Author: gloversure

Fairer fishing in Cornwall

phil lockley

Freshly landed catch for dinner might be hard to beat when you’ve escaped to the sea and headed out for the evening. But how do we know that the seafood we’re enjoying has come from a sustainable sea?

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Fishing boats setting off in the early hours, returning in time for kitchen prep. Yellow-wellied ship’s crew battling the elements to bring in the freshly landed produce. It’s hard-won and highly valued catch, and often at its best when you’re close to the source.

Credit: Phil Lockley

But with the spotlight on how the mass fishing industry is causing devastating effects on our oceans – from plastic pollution to harming other sea life – how can we be sure that that the fish sizzling up for dinner by the beach comes from a sustainable, local source?

The chances are that if you order cod and chips in Cornwall, it’s not going to be local. “Swapping your cod for hake or pollock can be the first step to making a more sustainable choice,” explains Marine Conservation Biologist Matt Slater.

“Gradually we’re working to close the loop between those catching it and those eating it.”

Slater now runs the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide – an initiative that encourages people to make sustainable seafood choices. Its website rates the 60-plus species landed in Cornish harbours from 1 to 5 (1 being the most sustainable, 5 being the least, and everything from 1-3 being recommended).

Taking your pick from the recommended list means eating seafood with a healthy population, that’s well looked after by the local fishing industry and is caught with little impact on the environment, no dredging or accidental by-catch.

Safely caught

Slater is quick to highlight that much of Cornwall’s fishing industry is small scale and sustainable. He also emphasises the need for us all to be more adventurous and to try something different when we buy or order seafood, avoiding imported fish from less sustainable sources.

Credit: Phil Lockley

“Historically, much of Cornwall’s seafood was exported to the continent, while much of what we buy in supermarkets is imported,” explains fisheries scientist and line fisherman Al Kingston. “But gradually we’re working to close the loop between those catching it and those eating it.”

“Cornwall’s fishing industry is considered much lower impact than in many parts of the globe…home to a vibrant shore fleet of day boats, whose impact is much less than that of the commercial vessels.”

We can all help close that loop, which means getting our hands on some the freshest and highest quality seafood available, in some cases straight from the fishing community landing their catch in Cornish harbours.

Direct from the source

Joe Emmet has been fishing since he was a child, and uses sustainable potting and hand-lining methods to land brown crab, spider crab, lobster, pollock and mackerel, from his small boat moored on the North Cornish coast in Newquay.

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Credit: Abby Crosby

“We’re truly passionate about sustainability, running our family business, Newquay Fish, as close to zero waste as possible, as well as trying to get people to try species that are in season and local to them,” explains Emmet. He’s just one member of the fishing community listed on the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide, alongside others from Sennen to Padstow.

While many of us have seen documentaries slating the fishing industry and persuading us to avoid seafood for the good of the planet, Kingston is quick to reiterate that “Cornwall’s fishing industry is considered much lower impact than in many parts of the globe, and for a long time it’s been home to a vibrant shore fleet of day boats, whose impact is much less than that of the commercial vessels”.

“Megrim has just been rebranded as Cornish Sole. A delicious alternative that’s becoming more popular.”

Al has spent 20 years looking at how fishing can affect protected and sensitive species, from seabirds to sharks, and witnessed a huge shift towards better fishing practices, with Cornwall leading the.

In balance with the wildlife

Take hake, since the 90s, when hake was in massive decline, a recovery effort has seen stocks return to safe levels across northern Europe. The majority of hake landed to Cornish ports is caught using gill nets, and all vessels over 12m long use pingers that scare dolphins and other cetaceans away from the nets.

Fishing boats are now helping sole and Dover sole in a similar way. So, what else should we be eating that lands in abundance on Cornish shores?

“Megrim has just been rebranded as Cornish Sole”, says Slater, “and is a delicious alternative that’s becoming more popular.” Other sustainable choices we can opt for range from rope-caught mussels farmed in St Austell Bay and the Camel Estuary (think steaming pot of moules marinière), to line-caught mackerel (perfect thrown on a beach barbecue).

Cornish sardines are landed in huge numbers by sustainable ring-net fisheries and a small fleet of only 15 boats. Mega shoals are found off our shores from July to January, attracting other marine life too, from dolphins to humpback whales.

“The Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar in Falmouth thrives on the authentic seafood experience, serving up platters of shellfish with bibs and finger bowls.”

“There are many understated local species that are being used more now – namely turbot, gurnard and spider crab,” says Al Kingston. “Spider crab is delicious – it’s just a bit of a faff to eat. But people need to embrace and enjoy the process of eating seafood – not just expect it served up ready to eat in batter, with no thought to its provenance.”

The Wheelhouse Crab and Oyster Bar in Falmouth thrives on the authentic seafood experience, serving up platters of shellfish with bibs and finger bowls. Its success proving that we just need to get stuck in when it comes to crab, crawfish and oysters. It’s all part of the real-deal seafood experience.

