Design your own small group swimming holiday!

Last weekend we took the short drive over to Falmouth and stayed at the breathtaking, Grade II listed ‘Clock House’, courtesy of Classic Cottages. The house consists of 4 delightful rooms (so comfortably accommodating 8), with some world class views, a walled garden offering privacy, as well as an additional outdoor relaxation area in the courtyard, to the side of the building and a walk down through the grounds, to the private beach.

The dining area offers a great social area for the evenings…we decided on a poker night. The front room offers comfortable sofas and a decent size tv for some r & r and the paved patio at the back of the house is in the perfect position to catch the morning (and afternoon) sun. We spend both mornings sat on the patio, drinking tea and coffee in almost complete silence. It was bliss.

Large sliding doors in the lounge allow you to bring the outside in, during the warmer summer months.

All-in-all it was a weekend that the Sea Swim Cornwall team won’t forget in a hurry.

This would be the ideal property to host a small group and take in some longer or shorter, summer or winter swims...or potentially hire or bring your own kayaks, SUPs, paddle boards… There are hundreds of stunning swim locations in the local area. It makes it such an attractive proposition for swimmers! Swim at any (or all!) of the following :

• Pill Creek, a beautiful, protected little inlet off the river Fal.

• Various spots on the river Fal.

• Channal Creek, at the bottom of Trelissick Gardens. Another protected gem. Best at high tide.

• Take a dip at Restronguet Creek and visit the popular, waterside Pandora Inn.

• Various delightful beaches in Falmouth, including Maenporth, Swanpool and Gyllyngvase Beach.

• The entire Roseland Peninsula and St Mawes is a short drive or you could get the ferry from Falmouth (check the timetables for availability).

• Design your own river swimming boat expedition. With pick up pretty much on your doorstep! One Atlantek boat charters.

• Swims within an hours drive could include : St Michael’s Mount, Coverack, St Agnes, Crantock/Gannel Estuary, Gorran Haven, Mevagissey, Charlestown Harbour/Porthpean, 3 Bears Caves, Helford River…so many options!

The beauty of the Clock House’ location is that, as well as having so many swims within easy reach, you have coastline facing in every direction…offering safe and enjoyable swims, even in poor weather. The property has a very handy outdoor BBQ and they also have a great washing line for your wetsuits and costumes!

For more information and booking options, click the button below :

*Most of the areas stated above are perfectly safe in the right conditions. Should you want a swim guide and water safety contact Sea Swim Cornwall. We can attend swims or design you a bespoke itinerary at the last minute (based on the forecast and conditions).

Aerial view of the property

Planning your summer of swimming in Cornwall

Whether you’re a wild dipping enthusiast or a serious open water swimmer - Cornwall offers more coastline than the rest of the south west put together…and what a coastline! I’m based in Penzance and we’re spoilt for choice but it’s the same throughout Cornwall. The main advantage we have in Penzance is that we have beaches and swims that pretty much face every direction. This obviously means that you can generally get a swim in regardless of the conditions, with minimal driving involved.

Photo supplied by www.saltwaterimages.co.uk

Here’s a run down of where to swim in various areas…although I may miss out some of my favourite ‘secret spots’ :

ST IVES : Carbis Bay is always a winning choice - clear water, sheltered from S wind/conditions. Easy to add distance if you want an adventurous swim. Rarely any swell. You could attempt the ‘Island’ if you’re feeling really adventurous but we’d recommend a guide and prefect conditions. Any of the town beaches offer beautiful wild dip opportunities.

PENZANCE : the whole of the Mousehole area is world class, especially at high tide. Porthleven Harbour is a swim you’ll remember but again you’ll need a guide, you need to get the tide right. You have several beaches around the Porthcurno area…and if you’re really adventurous you can try and find the beach at Zennor…it is a bit of a scramble down to it mind.

NEWQUAY : can be tricky as it’s hard to escape a westerly wind and big or rough seas if the conditions are challenging. The Gannel Estuary at high is a stunner! As is Crantock Beach when the conditions are flat. You can travel north to Mother Ivey’s Bay. Whipsiddery to Watergate is one of my fave’s but it’s quite secluded…only attempt that one if the conditions are right, you’re a competent & experienced swimmer and you have company.

ST AUSTELL : straight to either Charlestown or Porthpean. A swim from one to the other…and possibly back. Can’t go wrong! Gorran Haven just down the road is also worth a mention and visit. Lovely little village, full of character. There is another beach in the Gorran Haven area…but I don’t want to upset the locals!

FALMOUTH : I’ve always enjoyed getting off the main drag in Falmouth and popping around the corner from Gyllyngvase to Swanpool or Maenporth. Great spots from swimming!

THE LIZARD : Oh boy! Take your pick. Kynance, Cadgwith, Lizard Point, Church Cove…. Take a few days off.

Photo courtesy of www.saltwaterimages.co.uk

We’ll check in at a later date and talk about north Cornwall.

SWIMMING ST JUST-IN-ROSELAND

Jo - the sailor and river expert of the team, had been telling me about this little harbour near St Mawes for ages. A few years ago, whilst we went sailing with Jo he pulled up nearby and we rowed over to a nearby beach. We then walked along the coastal path to St Just-in-Roseland harbour. Whilst on the walk I wore my speedos and flip flops, opting to carrying my wetsuit. It was a Sunday and I got some very funny looks as I strutted past the church…that just happened to have finished it’s Sunday activities and…of course, all of the attendees left the church to be confronted by a young(ish) man, in a very colourful pair of speedos and his flip-flops! What a treat for all concerned!

Anyway, we’ve since taken a few groups here and they’ve all fallen in love with the place. You have to make sure that you get the tides right, or you’ll be dragging yourself through the mud flats. Stunning area and a stunning swim. This will be the start of our St Mawes Swimfari 2021.