Season: spring
This seasonal return to Cadgwith was marked by mild, settled weather, such a change from the violent winter storms that the village had recently endured. Visitors were enjoying the South West Coast Path, which stretches in both directions from the cove, as well as the fresh fish outlets, pub and gift shops in the village itself. As testified by interviewee Fleur, Cadgwith is a working port which still feels vibrant at all times of the year, with an inclusive feel, regardless of circumstance.
What the beach means to Fleur.
In the village at Cadgwith Cove.
Season: winter
Time seemed to stand still, standing on the end of the Todden in Cadgwith as the morning sun broke through the sky onto the two small beaches here. A high tide was starting to fall away and a blanket of white ebbed and flowed over the black rock of the headlands. All the boats were pulled right up the hard standing, with one parked on the road by a thatched cottage. Most activity was under cover, where I found Peter in his workshop.
With Peter, aka Plugger, at ease in his workshop.
A wonderful start to the day, looking out towards the morning sun from Cadgwith.
Season: autumn
It’s no accident that access to Cadgwith, Mousehole, Mevagissey and Fowey is tricky by road. They’re all designed to be approached from the sea and all the houses point out to sea, the traditional source of income. The small inshore fleet at Cadgwith is still viable, but part of a smaller Cornish and UK fishing fleet. Nowadays, visitors can enjoy looking back towards these harbours from the headlands, part of the excellent South West Coast Path. The fishing boats, drawn up on the hard standing, seem to fascinate visitors, perhaps tapping deep into a lost association we all have with the coast, back through our history.
A long way to come, but well worth it for Keith and Carole.
Season: summer
It was a mild morning for this visit, with visitors’ children rock pooling on the beach at low tide. Wild flowers still showed and the birds were singing above the little beach where I filmed, separated from the fishermen’s beach by the rocky outcrop, known as The Todden.
With two visitors at Cadgwith, checking out Cornwall before a Lands End to John O’ Groats cycle ride.
Chris’ place within the rhythms of Cadgwith.
The beach at low tide in Cadgwith, as viewed from above.
The beach means to me an ongoing, ever changing picture – no two days are the same.