And if you’re not prepared to get a bit messy, then seek out the eateries where they serve local seafood dressed up as easy-to-eat dishes, such as at the Verdant Seafood Bar down the road from the Wheelhouse in Falmouth, and Catch Seafood Bar & Grill in Mawgan Porth, on Cornwall’s north coast.

Wherever you eat out, just ask the right questions: how was it caught and where was it caught?

Credit: Matt Slater

So, before a trip to the supermarket or the nearest chippy for dinner, checkout the list of places to buy local Cornish seafood – from fishmongers and fisherfolk, to restaurants and wholesalers, and look out for the Cornwall Good Seafood Guide recommended logo on packaging and menus.

Find out more on cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk. 

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September Retreats

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Warm waters, gentle swells, quiet beaches and rich sunsets… September in Cornwall embodies the best of all seasons. With the summer holidays having drawn to a close and kids back to school, the coast is significantly more peaceful than in former months, yet the autumn climate still allows for BBQs and sea swims galore. In fact, September is when the ocean often reaches its peak temperature, having been warmed by weeks of summer sun. Here’s our list of retreats available in September, inviting you to enjoy a post-summer stay within arm’s reach of the beach.

Watergate Lodge, Watergate Bay

20% off 7 night September stays.

Just 400 metres from Watergate Bay sits this unique eco house. A haven of natural light and energy, this retreat thrives off the environment, from its wildflower grass roof, innovative curved design and countryside surroundings. Watergate Lodge sleeps twelve and is available for a discounted stay in September.

4 Karn Havos, Bedruthan

20% off 7 night September stays.

4 Karn Havos is a coastal house situated in an area of clifftop near Bedruthan Steps known as a “Dark Sky Discovery Site”, where the lack of light pollution means you can spot shooting stars, constellations and planets. September in particular is a perfect time for this, with the climate still warm enough to allow for night-time stargazing out in the sea air.

11 The Liner, Falmouth

20% off 7 night September stays.

Situated moments from the sub-tropical gardens and glimmering water of Falmouth, 11 The Liner is the dream spot for a September retreat. Just footsteps from this seafront apartment you can delight in Gyllyngvase Beach during its quieter season. Falmouth is also an excellent choice for September due to its lively array of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Crooklets House, Bude

20% off 7 night September stays.

Crooklets House is a large and spacious family home brimming with the promise of sandy mornings, shorefront days and moonlit nights. Situated just moments from the shorefront of Bude, this retreat sleeps twelve is perfect for large groups or families looking for a September stay.

Trevornick Farmhouse, Holywell Bay

This Grade II listed Georgian Farmhouse sits in 1.5 acres of private land, tucked inside Trevornick Holiday Park. You will have use of the holiday park facilities just next door, including a bar and eateries, swimming pool, golf course, fishing ponds, BMX track and a forest trail- all of which will be significantly quieter than over the summer months. Not to mention, the retreat itself has its own enviable features such as a sunken hot tub, separate outdoor kitchen with a BBQ and wildflower gardens.

12 Cannery Row, Hayle

Available 17 – 23 September

Live to the rhythm of #Hayle estuary at 12 Cannery Row, a waterfront townhouse beside the ebb and flow of the river. Here, you will be so close to the port that you can watch the fisherman going out to sea, and sample the fresh lobster that they bring back in. This retreat sleeps six with a private tidal mooring adjacent to it, perfect for those wanting to kayak, paddleboard or have a small boat (prior consent from the Harbour Master required).

Seven Gates, Widemouth Bay

If you’re seeking the peace and quiet which September offers, Seven Gates is a retreat which won’t fail to provide. Situated in luscious green countryside on the rugged coast of Widemouth Bay, the surroundings are as calming as the beach house style interiors. This retreat sleeps eight and is available for the second half of September.

Chy Lowen, Mousehole

Tucked away in one of Mousehole’s winding lanes is Chy Lowen, a cosy cottage with beach chic décor and a garden bursting with leafy plants and colourful flowers. In summer, this sleepy village is a tourist hotspot, but beyond the peak season it regains its reputation as a serene harbourside town. Six can settle in here for the last week of September.

4 Ocean Walk, Perranporth

This contemporary retreat is part of a new development just a few minutes’ walk from the dramatic seafront of Perranporth. A colourful town known for its selection of boutique shops and eateries and its vast expanse of sand lined with golden dunes, Perranporth is the perfect town for a September visit. You may even get to see some live music during your stay, regularly hosted at the famous Watering Hole, a venue directly on the sand.

Bol Y Maer, Bude

Save 20% on 7 night stays in September

Take your pick from eight modern apartments with a rustic beach feel, from distressed wood cabinets, glass fronted balconies to use of a heated indoor swimming pool. The Bol Y Maer development sits just moments from Crooklets Beach in Bude. Hire boats and pedalos to enjoy the quieter waters or visit the farmers’ and craft market which runs throughout September.

