Capturing the Lizard

Award-winning photographer David Chapman continues his series on Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This month he explores the South Coast

- David Chapman

The South Coast Western AONB comprises the coastline from Marazion to Porthleven, the whole of The Lizard peninsula including both north and south sides of the Helford River as far as Maenporth, near Falmouth.

There are a huge number of access points with suitable parking and facilities, the most popular are at Marazion, Kynance Cove, Lizard Point, Cadgwith and Coverack. This month I am simply going to pick out the top eight photography locations along the coast of this AONB from west to east.

ST MICHAEL’S MOUNT AND MARAZION

Timing: to photograph St Michael’s Mount either high tide or when the tide is lapping over The Causeway are good; try to visit just after sunrise or just before sunset for the best angles of light. Subject Matter: there are many good viewpoints of The Mount including the mouth of the Red River and the dunes to the west and The Causeway and harbor to the east. Tips: It’s vital to find something of interest in the foreground to your photo whether that is rocks, The Causeway, a reflection, ripples on the beach, or a swan.

Wildlife: the dunes have wildflowers such as sea holly and sea rocket.

PRUSSIA COVE

Timing: the early morning is lovely at Prussia Cove, the view from Cudden Point can be amazing at sunset.

Subject Matter: there is a lovely old fisherman’s hut; the cove has cart tracks cut through the rock; there are plenty of wildflowers including thrift and sea campion in early summer.