Mawgan Porth Beach

This is Mawgan Porth beach. A while back the Times Newspaper included the beach in it's Top 10 Holiday Beaches. They wrote: There are better known and busier beaches in Cornwall, but few can match the raw beauty of Mawgan Porth, on the north coast near Newquay.  Shielded on both sides by cliffs, it has acres of soft white sand, rock pools, caves and magical sunsets.

The first five of today's photos were snapped as the tide was going out on a lovely sunny, early morning - so not very many people on the beach - perfect!

The tide goes out a long way, as can be seen by the photo above, but it leaves behind soft squelchy sand with a few clear water pools - oh, and beautiful clean air - breathe deeply - ahhhh!

When the tide is out it's possible to explore caves in the cliffs, which are normally hidden by the sea.

The following three photos were again snapped in the morning, but the sky wasn't so blue and the sea perhaps not so inviting. This is the Atlantic coast so the waves are suitable for surfing.

A small river joins the beach ...

... while the waves start to build.

Mawgan Porth is situated between Newquay and Padstow on Cornwall's north coast.

Thanks for visiting my blog, sorry it's only a quick post today. All good wishes ~ Mike.

Newquay, Cornwall and a Bus Ride

"Do you fancy a bus ride to Newquay?", my wife asked.

"A bus! Why a bus for goodness sake?"

"It would make a change and would save on petrol. You moaned the other day that the price was going up and up."

I caved in and said "Okay,  adding that the bus would no doubt be late." 

But the bus wasn't late, it was exactly on time, plus it was spotlessly clean and the driver was smiling. So I couldn't really grumble.

Once off the bus in Newquay, we gravitated towards the harbour which dates back to 1875 - see my previous post : Newquay Harbour, Cornwall In 1875

I like to wander around harbours and quays, there's usually something of interest - especially boats of course.

So a few photos of boats and the harbour follow.

We then left the harbour ...

... and was soon on Towan Beach. I snapped yet another photo of Towan Island. Goodness knows how many pics I must have of the Island - but this was the first when arriving by bus!

The photo below shows the entrance to the harbour

We also wandered around the back of Towan Island - a lot of steps and a bridge.

When returning home by bus we must have got on the wrong one as it seemed to visit every out of the way village possible. No wonder we were mostly the only two people on the bus - and the seats were so uncomfortable but - well yes, it did make a change.

Moving on a few photos now from my garden. Not a lot of colour as yet.

The yellow azalea below always puts on a display year after year

I like these colourful geranium leaves

Finally looking upwards at the back of the garden - a twisted willow and some sort of  Japanese tree which has never flowered.

 Woops, nearly forgot this one. The flower always reminds my wife of her childhood in Germany where they were known as a Farmer's Rose.

Hope you have an interesting week ahead. Good wishes ~ Mike.

A couple more Newquay Posts:

Fistral Beach - One of Newquay's Finest For Surfing

The Hue and Cry Made From A Huers Hut At Newquay, Cornwall

Perranporth Beach Stretches For Miles and Miles

Spring is here and hopefully summer will follow, all in good time. This is the beach at Perranporth - somewhere holiday makers head for when they want beaches and surf in Cornwall. 

Looking at the photo above you might be thinking that there are a lot of people about - and the photo was taken out of the main season! But not to worry as there are three miles of beaches - enough for most people. Even in the main summer season there should be somewhere to plonk your stuff on the sand and enjoy the sea.

The beach has RNLI lifeguards on duty - though they only patrol the beach area between their flags. So if you wander too far they might not be able rescue you if you should get into difficulties.  Note the lifeguard cover is normally available from Easter until the end of October.

At Perranporth the Atlantic surf is good - lessons are usually available for all ages.

The beach carries on and on and the people get less and less - but remember, the RNLI lifeguards may not be easily available this far along the beach.

If you wander into the sand dunes there are good views of the beaches.

The beaches seem to go on and on ...

All very perfect on a blue sky day.

The photos were taken on the same day but I can't guarantee that the weather will always be this good!

Here's another post I published on Perranporth:

Perranporth Beach Loved By Surfers, Bodyboarders, Beach Lovers, Children and Dogs

Have a Happy Week, all good wishes ~ Mike.

A Walk Along Spit Beach, Cornwall

You never know what to expect on a walk in Cornwall. My first two photos were snapped about 30 minutes apart.

We were out and about and noticed the Spit Beach car park was empty - so we decided a walk on the beach would in order.

The walk to the beach isn't that special as it is a pathway without any decent views. Oh, and the path is often used by dog walkers. Unfortunately some of them don't pick up what they should pick up.

All is not lost though, as when nearing the beach, there are views across a golf course. If you change your mind about walking on the beach the coastal path, seen above, will take you to Carlyon Bay.

Below is today's first glimpse of Spit Beach with nobody else about - Perfect! 

The beach is sandy and is often described as a locals' beach. Not too many visitors find their way to Spit.

While on the beach the wind started to blow and the sea got quite rough.

I like to see the waves crashing onto the rocks as per the photo at the top of this post and below.

I also like cliffs ...

One of the cliffs is now a natural archway. I always feel compelled to walk through the arch.

After seeing the cliffs we made our way back via the beach.

Quite a few stones and pebbles on the sand - brought in by the waves.

Below, looking back to where we had walked. As I mentioned earlier the coastal path runs along the sea side of the golf course. There are some pleasant views from on high.

And that was the end of our walk.

So much of the rest of the week was rain, but seeing daffodils everywhere lifts the spirits.

The daffs I like most locally are in the arc of flowers which return every year. The daffodils were planted to remember the Marie Curie cancer charity Having gone through kidney cancer I can appreciate the good work they do. 

That's all for now, enjoy your week ~ Mike.