Beach Fire Tips: Gwithian Sunsets
Home. Gwithian. As children, we spent many days splashing around in rockpools, and bodyboarding in the shallows. True nostalgia. Now, as a twenty-something, Gwithian is the first place that I go to when I need time to myself, or with friends and family. It’s home. When I think of my favourite summer days, I think of this place. Beach fires, music and dancing straight through to sunset, wine in hand, magical sea swims, family games of rounders, laughter, tears, peace and quiet. A place to make new memories, but still hold onto the old. It was the first place that I went to after the lockdown was lifted, and when I lost some of the most important people in my life. A place with a magical power to make everything that little bit better. Happy memories. Home.
Located on the North coast between Portreath and St Ives, Gwithian is home to a three-mile stretch of golden sands & sand dunes. It’s a great spot for surfing and water-sports, as well as for families and dogs. It’s a general all-rounder and is also wonderful if you’re looking for a bite to eat and a walk along the dunes. You’ll find The Rockpool, Sunset Surf Cafe, and Feed & Fed on the outskirts of Gwithian.
More recently, some friends and I drove to Gwithian for a few hours to watch the sunset next to a small beach fire. I’ll let the photos do the talking, but it was a gorgeous evening and I even managed to shoot some images for my Cornish Print Store. It was one of those really special moments. Just my camera and I, plus the surfer catching his last wave of the day, before walking up the beach during the last seconds of light.
Top tips for a safe beach fire:
Not all beaches allow fires so make sure to check first. Take your own small fire pit if the beach doesn’t allow open fires.
Pick a good spot! Preferably one that is tucked away from the wind. Make sure that you aren’t too close to sand dunes or anything flammable.
Build your fire by digging a small hole. You can also put rocks around the pit for extra protection. We use dry kindling wood (you can normally purchase this type of wood for petrol stations), and light it with matches & petrol.
Add wood in a teepee shape to keep the fire alight.
Fire safety, make sure that the fire is fully out before leaving it. Put it out with water and cover the ashes in the sand once you have finished. Make sure that it is cool before putting the sand over it incase people step on it.
Make sure to take any rubbish away with you. It’s incredibly important to keep our beaches clean.
TAKE MARSHMALLOWS