16 Waves, Watergate Bay

20% off 7 night stays in September

16 Waves sleeps four and is situated just moments from the shoreline of Watergate bay. The beat of your heart in the surf, the taste of fried fish and juicy burgers, the sea salt on your skin, the sight of people dotted about, lively and smiling, in and out of the topaz blue sea. It’s all part and parcel of Watergate Bay, the adrenalin junkie’s paradise which embodies the spirit of the North Cornwall coast.

 

Experiencing Skyfall

skyfall balcony

“So close to the beach that you can hear the fizzle of water as it drags back over the pebbles”.

The Beach Retreats team recently stayed at our newest penthouse apartment overlooking Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth – Skyfall. Hear from our Content Coordinator Lowenna Merritt on how we got on.

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When I was offered an overnight stay at Skyfall, I jumped at the opportunity. Being the jewel in the crown of the brand-new The Liner development in Falmouth, this two-story penthouse apartment has been the talk of the town since it was completed this year. Sitting proudly in a prime position at The Liner, it gazes down on the beach below, and the sky reflects in its large, duplex windows. The Liner itself was designed and inspired by a classic cruise liner, and thus Skyfall is the bow of the ship, a sight to behold from the surrounding streets below.

Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our other bespoke retreats in Falmouth.

Arriving at this development, I just couldn’t wait to get inside. The calm shoreline of Gylly beach is already a treat for the eyes, so I just knew that the view from above would be even better. The lift took me up to the fifth floor, where I stepped into the hallway, greeted by the haze of blue sea beyond the windows.

This open plan living, dining and kitchen space was everything I imagined and more. Smooth wooden floorboards, a huge comfy sofa, remote control fireplace, leafy green plants, marble effect worktops and of course, the expanse of ocean and sky through the floor to ceiling windows that grasps your attention from the get-go.

The first thing I did was step out onto the large balcony and simply soak it all up. The smell of the sea air, slightly tinged by the tang of seaweed, the sound of the gentle waves murmuring and the hum of beachgoers below, and of course, the irresistible turquoise moana which dominates the view, a vista stretching from Pendennis castle on the left to the distant cliffs of the Helford passage on the right.

So close to the beach that you can hear the fizzle of water as it drags back over the pebbles, yet simultaneously so high up in the sky that you have a complete sense of seclusion and privacy is a truly special feeling. As the evening sun began to paint the sky with softer tones of pink, we opened a bottle of wine and enjoyed a glass looking out towards the sea, before preparing dinner.

Gylly Beach Café is directly below The Liner and is an excellent option for an evening bite, but we couldn’t drag ourselves away from the comfort of this apartment.

Prawn linguine, white wine, olives and a dazzling sea view, can you ask for anything more? After dinner, as sunset approached, the sky was slowly warming in colour, so we took a blanket and dessert onto the balcony to watch it unfold. Gyllyngvase beach is on the south coast, so it benefits from beautiful sunrises directly over its horizons, whilst the sun sets to the east, in the distance behind its tropical gardens. However, as Skyfall benefits from a 270 degree balcony wrapping around the front and side of the apartment, the vivid orange of the sunset is still visible from the other side. Having a space like this to watch the sun go down was truly a unique experience. Curled up in a blanket, we had all the comfort and warmth of an evening in, yet could still enjoy the uninterrupted expanse of sky perform its nightly display of colour and light.

We sat outside until the sky had completely darkened, the moonlight gently lighting up the sea. Crawling into bed after an evening in the fresh sea air made the bedroom feel even more cosy. We all fell asleep to the distinct sound of the waves, something I don’t think I have ever experienced before.

In the morning, we awoke early, grabbed a towel and swimwear and headed straight down to the beach for a dip. The Liner is literally footsteps from the sand, so there’s no need to even get changed on the way back from the beach, just wrap up in a towel and walk barefoot. At just gone seven in the morning, the beach was fairly quiet except for the occasional fellow swimmer. The water felt cold at first, but as soon as I dived under I felt wholly refreshed, and delighted in this natural way of waking up. Who needs a morning coffee anyway?

Heading back to the apartment from the beach took seconds, and I jumped straight in the shower before taking breakfast out onto the balcony. That morning could not have been more blissful; so simple yet so perfect.

Skyfall is a retreat that you won’t want to leave. It embodies that beach feeling, an irresistible pull towards the ocean which leaves you unable to take your eyes off the view.

Explore our other retreats and discover tranquillity at Gaia, a serene Beach Retreats property.

Change of Pace: Shoreline

glass

From scouring the sand to wading through the waves, the stretch where land meets sea offers exhilaration and space for contemplation in equal measure.

