THE LONG AND WINDING HARBOUR: PORTREATH
Portreath – which means ‘sandy cove’ in Cornish – lies a few miles north-west of the famous mining towns of Camborne and Redruth on Cornwall’s rugged north coastline. Huddled around a picturesque harbour and popular beach at the end of a stream valley, the quaint village is an established family favourite and a great base for exploring the pretty surrounding areas. From the village, there are fantastic coastal walks towards St Ives to the west and St Agnes to the east. Portreath is also closely tied to the area’s rich industrial past. Its harbour was established in the 1760s to send ore from Camborne and Redruth to Swansea in Wales for smelting. During the industry’s 1840s heyday, some 100,000 tons were shipped out of the village every year. Today, people are drawn here to see that picturesque harbour, which is still home to a small fishing fleet, and to its popular beach and surf, especially its famous ‘vortex’ wave. Portreath is also a storm-watching hotspot. Famously, the harbour wall was destroyed by storm waves in 2014. Whatever the weather, make sure you enjoy the great pubs, eateries and welcoming vibe that characterises this north coast gem. It’ll sweep you off your feet.