Season: winter
For this winter visit, coinciding with high tide, I walked up along Portmellon’s southern headland, towards Colona beach. From the grassy bank above the sea, the panoramic view from Portmellon itself round to Chapel Point was breathtaking, serene and calm, taking in Mevagissey, Par Sands and out towards Fowey. It was well worth the walk.
The joy of the beach for Mary.
A walk out to Chapel Point above Portmellon.
Season: autumn
The easterly aspect at Portmellon makes it a fine beach to visit in the morning. It sits in an inlet between Mevagissey to the north and Colona beach to the south, just beyond Chapel Point. On this occasion the tide had brought kelp up onto the sand from the recent storms, its colours and textures glistening in the morning sun.
Kate runs an artist’s eye over the terrain.
Portmellon in the morning
Season: summer
In the morning, facing east, Portmellon greets the dawn every day. Colona House guards the northern edge of the inlet, with the idyllic Chapel Point to the south. Here’s the start of the day, in all its glory:
Season: spring
If you can avoid an easterly wind, this beach reflects the gentler side of Cornwall, as it sits in the lea of the prevailing winds. Today, it was mild and calm, with the tide falling away from the substantial sea defences. As Portmellon village woke up, the sun shimmered on a grey blue sea.
The changing appeal of the beach.
Portmellon on a falling tide.
Season: winter
It was a gentle, grey blue morning for my return to Portmellon. There was a high tide with a modest swell. Nevertheless, the seaweed and sand strewn along the road bore witness to the power of nature at work here earlier. The hamlet faces east and has a changing demeanour, as explained by Rod, below:
With Rod by the water at Portmellon.
Evidence of a recent spring tide at Portmellon.
Season: autumn
This quiet village sits between Gorran Haven and Mevagissey. Most people here live on a hill behind the beach and road, which is just as well, because any easterly storm will cross the road and bombard the beach-side houses, spreading seaweed over the road and any passing cars. There is ample parking, a pub (The Rising Sun) and toilets, but no shop.
The view from outside the entrance to The Rising Sun pub.
A view from the boatyard end of the village.
I think I’d agree with every one of them. I do so envy you the ocean. I grew up by the sea and now live in a land-locked country – we have beuiatful lakes, but it just isn’t the same!!