Polgwidden

Polgwidden sits on the Helford river estuary, at the bottom of Trebah gardens. The cove itself is a break in a coast that is otherwise short of beaches. This is a lush, green part of Cornwall, with a subtropical feel to it. Rhododendrons and magnolias grow to be large trees here, and all the plantings seem exotic, so you emerge onto the beach almost as if on a tropic isle. Except for the crowds enjoying a soft autumnal afternoon...

St Just Pool

There is a gentle footpath from St Just-in-Roseland to St Mawes with access to several (mostly pebbly) beaches along the lovely stretch of water called the Carrick Roads. This is the first one you come to, just past Churchtown Farm. Far far in the distance to the right, Pendennis Castle is sillhouetted on the skyline. The only other beachcomber meanders slowly in the sunshine, engrossed in clumps of seaweed with interesting bits of sealife. Impossible not to exchange smiles as you pass, kindred spirits enjoying today's return of late summer in the best possible way.

Palace Cove

Palace Cove is mostly a low-water beach strewn with boulders, and signs warn you of the dangers from rockfalls. But it's good for idle messing around, sheltered as it is from the full force of the sea; and there are fine grassy knolls just above it with splendid views of the sea and coast, private and friendly - perfect for a picnic stop.