Season: summer
A hazy, still morning greeted me at Polstreath beach, which sits just over the hill to the north of Mevagissey. The low tide afforded a view from the water’s edge of the old lighthouse on the end of Mevagissey harbour, with the idyllic Chapel Point and its little houses behind. The steep descent to the beach here is not for the faint-hearted, but this fact, combined with the high cliffs and easterly aspect in the morning, make this beach feel other-worldly, a haven of tranquility in a busy world.
Scottish visitor Zack enjoys this beach and a favourite pastime here.
A beautiful beach in the morning, seen from above.
Season: spring
Bright sunshine greeted me as I walked from Mevagissey to Polstreath. The tide was in and fishing boats were crossing the bay as I looked across from the steep steps down to the beach. This is a little known, isolated spot, nestled quietly under the cliffs, with views across to Fowey in one direction and towards Chapel Point via Mevagissey to the south.
With Des and Ruth above Polstreath beach on the South West Coast Path.
The beach, viewed from the steep steps down to it.
By the water at Polstreath beach.
Season: autumn
It was a sunny Sunday morning and the beach was deserted. There are a hundred and fifty four steep steps down to the beach by the main steps, so you need to be nimble and fit. The reward is peace and quiet, plus a wonderful view across St Austell Bay. The beach is located just to the north of Mevagissey and most people walk up from Mevagissey via a steep pathway at the north end of the harbour.
A chat with Mick & Fat Jack above Polstreath beach.
A timeless tranquility, down by the sea.
