Season: autumn
A protective harbour wall divides the village of Port Isaac and its harbour from the Atlantic Ocean, which can be a wild place. Interviewee David works on the fishing boat you can see in the scene setting film below. Her skipper Julian was interviewed in an earlier visit. A long tradition of fishing out of Port Isaac is part of the fabric of the village.
The beach as a way to the sea.
By the waterline at Port Isaac on a high tide.
Season: summer
At the height of summer, an evening visit to Port Isaac coincided with a high tide in the fishing village. Prior to the school holidays, there was a relaxed atmosphere to complement the bright sunshine. With the sea lapping against the slipway and the boats safely moored, this was a picture of tranquility.
With Brian and Celia above the harbour at Port Isaac.
The beautiful harbour at Port Isaac on a full tide.
Season: winter
On this occasion I was confronted by the aftermath of the previous evening’s storms. Tiles were dislodged from the roof of the fish cellars and the storm boards on the RNLI station had been destroyed. As the clean-up work continued, the sun promised a fine day ahead, the calm after the storm.
Byron describes the storm damage at Port Isaac.
The scene on the beach at low tide.
Season: winter
Port Isaac is an iconic Cornish fishing village. This popular visitor attraction was peaceful out of season, allowing me plenty of space on the beach and the chance to chat to local fisherman Julian, who explained the dynamics of the fishing market and the importance of Port Isaac to him and his family over many years.
With fisherman Julian on board his boat in the harbour.
The beach at Port Isaac, seen from above.
Thanks so much for your videos. I visited Port Isaac in June, 2015, but I now have a different perspective of this idyllic little place. I’m writing a book series based on the Doc Martin television series and these vignettes were really helpful in getting a feel for how the locals see the village and harbour. All royalties from the sales of these books help to support TheHorseCourse in Dorset. So thank you for your “contribution” to this cause. The folks at TheHorseCourse do wonderful work with children with disabilities and those recovering from the effects of abuse and neglect. So glad you did this!
Kris
Offering immeasurable space, the beach stirs the mind, body and soul unlike any other location. The freedom it provides to run, play or just meander can be found nowhere else.
The sights, smells and sounds are unique. They are held in the memories of any child who has dipped their toes in the lapping waves, skimmed a pebble across the surf, or encountered the joy of melting, sand covered ice cream, dripping down their chin.
Proposals are written in the sand by hopeful young men, dogs leap like racehorses across the dunes. The day’s worries are washed away like the broken shells caught in the swell. The beach gives us time to reflect, to be inspired, to enjoy.