Season: spring
A bright morning combined with a rising tide at Porthluney beach. The sea shimmered silver between the beach and Gull Rock, enticing people into the water where three kayaks already surfed the waves. The steep sides to the beach belie a deceptively wide expanse of sand. There is safe th clean bathing water all year round. It is also the beach below Caerhays Castle, where the first Williamsii camellia were propagated from Camellia japonica by Carolyn Williams.
The beach as a sensory stimulus for Jo.
“Just a short drive from Porthluney, award winning Bosinver Farm Cottages have 20 individual detached self catering cottages set in 30 acres of peaceful farm and woodland where children can play freely, couples and families can relax together and nature is truly on the doorstep www.bosinver.co.uk 01726 72128.”
A shimmering silver sea on a bright day at Porthluney beach.
Season: spring
As part of the Caerhays Estate, Porthluney beach has an idyllic setting between the castle and the sea. This stretch of coastline between the Dodman Point and the Nare Head is among the least spoilt on the Cornish coast. The tide was out on this occasion and I chatted to Dora about our visits and times in L’Aber Wrac’h in Brittany, standing by the mussel beds on the exposed rocks. It was a fine start to the day.
Dora’s take on the beach.
Porthluney beach, as seen from the shore at low tide.
Season: winter
There was an atmosphere of preparation and industry on the Caerhays Estate during this winter visit to Porthluney. The beach cafe was being renovated and the Estate office and grounds were a hive of activity in preparation for the coming visitor season. I enjoyed the empty beach then chatted to carpenter Mark, who explained the significance of the beach within his lifestyle change, work and family values.
My chat with Mark.
Season: autumn
The tide rises deceptively quickly over the flat beach at Porthluney Cove, scattering into clouds the foraging birds on the sand at the water’s edge. Tall pines cover traces of the headland’s rough grazing partitions and the orchards that once decorated the cliff sides here. Water thunders onto the beach from the swollen river behind, dissipating to wander languidly across the wide beach and down to the endless sea.
Coysh’s wandering has strengthened his bond to the beach.
Nature in the morning on Cornwall’s south coast.
Season: summer
A high tide greeted me for this summer visit to Porthluney beach, part of the Caerhays estate. The waves probed the repaired sea defences and visitors were bunched up at the top of the beach on the remaining strand. On both sides of the beach, waves danced along the black rocks on their way in to the beach. The weather was windy but mild and the water temperature fine for swimming.
Angela draws a parallel to the sea’s moods.
Craig and his children, enjoying the beach.
A high tide on Cornwall’s south coast.