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Credit: @ggbytheseasea

“Beachcombing combines both my fascination with finding ‘treasure’ and a relaxing mindful way to unwind,” beachcomber Georgina Griffin [@ggbytheseasea] says of her favourite pastime, which hinges on patience, curiosity and the excitement of discovery. “Finding anything of any age makes me wonder, what was it? Who dropped it? How did it end up on our shores?”

“It’s the energy of the ocean that determines what you find where. That’s what makes each search so thrilling.”

Although beachcombing is all about taking things slowly and looking at everything you find at your own pace, the reason the north coast of Cornwall is great for beachcombing is due to its frantic waves and strong currents. “It’s the energy of the ocean that determines what you find where,” Georgina continues. “That’s what makes each search so thrilling.”

Surrounded by the Atlantic and barraged by the full brunt of storm swells through the winter, Cornwall is known for its beachcombing bounty. “There are so many things that wash up on the county’s beaches,” she says. “Seaglass is the most universally loved. Finding a rare colour that has been well rounded by the waves always brings a smile to my face. Lego is another popular find. And not as rare as you might think. In 1997, nearly five million pieces of Lego fell into the sea from a container ship so when you find it you know its exact origin and that it’s been poking about in the sea for over 20 years. That’s an incredible notion and adds a punch to every discovery.”

Credit: @ggbytheseasea

And of course, there’s nothing more thrilling than that elusive find. Georgina searched for a Cod Bottle marble (a marble in the top of old bottles for carbonated drinks) for a long time before she eventually found one near Charlestown. “I let out a little squeal of excitement when I saw it there in the sand,” she admits.

Tempted? Amble along beaches near the old villages and harbours of North Cornwall for your best chance of finding tiny pieces of history (and maybe a piece of lost Lego). Imagine the thrill when you look down and see a frosted gem, nestled in the sand. Buried treasure is beckoning…

Fancy looking at areas of the North Coast? Explore our holiday properties in Padstow, just a short drive away from Port Isaac and Polzeath.

Wonder wander

Credit: Longe Cote

If you’re more about being in the sea than by it, but still want to keep your feet on the ground, Longe Côte marries in-ocean elation with a therapeutic sea air walk. With its roots on the continent where troops of ‘longers’ can be seen every day wading through the shallows, in Cornwall the movement is a fledgling one. And Jo Curd, who runs Longe Côte UK, is its biggest advocate. “Longe Côte is addictive because of the endorphins the exercise and laughter release,” Jo explains. “It’s about feeling at once free and alive in the waves and soothed in the cool, gentle waters.”

“We have people of all ability levels in our groups but everyone is there for the same reason and gets the same joy out of it. Water time is incredibly unifying.”

Of course the calm days have their appeal, in a meditative and restorative sense, but for Jo, it’s a case of the more waves, the better. “We definitely work harder when there’s a swell on,” she continues. “We need to leap over the waves before we even start the exercises. I prefer that kind of class with rolling waves to jump; it feels so vital.”

Each class is set by the conditions on the day and the energy you want to put in. “Longe Côte is all about finding your pace and embracing it,” Jo says. “You can take a leisurely lunge or power forward, you can add resistance by punching through the water as you walk – how hard you work is up to you. We have people of all ability levels in our groups but everyone is there for the same reason and gets the same joy out of it. Water time is incredibly unifying. I have a sense of contentment after classes I’ve not found anywhere else.”

Submerge yourself up to chest level and enjoy a 45-minute session at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth with Jo. Classes are held year round: @longecoteuk

Read about adventures of every pace: on the surface or in the deep too…

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Change of Pace: Surface

wesup1

Flat calm or firing, the ocean’s surface offers up myriad ways to revel in the joys of watertime…

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Unsteady balance

Credit: WeSup

A teetering wobble as you clamber to your feet, the unusual perspective gained from standing on the sea, the blissed out feeling of moving steadily forward over the ocean under your own propulsion. Not overly challenging, and easy to get up and running with, it’s no wonder paddleboarding’s popularity has soared in recent years.

“Its popularity with the public is because of the iconic slow-paced adventures around surreal tropical coastlines,” says Harvey Bentham at WeSup in Falmouth, “but the reality is that’s only one part of why paddlboarding is such a joy.”

It’s the variety of ways people engage with the sport, he goes on to explain, that makes it so alluring. “It ticks so many boxes for so many different people. We’ve seen hula-hoops, cartwheels, one-footed paddling – when the weather gifts us flat windless days we can get out and do some yoga, or headstands, or stretch our ‘legs’ and go further around the coast for a longer paddle.”

Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our bespoke retreats in Falmouth.

“If the swell is up we ride waves and experience the thrill of the ocean pushing and pulling the board around, it’s definitely a different kind of buzz.”

Credit: WeSup

In his book Blue Mind: How Water Makes Us Happy Marine Biologist Dr. Wallace Nicholls explains that the rhythmic act of paddling creates an almost meditative state, with “significant evidence proving that interacting with water offers us huge benefits cognitively.” With this in mind, it’s no wonder that so many people extol the virtues of a paddle before work, or to refresh after a long day.

