The perfect peninsula

Award-winning photographer David Chapman continues his series exploring Cornwall’s most beautiful spots and the creatures who live there

Centred on The Roseland the ‘South Coast Central’ Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) extends east as far as Black Head, taking in Mevagissey, Gorran Haven and Dodman Point. To the west it comprises a large part of the Fal River complex including Mylor Bridge, Feock and up-stream as far as Tresillian.

Some lovely bases from which to explore, all of which have car parking, include Mylor Bridge, St Clement and Trelissick to the west of the Fal; Portscatho, Porth Farm on St Anthony Head, St Mawes and Portloe on The Roseland; Mevagissey, Gorran Haven and Pentewan in the east of the AONB.

Foot-ferries run from Falmouth to St Mawes, Trelissick, Place on St Anthony Head in summer and Truro (which is outside the AONB). The King Harry Ferry (car ferry) crosses the Fal near Trelissick.

I’m not sure that I like the name of the ‘South Coast Central’, it makes me think of a railway station but of all the Cornish AONB’s this has got to be one of the most diverse. As well as gentle, atmospheric creeks it contains rugged coastal cliffs and headlands and quite a few well-known gardens including Heligan, Lamorran, Caerhays and Trelissick.

It is difficult to know where to begin to unlock the photographic opportunities in an area so large and varied. So to be thorough about my research, last year Sarah and I decided to spend a week on The Roseland at Merrose Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club Site in our van. We like to take holidays in Cornwall whenever possible and this is an attractive site a short distance from Portscatho.