St Ives Bay
St Ives Bay (
At the most southerly point of St Ives Bay, the
The eastern coast of the bay is a three-mile (5 km) unbroken sandy beach backed by a substantial system of coastal dunes known as The Towans which stretches from Porth Kidney Sands in the west to Godrevy Head in the east. This stretch of beach is popular for surfing, particularly in the Gwithian area.
The western side of the bay is on higher ground and is more densely inhabited with substantial settlements at Lelant, Carbis Bay and St Ives. The western coast of the bay is rockier with several small beaches separated by headlands.
The Stones reef lies about one mile north-west of Godrevy Head and presents a hazard to navigation - the lighthouse on Godrevy Island warns mariners of the danger. Inshore hazards include the strong tidal stream around Godrevy Island and the tidal current at the mouth of the River Hayle.
Transport and access
By rail: The Penzance to Plymouth Cornish Main Line railway passes south of the bay with stations at St Erth and Hayle and a branch, the St Ives Bay Line, runs from St Erth to St Ives.
By road: The B3301 coast road runs from Godrevy to Hayle behind the dunes, with many points of access to the coast. The A30 trunk road passes south of Hayle.
On foot: The South West Coast Path follows the coast around St Ives Bay although it makes a detour inland around the Hayle estuary.
Places around St Ives Bay
Towns and villages
Rivers
- The Red River
- River Hayle
Other features
References
- ISBN 9781999777500.