Newquay to Padstow (1)
At first sight from the land, Newquay seems to be a large and busy town perched on high ground. But the 'high ground' is in fact coastal cliffs, and the town has always earned its living from the sea. Originally a small fishing village, it acquired its 'New Quay' in the 15th C for protection from NE winds. It was famous for its pilchards up to the early 20th C.
But the many sandy beaches also attracted tourists, especially after the arrival of the railway, which offered passenger services from 1876, and the town grew into a resort. More recently the bucket-and-spade tourists have been supplemented by surfers, and Newquay is regarded as the surfing centre of the UK.
But the many sandy beaches also attracted tourists, especially after the arrival of the railway, which offered passenger services from 1876, and the town grew into a resort. More recently the bucket-and-spade tourists have been supplemented by surfers, and Newquay is regarded as the surfing centre of the UK.
Next eleven photos: 03.03.2011.
The Huers Hut was recently restored: 2015 BBC News report
The south side of Newquay overlooks a drying sandy creek called the Gannel.
But Newquay has several good beaches of its own, apart fromFistral Beach:
Next four photos: 13.05.2006.
All photos to end of page: 08.08.2008.
When the wind is onshore, as here, the cliffs provide a fine updraught for a kestrel to hover in while seeking prey.
In fact, another name for the kestrel is Windhover. It's quite impressive to watch one hovering just feet away from you!
In fact, another name for the kestrel is Windhover. It's quite impressive to watch one hovering just feet away from you!
(The biggest buildings on the Newquay skyline are the Atlantic Hotel, and the Headland Hotel which overlooks Fistral beach.)
A bit far from Tide's Reach, you might think. But for about 50 years I've wondered if the Neolithic people who built stone circles like Stonehenge and Callanish (Lewis, Outer Hebrides) were interested in the movements of Sun and Moon (in part, at least) to help them understand the tides. Anyone who rows or sails small boats knows how important knowledge of the tides is, and yet the megalith builders seem to have successfully conquered the coasts of NW Europe without benefit of anything more powerful than oar and sail. Just a thought!
The attractions of Watergate Bay, for beach lovers and media types.
The Cornish tides are geared to holiday-makers: although Spring high tides reach up to the cliffs,
that is at about 7 or 8 o'clock, when people are thinking about a meal or entertainment.
Neap high tides are early afternoon, but do not completely cover the sands.
The Cornish tides are geared to holiday-makers: although Spring high tides reach up to the cliffs,
that is at about 7 or 8 o'clock, when people are thinking about a meal or entertainment.
Neap high tides are early afternoon, but do not completely cover the sands.
Half a mile north of Beacon Cove is Mawgan Porth, which is where the next page starts...
Foot of 'Newquay to Padstow (1)' |