Simply doing your normal activity somewhere different (yoga on a paddleboard), or seeing the coast in a different way can be exhilarating enough, but for Harvey, there’s another side to the sport that comes into its own when the sets start lining up. “If the swell is up we ride waves and experience the thrill of the ocean pushing and pulling the board around, it’s definitely a different kind of buzz,” he says. Waveriding on a paddleboard is one of the oldest forms of surfing and the rush from dropping into the face and firing down the line is hard to match. Of course, that kind of skill takes years to master, but even for ‘newbie’ paddlers, waves bring a different dimension to the experience. “It depends what you’re looking for from your time on the board, the possibilities are endless – calm or choppy.”

Regardless of preference, there’s one part of paddleboarding that is inevitable and something you simply have to embrace. The swift plunge into cold water when you lose your balance and slip from your board. Enjoy the sensation and revel in the moment. It’s good for your mind, after all.

wesup.co.uk

Surfing slowdown

Credit: Extreme Academy

Surfing is undeniably a sport built around the adrenalin rush of the ocean catapulting you forward full throttle. But its high octane reputation belies one of the little considered truths of surfing. That a lot of the time, it’s about exactly the opposite.

Former waveski world champion Carl Coombes now runs Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay and is keen to advocate the contemplative element of the sport. “The moment before the ride is often one of reflection and wellbeing,” he explains, “reading the ocean, understanding its movements and sensing the right time to go, the right wave to choose. Mastering the process and commitment of your wave selection and the art of patience, it’s as much a part of surfing as charging.”

While each wave lasts only a handful of seconds, a surf session can last hours on a good day, so there’s a lot of sitting in the ocean experiencing the moment. “It’s why surfers have such an affinity with the sea, and often care so much about protecting it,” he continues. “Spending that amount of time in the water, the things you see, the wildlife, skies, quiet, its value can’t be quantified.”

For Dr. Nicholls, surfers exhibit more of the ‘blue mind’ state than anyone: “they’re attuned to the water,” he writes, “used to watching it carefully for hours on end, reading its changes, looking for the smallest indication that the next wave will be, if not the perfect wave, at least rideable.”

“You see a great session bringing the same enjoyment to a seasoned pro and a novice that has stood up for the first time.”

Credit: Extreme Academy

And that starts from the first time you paddle into a wave. Learning with a surf school is about meeting like minds, practicing the necessary physical skills but also understanding more about the sea and how and when to harness its energy.

All of that is extremely rewarding both mentally and physiologically. “You’ll finish a class or a session exhausted but also refreshed, by your time in the water, by the experience you’ve had. It’s a unique sensation,” Carl concludes. “And that’s the thing I love about surfing –  whatever your ability, the reward is the same. It’s fully inclusive, low impact, great therapy, a real adrenaline rush while being relaxing and clearing your thoughts of all life’s woes.

“You see a great session bringing the same enjoyment to a seasoned pro and a novice that has stood up for the first time. Who wouldn’t want to get involved in a sport that can offer that?”

extremeacademy.co.uk

Read about adventures of every pace: on the shoreline or in the deep too…

Read our blog on the best things to do in the sea in every season!

Change of Pace: Deep

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Whether you’re exploring on a single breath, or stealthily seeking your supper, taking your ocean activity beneath the surface is the ultimate in water time contradictions – giving in to the calm surrender of the deep even when your pulse is jumping…

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Breathless discoveries

Credit: Aquacity

Hold your nerve, take a breath, dive. Freediving – diving beneath the surface on a single breath – is not a sport for the faint hearted. With no scuba or air tank to rely on and only your instinct as your guide, it’s at the more demanding end of the watersports spectrum.

“Freediving has the reputation of being an extreme sport,” says Georgina Miller from freediving outfit Aquacity in Porthkerris, “but really, it’s all about relaxing and exploring your relationship to the sea. It’s actually vital that you relax while challenging yourself and pushing your body to its limit.”

“It’s quiet and you’re in such a different environment – you can lose a sense of yourself and relax into it peacefully. But this only comes with patience and practice at being calm and present.”

A competitive free diver and instructor, Georgina explains that the breathing techniques freediving uses are useful for staying calm in any situation. But if you are brave enough to venture under the waves, the sport is even more of a stress buster, says Georgina. “Being underwater, for most people, allows some peace in an otherwise hectic world,” she continues, “It’s quiet and you’re in such a different environment – you can lose a sense of yourself and relax into it peacefully. But this only comes with patience and practice at being calm and present.”

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Credit: Aquacity

There’s no doubt that competitive freediving brings more of a heightened edge to the discipline. Freedivers can regularly swim down to depths of more than 100 metres on a single breath. It’s a very specialist, highly skilled world, where technique and ability juxtapose with mindfulness and calm. Freediving is not without its risks so it’s important to never dive alone and let qualified instructors lead you safely into the deep.

