Season: autumn
The beach was being explored by children from the local school, here on a trip with their teachers. What sensations, awareness and inspiration for young minds, right on their doorstep! The sun had broken through and the surf was high, exploding against the harbour wall in a white crescendo. Although it was mild, the bracing wind gave an elemental feel to the beach.
Looking down on Portreath with Duncan, showing his appreciation of the nature in the area.
By the water’s edge at Portreath in the morning, next to a lively sea.
Season: summer
The clean sets rolling in against the beach at Portreath reminded me why this is such a popular surfing beach. Although it was a mild, grey morning, the sun finally broke through, as the tide started to fall away. The harbour wall was still being pounded by the sea. On top of the headland is the Pepper Pot landmark, including these words composed in 1914 by Laurence Binyon, in his poem “For the Fallen”:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
What the beach means to Mark.
Portreath beach on a falling tide in the morning.
Season: spring
The spotlight from tourist organisations and marketing companies rarely falls on Portreath, the local beach for Redruth. Like Porthallow, there are ghosts from the past here, of mining rather than fishing in this case. The Surf Life Saving Club building stands proud at the head of the beach, representing the main use for Portreath beach nowadays.
A sense of family and the beach.
By the water at low tide.
Season: winter
Portreath village is tidy and well kept, with a sense of civic pride about it as you drive through. During this late December visit, many of the houses were decorated with Christmas lights, as is the tradition in Cornwall. The car park is right on the beach, with many facilities and shops easily to hand. There’s a harbour wall at Portreath, which was taking a battering during this visit.
A brief chat with Andy, walking the dog during a visit to Cornwall.
The power of the sea on Cornwall’s north coast.
We love Portreath beach, Gull Rock is so iconic! There’s nothing like time on the beach to lift the spirits and escape day to day life, it’s a playground, a sanctuary and an energiser in one.