The west coast of Britain is the stormiest part of the country with Cornwall rocked by gale-force winds around 25 days each year. The most dramatic weather hits the county between November and February, when locals and winter visitors hunker down until the rage passes. Or do they?
Harbours and cliff tops require great care but boy do they give a great view! For a full-scale panorama nothing quite matches the view at Land’s End, where the strongest gust in England (118 mph) was recorded in December 1979. The nearby Gurnard’s Head pub, a few miles along the road to St. Ives, has rooms with a view (and a great Sunday roast too).
Cape Cornwall also looks marvellous in stormy photos, as does the sea tumbling into the narrow entrance to Chapel Porth. Further up the north coast at Tintagel, Trebarthwith Strand gets a regular hammering. The Lizard peninsula is usually the best place to be but even Seasalt’s Design Studios, which overlook Falmouth Bay, have great views of the occasional monstrous skyline.
Wrapping up warm is essential – we can help there – take a flask of something comforting and someone to share it with, and you may experience one of the most unforgettable days out, in the elements, that Cornwall has to offer.