But even at the leisure pursuit end of the sport, there are thrills to be found. Though more often than not, they come from the interactions that happen under the water, rather than the depths reached.

In addition to dolphins and seals, Georgina regularly sees lobsters and spider crabs hiding in the cracks, magnificent shoals of pollock, wrasse and mackerel, and majestic basking sharks drifting through the depths.

“We had a training session recently where a pod of dolphins came to check us out – they looked like they felt sorry for us not being able to swim too well!” she concludes. “When you’re being checked out by marine mammals there definitely seems to be a connection, they’re curious, even playful. It’s pretty incredible.”

aquacityfreediving.com

Steady stealth

Credit: Chris Moakes

Add the pursuit and excitement of the hunt and catch into your deep water time and you’re taking it up a gear. Spear fishing, freediving’s faster-paced cousin, is one of the most sustainable ways to fish and requires, skill, dexterity, speed and patience, all in one.

This balance of quick action and absolute calm is something Laith Dajani from Spearfishing UK knows all too well, as he explains, of a recent dive. “On one breath I went down to 13 metres, to fish. It took roughly 17 seconds to get to the bottom. I found and speared a 9lb Pollock in seven seconds, and then came back up in another 17 seconds,” he says. The whole experience was just 41 seconds in total. But with that level of excursion and concentration, diving to and rising from the ocean floor all in the smallest window of time, staying relaxed is an epic task in itself.

“It’s all about stealth and tactics. Sometimes fish are curious…Alternatively, stalking works just as well, hiding or moving as slowly as possible through seaweed, not making a sound.”

For Laith, it’s the unique mix of control and quick thinking that gives spearfishing its appeal. “You want to remain as calm as possible. If you’re stressed, the fish will be stressed, and they won’t be comfortable around you,” he continues. “It’s all about stealth and tactics. Sometimes fish are curious, so making grunting noises can attract them, or throwing up sand can bring them in. Alternatively, stalking works just as well, hiding or moving as slowly as possible through seaweed, not making a sound.”

But when the time comes to fire the speargun, you have to think fast. “You need to be in the moment with no hesitation,” he says, “otherwise the fish will scatter and you’ll be swimming to the surface empty-handed.”

Credit: Chris Moakes

If the speargun isn’t for you, you can hunt for lobster, brown crabs, scallops and mussels by hand. For Laith, catching a 9lb lobster off Cornwall’s south coast was an unbeatable experience. “Lobsters like to hole up and can be found as shallow as one metre. You just need to look in as many holes as possible and eventually you’ll stumble across one.”

From combing the sea floor for shellfish to plunging into the deep, underwater ocean time is all about finding the right pace for you and working with the ocean. As Georgina says about freediving, “it’s not about an application of your will over the water, you have to consider the environment and work with it.” And what a magical environment the Cornish coastline has to offer, shoreline, surface or deep. Now, who’s for a dip?

spearfishing.co.uk

Read about adventures of every pace: on the shoreline or on the surface too…

Experience transformational moments with Beach Retreats as you explore new horizons and enrich your soul.

A Change of Pace

we sup

From the thrilling calm to the calming thrill, the ocean is a place of endless surprises whether it’s by, on or under the waves. In a series of posts, we explore what it means to get your energy from the ocean and the delightful contradictions you can embrace in every sea salt fix.

Visiting Cornwall for a workcation? Have a look at our holiday lets perfect for extended stays and working.

Credit: WeSup

From dawn to dusk and through the seasons, the ebb and flow of tides are in constant flux, creating a magical ocean playground. On the shoreline, on the surface or submerged in the deep, there are endless ways to play, and it’s the sea’s shifting moods that help determine your pace.

The quiet aftermath of a storm washes up beachcombing treasure, still waters keep a paddleboard balanced and rolling waves offer up ideal surf conditions. But is it as simple as measuring your adrenaline rush against the height of the break, or does ocean time have the power to do more?

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It’s not surprising that in the gentlest walk, the deepest dive or the most adrenalin fuelled charge, we can find moments of both serenity and exhilaration.

Credit: Aquacity

“We are inspired by water,” Marine Biologist Dr. Wallace Nicholls writes in Blue Mind: How Water Makes Us Happy. “Hearing it, smelling it in the air, playing in it… creating lasting memories along its edge”.

Nicholls explains that as humans, our calm, peaceful and content state of mind, which he terms ‘blue mind’, is stimulated by proximity to open water. That even just thinking about water is enough to trigger an emotional response, because all our senses are craving the full nature experience. So it’s not surprising that in the gentlest walk, the deepest dive or the most adrenalin fuelled charge, we can find moments of both serenity and exhilaration. Our bodies crave water time exactly because of its simultaneous ability to help us reset and get our hearts beating.

