Coastal Adventures

Hiking along the cliffs

The sight of waves crashing against the rugged cliffs remains eternally awe-inspiring, regardless of how many times one witnesses it. The crystal-clear aqua-blue waters stand in stark contrast to the immense, dark rocks, while the white foam of the waves adds an even more luminous quality to the scene. The rocks, with their endless array of shapes, are a testament to the ever-changing forces at play. They are sculpted by the relentless waves, sometimes crumbling or fragmenting, yet the indomitable sea endures. It's fascinating to observe how the rocks, even when they break, give birth to new forms and intriguing structures within the embrace of the ocean.

I've explored the north coast of Cornwall from Bedruthan Steps (Carnewas) up to Widemouth and every part of it is wonderful. The South West Coast Path, the hiking trail that runs along the coastline of Devon and Cornwall, often runs here literally along the cliff-edges, making hiking a real adventure.

In this story, I will share with you my favourite spots, each of which will get it's own photo gallery. Simply because this stunning coastline deserves a proper exhibit on my travelblog.

About the tide

But first, let's talk about the tide. The tide really is a thing. It's different at every beach or cove and at every day. They say only to swim at life guarded beaches, but that is not really necessary if you put in the effort to learn about the tide and take responsibility for your own safety. Here is what I've learned so far:

Tide can come in fast or slow, be high or really high, currents can be strong or less strong. On the same beach! The best thing to do is gather some basic knowledge and then observe. Always be mindful that the waves can come in so quickly that you won't believe your eyes. So if you visit a beach that disappears with high tide, stay within reach of the entrance after the turning of the tide. Sometimes you have hours, sometimes minutes.

You don't always notice how far the tide is in, especially when you're in the water. So pick a rock(formation) on the beach that you keep an eye on and as soon as the waves come across that rock, get out of the water.

Other things that I've learned are: don't swim near rock formations, for the currents are different and often strong, either smashing you against the rocks or drawing you out into the sea.
Don't swim at high tide if you don't know the rock formations that are underneath the water.
Personally I don't really swim, I bath in the waves where they come ashore which is big fun.

My fav spots on the Cornish coast

Rock formations

Both offer wonderful views along the coastline. Especially Dinas Head gives you the feeling you're out at sea, while still feeling the solid ground underneath you.

Here you are really out at sea. Look back at the coastline as if you were on a ship. Only fun without fog, rain or storm.

Read about the Rumps in this story.

Dinas Head, Cornwall, Britain, Cornish Coast, South West Coast Path

Park Head, Cornish coast, north cornwall coastline, south west coast path

The South West Coast Path at the north coast of Cornwall UK

Beaches

Portcothan bay has a beautiful sandy beach, with steep cliffs rising on both sides. At low tide, lots of rock formations are revealed and an additional cove becomes accessible.

I love the atmosphere at this beach. It feels calm and relaxed, even on busier days.

Just above Padstow, in the bay.

Easy swimming as it is in the bay near the harbour, just stay close to the shore because of the boats. Nice sandy beach with lots of rock formations offering shelter from wind. Visit when the weather is a little less than perfect to avoid crowds.

For the adventurous. No parking, a steep descend / ascend to and from the beach, a climb over slippery rocks. When the tide is out, a large sandy beach is revealed and at the lowest tide even the outer edges are accessible. Due to many intriguing rock formations and multiple caves and a waterfall, this beach is wonderful to explore. With high tide the beach is not accessible. Like magic, the whole fairytale-like scene disappears underwater.

For seekers of solitude. Even though there's a car park nearby, this beach is not much visited. The descend is steep, the path challenging and with a part of the stairs broken, you have to use the ropes to get down (and especially up) the lower part of the rocks to access the beach. With high tide this beach is not accessible.
The best thing to do is to park near Newton Farm and walk from there. This stretch of coastline is most wonderful and you certainly don't want to miss out on it.

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Bordering on Polzaeth beach, this bay will surprise you with it's friendly and calm atmosphere. Easy walk from one of the car parks. Crowds are all on Polzaeth beach, so close and yet so far.

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Probably the largest beach of Cornwall. When the tide is really far out, you'll be able to walk the whole length from Bude up to Warren beach. At some parts the tide comes in way sooner than other parts, so walk with sense.

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