The clocks have officially gone back which means that evenings are getting darker and the winter weather is now in full swing. The days of tanning and BBQs on the beach are over and the warm coats, wellies, and hot chocolate are the new season necessities. Fortunately, the beaches in Cornwall are still just as incredible from November to February as they are in peak summer - just for different reasons!

Safety first! Storm chasing safety…

“Storm chasing” in Cornwall is quite a controversial topic and for good reason. Winter storms are dramatic and you should never underestimate the unpredictable power of the sea. I will only ever promote SAFE storm chasing and you must always bear in mind the potential dangers if you do not participate in sensible storm watching. Here are a few pointers to note down before heading to the Cornish coast:

Wherever you are on the coast, make sure to let someone know where you’re going and what time you expect to be home
Be aware of tide times and the dangers of being cut off - the tide can become faster and stronger during stormy weather
Stay clear of cliff edges and coastal paths - stormy seas can throw unpredictable waves and can give cliffs/paths a real beating. You should always be aware of coastal erosion, especially during and after bad weather
Dress appropriately - come on guys, this one is super obvious! Wrap up warm and make sure that you’re wearing SENSIBLE FLAT shoes
If you or someone else is in trouble then dial 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard IMMEDIATELY.

Cornwall’s top storm chasing spots

So you’re all clued up on safety and have your best warmest winter get up on, so, where next!?

St Agnes

St Agnes faces northwest and has incredible views up the coast. There’s no need to even brave the weather at St Agnes because you can watch the storm from the comfort of your car (free carpark.) Along the coast, you’ll find Wheal Coats, a famous Cornish mining landmark.

Sennen

Located at the far west of Cornwall, Sennen is a fantastic place to storm watch. The waves tend to break over the Cowloe Reef and the lifeboat station is proof that this part of the coast is pretty dangerous. If you take to the South West Coast Path then you’ll find yourself high enough from the ocean to watch the waves crash up over the town. You can actually watch the Sennen sea from the comfort of your own home via the Sennen Cove webcam.

Porthleven

Porthleven is a fantastic location for a storm chase. Also known as “the most battered storm town in the UK,” the waves tend to hit up against the harbour wall, sending wave mist and splashed over the town. In 2014 a famous photo of a 50ft wave splashing over the seaside town hit the national newspapers and features across news channels. If I were you, I’d head to The Ship Inn with a hot drink or beverage and watch the storms roll in from the windows. You never know, you might end up at a lock in!

Portreath

Another location that took a real hit during the 2014 storms! In fact, the storm was so strong that the little hut perched on the end of Portreath pier got completely washed away. There are a few cliffside roads that you can drive/walk up to safely watch a storm roll in.

The Lizard Point and Kynance Cove

The Lizard Point is the most southerly point of mainland Britain and a great location to watch the waves break. Kynance Cove is only 1 mile away from The Lizard Point and is definitely worth a visit. Be extremely cautious as there is limited phone signal and the tides can be unpredictable. The best place to watch a storm roll in is from the National Trust car park or from the top fields.

So there you have it! My top 5 spots for storm chasing in Cornwall. If you embark on a storm chase, please be extremely cautious - like I mentioned before, the sea is extremely powerful and unpredictable. If you see someone in danger make sure to call 999 IMMEDIATELY.

Have you ever been storm chasing? If so, I’d love to hear where your favourite storm spots are!

[*Images - Unsplash & Getty ]

Storm Chasing Spots in Cornwall: And Safety First!