcurnick beach. Portscatho’s harbour, known as The Porth, is sheltered and picturesque, particularly on a high tide. If you walk along the harbour wall in the morning, the village is lit up by the early day sunshine, a fine sight to behold.

The pull of the sea.

A view from the harbour wall at Portscatho.

Season: summer

Torrential rain was falling in Portscatho on this occasion. It was mild, the tide was falling and a thick mist threw a blanket around the village in the morning. The small harbour held all of its inshore boats safe and seaweed was strewn on the revealed beach. These climatic vagaries make Cornwall interesting day-to-day, its micro climates giving one the impression of being on a boat at sea, proud against the elements, with the sea always near and the weather moving past quickly.

Simon’s affinity for the beach.

By the harbour at Portscatho on a rainy morning.

Season: autumn

It was a mild, misty morning in Portscatho, with Porthcurnick beach, the Nare Head and Gull Rock difficult to pick out. A short, easterly sea was breaking on the beach and the rising tide began to float the fishing boats in the small harbour. Renovations were starting on the many holiday lets here, but the shops were also open, serving the significant local presence in Portscatho.

How the sea frees Kerrie.

An easterly sea at Portscatho on a rising tide.

Season: spring

There was bright sunshine at Portscatho for this visit, with plenty of visitors about during the Easter holidays. The tide fell away, revealing Tattams beach and the small harbour. There are plenty of good shops and galleries to enjoy at this time of year in this thriving village.

Portscatho, as seen from the harbour beach.

With Nick and his family, reflecting on his Portscatho childhood.

Season: winter

This east facing fishing village on the Roseland Peninsula was very quiet during my December morning visit and I chatted to a visiting couple, who invited me into their holiday cottage. I was struck by a disparity between the old village and the rows of modern dwellings at the north end of the village, though occasional cob-built dwellings still remained from days of old. Portscatho is connected to the thriving village of Gerrans above and each village has a pub. The village also has art galleries, a cafe, a bric-a-brac shop and an excellent local store and deli, which incorporates a post office. With its picturesque setting, it’s easy to see why Portscatho is so popular with visitors and locals alike.

The beach through generations.

A clear distinction between old Portscatho and the new.

The beach here.

Restronguet Passage

Season: winter

This return to Restronguet Passage coincided with a peaceful morning in February. The sea was like glass and birdsong was all around. The scenery is exceptional here, bestowing a particular charm in the early morning before most people are out and about. The popularity of this part of Cornwall makes an off-season visit even more enjoyable.

Resident Deborah explains the enduring appeal of Restronguet Passage.

The tranquility of Weir beach at Restronguet Passage.

Season: winter

Restronguet Passage covers a varied stretch of crag and beach, from Weir beach up towards the Pandora Inn, with the Carnon River beyond. There’s always plenty to see here, whether you’re looking across to Turnaware beach and the Roseland Peninsula or towards Restronguet Point itself. The winding lane and path are tree-covered and feel secret, offering glimpses of outstanding natural beauty out to the water as you ramble along, plus on this occasion a rainbow.

What the beach means to Samantha.

A changeable scene, including the Pandora Inn at Restronguet Passage

Season: spring

A low tide showcased Weir Beach, located just below Restronguet Barton village alongside Restronguet Passage at the top of Carrick Roads. You could see the boat houses by the water and a lone oyster dredger, working the end of the season. It was a windy day, but the sun broke through in patches, throwing pools of light onto the sea.

The appeal of natural elements at the beach for Emily.

A view from the water’s edge at low tide on Weir Beach.

Season: spring

I got down to Restronguet Creek before the well-heeled lunch visitors to the newly refurbished Pandora Inn. The pub has been sympathetically restored, looking across to Restronguet Point at the top of Carrick Roads, south of Truro.

With Lizzie outside the Pandora Inn.

Season: autumn

It felt quiet down at Restronguet Passage, with the famous Pandora Inn being reroofed after a fire and not many people about on a dull October morning. The beach looks across through the swinging moorings to the affluent Restronguet Point. This is now a leisure waterway, very different to the industrial scenes of drag mining across the Carnon River hundreds of years ago.