If you’re eager to embrace the marvellous contradiction of the ocean but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. Over three posts we’ve caught up with ocean lovers who relish the fast and slow of their preferred water activities on the shoreline, on the surface and beneath the waves. So read on, leave your expectations behind and open your blue mind. Calming thrills and thrilling calm await…

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Read about adventures of every pace: on the shoreline, on the surface or in the deep.

Credit: Chris Moakes

Private Chefs in Cornwall | Hire for Your Holiday

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With the summer season well and truly underway, Cornwall’s restaurants are busier than ever. During your visit, why not escape the crowds and enjoy the delights of the county’s seasonal produce from the comfort of your own holiday retreat?  We have compiled a list of the best private chef experiences in Cornwall, with options ranging from canapes to BBQs, romantic meals for two to large family feasts, inviting you to enjoy a fine dining experience like no other.

Looking for a romantic getaway? Check out our romantic cottages. Alternatively, seeking a holiday retreat with a pool? Dive into our curated collection of holiday cottages in Cornwall with pools for the ultimate relaxation and enjoyment.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Duchy Chef

Renowned throughout Cornwall, Duchy Chef is celebrated for their innovative, top-tier private dining experiences. Indulge in a starter featuring scallops, artichoke, chorizo, and compressed sea purslane, followed by a main course of Cornish Sea trout, Bok choy, Thai Cornish crab broth, and rice fishcakes—each bite infused with the essence of the sea. With options ranging from three to seven-course menus, an evening with Duchy Chef promises a restaurant-quality dining affair.

duchychef.com/private-dining/

Dine with Iris

For something slightly more laid back which still encompasses the bespoke dining experience, try Dine with Iris. Her take on ‘posh picnicking’ includes a delicious seasonal grazing board, pillows and rugs, themed flowers and more, all of which is set up and packed away for you. Just pick a location of your fancy, from your favourite scenic clifftop to a cosy beach nook, and Dine with Iris will take care of the rest. You can also add on additions such as a private yoga class before you eat or live music to accompany your picnic- its truly a Cornish fairy tale scene.

dinewithiris.co.uk

Chef Natasha

Taking inspiration from world cuisine and her experience of cooking in French Ski chalets, Chef Natasha is on hand to provide you with an effortless dining experience which will allow you to sit back and enjoy the delights of your holiday retreat as you await your food. Choose from the finest tasting menus or a more relaxed wood fired BBQ dinner- whatever you fancy, Chef Natasha is sure to cook up a storm.

privatechefnatasha.uk

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Fee’s Food

This Cornish food and catering company provides top-notch local, seasonal produce through its tailored private dining service. Indulge in their classic menu featuring Cornish bouillabaisse, Thai crab salad, and Monkfish curry, or savor their distinctive summer lunch, showcasing fresh barbecued meats and seafood, complemented by salads and roast salmon. They also specialise in catering for weddings throughout Cornwall.

feesfood.co.uk/pages/menus

Discover the latest culinary gems with our guide to new foodie hotspots in Cornwall, where delicious flavours and unique dining experiences await.

Escape to the sea 

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ESCAPE TO THE SEA

Think of yourself as a thalassophile? If you relish the calm of a secluded cove or crave the adrenalin rush of roaring surf, then, whether you know it or not, you are one.

Derived from the Greek thalassa, meaning sea, and philein, meaning ‘to love’, a thalassophile is someone who feels a connection with the ocean.

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As an island nation nibbled by hungry tides, our natural bond with our watery border is strong.

“Being British comes with a catalogue of sea-themed clichés,” writes Charlotte Runcie in her book, Salt on Your Tongue. “Fish and chips on the beach, or in the car while the rain pelts down, ‘Rule, Britannia!’ at the BBC Proms, the shipping forecast playing out over and over.”

The mystical pull of the sea is universal. Children lift a conch to their ear to listen out for the ghostly whooshing of waves. Adults, weathered by life’s storms, find comfort in the shock of a bracing dip.

But the therapeutic benefits of blue spaces go beyond hearsay. From higher dopamine levels to reduced anxiety, closeness to water is associated with greater wellbeing. In a study on happiness in different natural environments, coastal areas came out top.

Want to stay near several beaches? Have a look at our luxury holiday cottages in Fistral, a next to Fistral Beach, and a short drive from Porth, Watergate Bay and Crantock Beaches.

Focusing on the ebb and flow seems to have a mindful, meditative effect. By immersing ourselves in the elemental force of the sea, we access a restorative cognitive state.

Discover the best ways to celebrate by the sea with unforgettable coastal experiences.

Dr. Catherine Kelly, author of Blue Spaces: How and Why Water Makes Us Feel Better says in The Guardian that “the sea is synonymous with letting go. It could be lying on a beach or somebody handing you a cocktail. For somebody else, it could be a wild, empty coast. But there is this really human sense of: ‘Oh, look, there’s the sea’ – and the shoulders drop.”

