Season: winter
Harlyn Bay is one of the most picturesque beaches on the North Cornwall Coast, popular with locals, visitors and surfers alike. On this occasion the low tide and bright sunshine made for a benign winter scene, with messy, white-topped Atlantic surf and a sheen on the beach from the receding tide. The beach is flat and ideal for an unwinding winter stroll, or as a place from which to gaze out to sea.
The sound of the sea with Ben and Hannah.
Low tide in the winter sunshine at Harlyn Bay.
Season: summer
Many visitors were enjoying Harlyn Bay under clear blue skies. A rising tide still leaves plenty of room on this expansive stretch of sand. Bathers are well protected by the RNLI crew, who have a cabin at the back of the beach. This part of North Cornwall boasts many exquisite beaches, including Mother Ivy’s Bay, Trevone and Constantine Bay close by. Harlyn Bay is also well placed for trips to nearby Padstow.
The natural appeal of the beach for Sue.
Summertime at Harlyn Bay.
Season: summer
A grey, blustery afternoon on Cornwall’s North Coast coincided with a high tide at Harlyn Bay. I was just able to reach the far end of the beach, away from the other hardy beachgoers. The geology here is striking, as if the sedimentary slabs of black rock have been systematically dismantled. Today Atlantic breakers coursed in relentlessly as visitors bobbed about on boogie boards in the surf.
With Chloe and Ben on the beach at Harlyn Bay.
A different perspective at the end of the beach.
Season: winter
The sea was wild and rugged for this winter visit. It was misty and mild, a counterpoint to the pounding sound of the waves. I met two couples, who each explained what pulled them to the beach. It felt great to be near the elemental power of Cornwall’s north coast at this time of year.
With Max and Sarah, who explain what the beach means to them.
John and Wendy, on holiday from Bath, compare Cornwall to the sea near to their home.
The beach at Harlyn Bay in winter.
Season: autumn
This is a popular North Coast tourist beach. I was struck by how much more sand there was on the beach compared to my last visit, reminding me how much sand can be moved by the motion of the tides. I saw the seasonal end of the tourist time for the beach, with a surf lesson taking place for some visitors from Southampton.
I chatted to a surfing instructor, Ollie, who considered Cornwall’s place in a wider society today. Ollie had spent his whole life in the county and explained some of the pressures facing young people.
Harlyn Bay’s beach on the morning after a storm.