By the water at Restronguet Passage.

A chat with a passing walker.

Helford Passage

Season: autumn

A flat calm Helford estuary greeted me for this morning visit in autumn. The tide was falling and the sun glowed silver over the entrance to Falmouth Bay. There’s always a tranquility to this south-facing beach, generally populated by just the ferry that crosses to the southern bank of the river.

What these visitors take home with them from Cornwall.

The regenerative effect of the beach on two men of the world.

A tranquil start to the day on the beautiful Helford River.

Season: winter

A pale winter light fell on the beach in front of the Ferryboat Inn. The tidal Helford Passage was calm and the atmosphere was quiet. The recent storms and the time of year meant that tenders to the boats on swinging moorings were lined up on the road behind the beach, rather than on the hard standing, as in the summer. I felt a historical resonance of times long ago.

The relaxing effect of the beach.

A quiet scene by the Helford River in winter.

Season: summer

This is a haven for sailing, whether on the Helford River in a dinghy or as a route out to Falmouth Bay and beyond. The moorings were heavily populated and the ferry was plying its trade across the Helford River.

With Jan, preparing to go sailing.

The ebbing of the storm and the tide at the Helford Passage.

Season: winter

Helford Passage, with its beach located on the north bank of the Helford River, is a popular visitor attraction. It has great natural beauty and attracts sailors in the summer, largely due to the excellent moorings in the river and good access out to Falmouth Bay. There is also a fishing tradition here. Boat hire and shops are available within walking distance of the beach and the Ferryboat Inn.

With local man Arthur, looking back over a life on the Helford River.

Porthcurnick beach

Season: winter

A rising tide was bringing in more kelp to Porthcurnick beach, a natural legacy of the recent storms that had gripped Cornwall’s coast. The benign conditions made a walk by the water a sheer pleasure, with gentle waves lapping against an unspoilt shore. The bright, low winter sun lit the back of the beach and its sedimentary geology as visitors and dog walkers gazed wistfully out to sea.

What the beach means to Kate and her family.

A winter morning on Porthcurnick beach.

Season: spring

Bright sunshine greeted me for this morning visit to Porthcurnick beach. A high tide played on the slipway and grey blue, viscous waves lapped the higher reaches of the beach, almost meeting a waterfall running down to the sea. The new spring growth on the headland was lime green against the low sun. It was a great start to the day.

With Alex and Matthew by the water at Porthcurnick beach.

A high tide in the morning.

Season: summer

Bright morning sunshine greeted me for this summer visit. The flat sea shone under the reflected sun and waves gently lapped the shore at this crescent-shaped beach. It was a time for dog walkers and strolling by the shore at the start of another day.

What the beach means to Alex.

With Joan, seeking solace on the beach.

Another beautiful morning on the Roseland Peninsula during the summertime in Cornwall.

Season: winter

This is the local beach for Rosevine, but there’s also a pleasant clifftop walk from here to Portscatho. The popular Hidden Hut café sits discreetly at the back of the beach and there’s a pleasant arc to the bay at low tide. There are rock pools to explore by the northern end of this beach and you can look across to Portscatho from the water’s edge to see the houses and small harbour lit by the morning sun.

The appeal of the beach and its location to Richard, a long way from the City.

A panoramic view of Porthcurnick beach, as seen from the shore.

Season: winter

It was a mild, gentle morning on the Roseland Peninsula for my winter return to Porthcurnick beach. A beach clean was in full swing, organised by the National Trust, and I was also able to learn from RSPB volunteer Jo about the successful program to re-introduce the cirl bunting to this area . You can approach Porthcurnick beach on foot from the north or south, usually the latter from the car park on the outskirts of Portscatho. There is a good view of Portscatho from the sea, showing how most of our Cornish villages are designed to be approached in this way. Convenient facilities can be found in nearby Portscatho.

Chatting to RSPB volunteer Jo at Porthcurnick beach.

My chat with local resident Sue at one of the regular beach cleans organised by the National Trust.

Porthcurnick beach, as seen from the slipway.

A glimpse of the marine ecosystem on a low tide at Porthcurnick beach.