Not just a balm for the senses, the sea is essential to life on earth. It’s said that every second breath we take comes from the ocean, and that the ocean is the thermostat of the global climate system. But with climate change, overfishing, deep-sea mining and plastic pollution threatening to destroy the blue planet and drive species to extinction, experts warn that we must act now to protect our future.

So, we’re diving into the wonders of the ocean with eyes wide open – revealing the hidden Cornish coves, asking how we can eat more sustainable seafood and discovering what we can do to reduce ocean pollution. Join us as we #escapetothesea…

Support calls for more ocean protection and restoration

Room with a starry view

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Is stargazing the ultimate out-of-hours experience at the beach? Photographer Graham Gaunt went to Dark Sky Discovery Site Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps to capture the Milky Way above the sea.

“In some ways, it’s like old photography. You see the image for the first time in the dark room. That’s the precious part of it. It’s interesting to develop something that isn’t there when you look at it.”

The jagged lines of Cornwall’s north coast and sweeping open fields on the cliff tops make for a fitting setting to the wonders of the universe.

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The wild coast at Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps (home to our Karn Havos self-catering houses) is a Dark Sky Discovery Site, one of the locations around the UK where you can see the constellations and our galaxy the Milky Way.

To see the Milky Way with the naked eye, a Dark Sky Discovery Site has to have very low light pollution, preserving an inky darkness that’s all-too-rare in our modern world.

Credit: Graham Gaunt Photowork

Light pollution is an increasingly common scourge which means 90% of Britain’s population misses out on the stellar spectacle that is the night sky. But at Carwenas and Bedruthan Steps, with the Milky Way shining above, you get a magical sense of how the sky would have appeared to our ancestors.

While the best time of year to see the Milky Way in the UK runs from mid-April to mid-July, it can make more fleeting appearances throughout the UK Milky Way season from late February to late September. To catch a glimpse, all you need is a picnic blanket, a flask of something hot and a little patience.

Capturing distant light

Graham Gaunt started capturing the night sky ten years ago, with digital photography growing in capability he was able to capture shots that revealed views of the stars beyond the sights observed from gazing up into the darkness. His Dark Nights film (with night-sky footage from West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly) won the directors choice award at the Cornwall Film Festival 2012.

“I started taking pictures and what I was seeing was really fantastic. In some ways, it’s like old photography. You see the image for the first time in the dark room. That’s the precious part of it. It’s interesting to develop something that isn’t totally there when you look at it.

“When you look up at the night sky to observe the Milky Way it is almost as if you see it out of the corner of your eye. When you look at what the camera captures it is something different.”

It’s not just what the camera reveals that keeps Graham returning to the dark sky sites: “Being out there on your own in these wild places deep into the night, there isn’t anybody around; that’s special in itself. It does something to your senses. As the light fades your hearing gets sharper; I start hearing all of these sounds, all around.”

Credit: Graham Gaunt Photowork

While the lighter, shorter summer nights can mean less opportunity to see stars, some features are easier to spot at this time of year. With up to 150 meteors per hour streaking across the sky, the Perseids Meteor Shower creates a dramatic light show from the 16th July to the 23rd August – peaking on 12th August with a waxing moon. And, if you look to the north in June and July (and the skies are dark enough), you could see the beautiful shimmering blue glow of noctilucent clouds. Made from ice crystals, they are only visible in the astronomical twilight.

At Carnewas and Bedruthan, Graham had five cameras set up to shoot throughout the night. Night-time photography in Cornwall has its own unique features. One of those is the dew point in the night when condensation collects on the grass and leaves; it also gathers on camera lenses.

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Graham Gaunt Photowork

That’s just one factor when it comes to photographing the stars. “When you’re shooting the night sky, you are trying to capture the light from a star hundreds of light years away,” explains Graham.

“A weak light just a few miles away can make a big different. But in some ways the brighter, near lights on earth place us; we can see in these images where we are in relation to the galaxy around our planet.”

In pursuit of stars
Graham’s search for great night-sky shots has taken him to drier, hotter locations, where condensation isn’t a concern. “I once shot on a volcano in La Palma, one of the Canary Islands in Spain, for 10 days.

“I took so much equipment to that shoot, I had to pay the same price for it to travel as I paid for myself. I went up the volcano every evening, clicking away all night then went home had some wine and went to bed!”

How does Carnewas and Bedruthan compare when it comes to being out in the wild, remoter places to capture the wonders of space?

“It was a fantastic place to be for the shoot. When I was walking back to my van at 4am the field was full of skylarks singing. From the sound I think they must have been there with fledglings. These moments, you don’t get to see and hear that if you’re not there in the quiet hours.”

Discover the perfect romantic getaway in Cornwall with our guide to where to stay for couples.

See more from Graham Gaunt.