Season: winter
The high tide was starting to fall back under a bright blue sky. There were remnants of morning mist towards the Gwithian end of the beach, but the lighthouse could be seen clearly just offshore. Mountainous surf crashed against the beach and the granite rocks. The cliffs were lined with sightseers and photographers, enjoying this window of warm high pressure on the North Cornwall coast.
What the beach means to Rowenna.
Morning mist clears above the beach.
A view from the rocks by the Atlantic.
Season: spring
Bright sunshine and a low, turning tide greeted me at Godrevy. The lighthouse was framed in azure blue, both sea and sky. Across the bay, St Ives stood on its headland with the Atlantic behind. The full beach down to Hayle Towans via Gwithian was laid out, golden sand against the stark cliffs and dunes. It was a picture perfect day.
Jon and Sandra’s eulogy to the elements at the beach.
A fine panorama, seen from above Godrevy beach.
Season: winter
Bright sunshine lit a boiling sea at Godrevy. Waves crashed against the rocks, reaching the full height of the lighthouse. The sheer elemental power of nature was evident all around, the sea pounding the granite cliffs in a timeless interaction. People stared at the majesty of the scene, transfixed by the awesome ocean as it made land.
What the beach means to Martin and Ashley.
Season: summer
Godrevy was balmy and hypnotic, with brilliant blues in the calm sea offset by golden sands and stark, black rock flecked with vivid greens. The lighthouse stood sentinel off the coast and there was a clear, panoramic view, from the Atlantic, St Ives, Carbis Bay, Hayle and Gwithian, back round to Godrevy and the headland where I stood.
Elizabeth, at home and where she wants to be.
Jim and Natalia, at one with nature on the beach.
A stunning vista, Godrevy in the morning.
Season: spring
Wild weather greeted me at Godrevy, often the case on this elemental beach. The high tide set rounded stones clattering as they were dragged back into the surf. The sounds of the sea and the wind were invigorating to all on the beach. Visitors Callum and Jane, who clearly felt a strong affinity to this place.
With Callum and Jane on Godrevy beach.
Season: autumn
Located at the end of Gwithian beach, just below Upton Towans in the sand dunes, Godrevy sits in front of a wildlife sanctuary on Cornwall’s north coast. At its headland sits the white Godrevy lighthouse, whose rocks attract dolphins and seals for the fishing. The fusion between the sky and the sea early in the morning is striking, a palette of pastel colours. Parking is close at hand in two car parks, or on the road, if you prefer to walk through the nature reserve.
By the water at Godrevy.
That’s being added to my beaches to visit…
When I was a child, living in Solihull I was lucky enough to holiday in Cornwall with my siblings and parents. The ‘Birmingham fortnight’ was always the first 2 weeks in August when all the factories shut down. We were bundled into the car at some un- Godly hour with our pillows and still in our jimmy jams because in those days it was a good 10 hour drive. Thus, my love affair with the beach was born. Some years it poured with rain – we camped near Looe and I can remember walking through the town to get fish and chips with the water going over our wellies because of flash flooding! Other years it was sunshine all fortnight! As a child, I could not understand the grown-ups obsession with the weather! Rock pooling, swimming, crab fishing off the quay and eventually sunbathing when I became an adolescent.
I yearned to be by the beach and as soon as I could – 17 I think – I jumped on a bus and came down here.
The beach means to me …… nature at her best. Storms last year saw landmarks in Cornwall that have been there for centuries destroyed and changed forever. A storm and a spring tide can take all the sand off the beach one day …… and dump it back on a few months later. The sea can take a man or a child’s life in the blink of an eye – we need to respect that and thank goodness we have the most amazing air- sea rescue team – big thanks to the Coastguard and RNAS Culdrose.
But on a calm balmy day, how peaceful and tranquil – I am never happier than sitting on the beach watching the water ebb and flow. My thoughts meander, the world is put into perspective – how massive is our universe and how clever is nature. Tide and time waits for no man. Very humbling. I come home refreshed and a better person for being on the beach.
I adore Godrevy – the lighthouse protecting those at sea, the beautiful sandy beaches and the crashing waves. Brilliant for body boarding and surfing (which I have taken up in my dotage!) The rip tides which you have to respect (nature again!) and wonderful walks if you don’t feel like jumping in the sea. National trust car park and cafe/restaurant http://www.godrevycafe.co.uk perfect for that after walk treat whether it be a comforting hot chocolate and a homemade cake or a lush seafood stew.