Not really knowing what to expect as we pulled into the National Trust car park we got out the car and headed over towards the cliff path. And oh what a view! I'm not sure either of us really expected this, but it wasn't a view we were going to give up on so quickly. I mean, would you?
We actually visited twice as the first time it was already early evening and the sun was starting to set - there's some sunset shots from that visit further on - we saw that you could get on the beach, but as the tide was already coming in and we didn't want to rush our time down there we decided to come back.
Bedruthan Steps became popular over a hundred years ago when Newquay developed as a holiday resort, the Victorians would visit in their carriages. I guess just like us today in our cars. It's still an impressive view, I wonder though how many of them made it down to the beach. There's also a story, some would say legend of a giant called Bedruthan using the beach stacks as stepping stones as a short cut across the bay. The Trust think this seems to be a late 19th century invention, but why would anyone - even a giant - want a short cut here?
We did. Down these steps.
And then down these ones (and more) too! But just look at that beach.
Infact the rocks and coastline is ever-changing, which means it's challenging for the National Trust to provide access to the beach and these stairs reopened in 1995 after five years of stabilisation work, as well as rebuilding the 20ft of staircase that had been washed away. I'm glad that's been done as I wouldn't have wanted to miss the beach with its rocks, caves and untrodden sand!
I had an uncontrollable urge to walk on every single bit of untrodden sand, while MOH took to skimming stones - what else? In the end I left a fair bit of sand untrodden as I didn't want to spoil it for anyone else, although for quite a while we were the only people on the beach.
The rocks were pretty interesting too and I photographed them many times - the textures and colours of each capturing me. But none more so than the one with the tide washing over it. Totally mesmerising.
With its amazing view and breathtaking beach it is truly an amazing place to visit, and if you're ever nearby make sure you take the time to see and experience it for yourself. After climbing back up the steps - there's quite a few - we got our breath back by simply breathing in the breathtaking view once more before turning, admiring the craftsmanship of this wall and heading back to the car park where the seagulls were keeping watch!
And before I go, the sunsets are amazing here too - here's a couple of shots from the sunset on our first visit. Another wow!
