North Cornwall
The North Cornwall RNLI district comprises of Porthcothan, Treyarnon, Constantine, Booby's, Harlyn, Trevone, Polzeath, Trebarwith and Crackington Haven. This stretch of coast offers an enormous range of beaches, from sheltered coves to rugged surf haunts. Most of the beaches here are dog friendly, so it's fine to take well behaved dogs for walks all year round, unless stated otherwise below.
The furthest south of the beaches on this stretch of coast is Porthcothan, which is a rural beach. Surrounded by sand dunes and with cliffs to either side, Porthcothan is ideal for hiking. There are many rock pools close by the cliffs and these are best explored at low tide when the sea has delivered a fresh batch of marine life for you to study. There are toilets and a car park opposite the beach entrance and a shop with all your beach needs within walking distance.
Treyarnon lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty and when you walk along the coastal path here it's not hard to see why. Some of the best views in North Cornwall can be seen from here, and with the rugged coast line stretching out as far as the eye can see, this is an amazing place to stand and watch the world go by. As Treyarnon is a dog friendly beach, the coastal path is also a great place to walk dogs, whatever the season.
Next along the coast is Constantine Bay, which is recognisable by the low headlands and craggy islands that reach out into the sea from here. At the southern end of the bay is a reef, and on a bright day when there's plenty of light filtering through the water this is a great place for snorkelling. There's so much to see underwater that the hours just fly by as you explore the submerged section of coast. However, Constantine is also a popular surf spot with consistent waves, so check it's flat before planning an underwater expedition. Look at http://www.a1surf.com/ to find out surf conditions for the day.
Booby's Bay is a picturesque little beach with stunning views of the neighbouring coast and the headland point that separates it from Constantine Bay. This an excellent beach to explore as there are loads of hidden nooks and crannies to be discovered. Follow the coastal path up to Trevose lighthouse and beyond for gorgeous views to the north and south.
Next, tucked away in a sheltered spot, is Harlyn Bay. Made up of sand and pebbles, this is a great beach for skimming stones when the sea is calm, and there are plenty of rock pools too. Backed by sand dunes, with cliffs beyond, a small stream flows down one side of Harlyn, which is ideal for youngsters wanting to paddle. Across the road is the lively Harlyn Inn, which does pub fare brilliantly and regularly has live music.
Trevone looks seriously tropical on a sunny day with its golden sand and aquamarine waters. There are lots of little alcoves here, so it's easy to find a bit of peace - set up camp in one of the beach's various nooks and crannies and pretend it's your own private beach. Trevone has some glorious walks and incredible views to the north east, and it's possible to see all the way to Hawkers Cove and the Camel estuary on a clear day. Trevone is a dog free beach between Easter Day and October 1st.
Next along the coast is the well known and hugely popular surf hotspot, Polzeath. Sitting at the mouth of the Camel Estuary, Polzeath is a blue flag beach, which means it has been recognised as being pristine with excellent facilities, and these include a surf school and hire shop. Polzeath is also home to the Marine Wildlife Area, which harbours ten species of seaweed and five species of animal recognised as being of special conservation significance within the South West. This focus on conservation means Polzeath is a great place for nature watching, and there are regular sightings of puffins and dolphins here. The lovely Saltwater café nearby provides plenty of indoor seating with excellent views of the coast if the weather prevents outdoor viewing. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between Easter Day and October 1st.
Trebarwith Strand is at the bottom of a deep valley and there are many rocks to be negotiated before you reach the beach. If you're a keen photographer Trebarwith is a must as the striking landscape here provides loads of opportunities for dramatic shots. And if you're not, simply walking around these parts is impressive, whatever the weather. Blue skies or gathering storm clouds prove equally impressive on this commanding stretch of coast.
It's another long descent down to the award-winning Crackington Haven, a small beach encased on either side by steep, dark cliffs. The southward coastal path crosses National Trust land to High Cliff which offers excellent views, and most days it's possible to see all the way to Boscastle. There's a campsite nearby as well as shops, a couple of cafés and a pub - try the Coombe Barton Inn's carvery on a Sunday and you won't be disappointed. Dogs are not permitted on this beach during the summer season.
Author: Chelsey Flood © Coastal Britain 2007