Porthcurno

The summer holidays are fast approaching and with many of us about to embark on a “staycation” we consider the question, ‘What is Britain’s best beach?’. Porthcurno, situated in Cornwall just a few miles to the east of Land’s End, must be close to the top of the list. This historic and virtually unspoiled location plays host to dolphins and basking sharks during the summer months. With its crystal azure water set against golden sands, you could be forgiven for thinking that you were abroad.  Locals insist that this area enjoys a ‘micro-climate’ and with shelter in its ‘lagoon like’ bay, the sun lights up the coastline on what is a jewel in Cornwall’s ‘crown’.

This is indeed is an idyllic setting but the tranquillity masks an illustrious past as Porthcurno enjoyed fame towards the end of the nineteenth century as its quiet shores became the site for Britain’s telegraph links to the rest of the world. The strategic importance of Porthcurno continued through the twentieth century and it is strange to think that such a beautiful location could be fortified with flame throwers but these precautions were  implemented during the Second World War. Today, with the flame throwers long gone, visitors can explore and learn more at the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum. With nearby Sennen Cove and the exquisite St Ives a short drive to the north, this part of south west Cornwall is a delight and has much to offer inquisitive guests.

Logan's Rock

With its stunning bay surrounded by jagged cliffs, Porthcurno is also the home to the Minack Theatre. Carved into the cliffs this outdoor amphitheatre was the vision of Rowena Cade whose dedication has left us with one of the most amazing theatres in the country. Productions run throughout the summer and there truly cannot be a more fascinating backdrop to watch plays such as ‘The Tempest’ or ‘A Mid-summers Night’s Dream’.  If you do not intend to take in a show, then a visit during the day is still worthwhile in order to appreciate this unique cultural treasure. The view across the bay is inspiring in itself. The walk from the top of the Minack across the beach and over the cliff’s to Logan Rock is breathtaking. If you are lucky you will spot dolphins playing in the bay or maybe lumbering basking sharks as they pass Cornwall on mass during their migratory trail in early summer. If this sounds like too much hard work, then there is of course the beach.

Clear Blue Water

Owned by the National Trust the beach at Porthcurno is timeless. On a recent visit I over-heard an American visitor say, “I have been to Tahiti and I have never seen water this blue”.  There is a sapphire quality to the water which is transfixing. The retreat of the tide lightens the blue vista even more giving it an almost tropical like appearance. The beach itself is lifeguarded throughout the summer and is sheltered on both sides by rising cliffs. This is certainly not the Pacific but it is a beautiful example of the British coastline at its best. We should be proud of our heritage and remember that Britain has a lot to offer and has beaches to rival any in the world.

Belinda Dixon @ Lonely Planet Travel Guides published a podcast on cold water surfing in Cornwall.

“After a new thrill? Slip into some neoprene and check out the chilly waters off Cornwall in southwest England.”

Listen to or download the podcast here.

Warm up (at the fireplace?) afterwards  in one of cottages4you’s cornwall coast cottages.

Cornwall offers great routes varying in difficulty from easy going to thrill seeking.

I have found that the website visitcornwall.co.uk offers great information on the available routes. You’ll find PDF’s with more information on their site via the links below.

• The Cornish Way – overview map
• The Clay Trails – Bugle, Wheal Martyn, Par Beach, Eden Project. A free map is available on the sustrans website here.
• The Coast and Clay Trail – Truro to Bodmin via St Austell.
• The Engine House Trail – Hayle to Truro
• The First and Last Trail – Penzance, Marazion, Hayle, West Penwith villages
• The Mineral Tramways Trail – Devoran to Portreath
• The North Cornwall Trail – Bodmin to Devon via Bude
• The St Pirans TrailTruro to Bodmin via Newquay
• The Camel Trail – Padstow to Bodmin via Wadebridge

In addition the sustrans website offers great information on the Cornish Way. Furthermore our site offers a Cornwall destination guide that provides you with more inspiration on what to visit and where to stay in Cornwall.

I hope to meet you somewhere along the coast in Cornwall or otherwise near our office in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. If you have any tips on great bicycle tracks in the UK or abroad than let us and the other readers know.