The only New Year’s Resolution I’ve come up with so far is to visit Cornwall’s North Coast at least once a month. (I toyed with the idea of once a week, but I want to give myself half a chance of success, so have lowered the bar a bit.)
I am so lucky to live near the beaches in Falmouth that I forget to go and see the stunning scenery of the jagged North Coast. The beaches are so expansive, the cliffs are steeper and the waves are more powerful. Sand dunes held together by seagrass create a distinctly different landscape —this week I visited the rustic stretches of Gwithian and Godrevy in the bay of St. Ives. It can be hard to motivate myself to go exploring alone — so far I have jumped in with friends on surf trips, using the time they’re in the water to explore, walk the dog, and take pictures. In the New Year I will get back to my mission of walking the coast path, planning my mini-adventures and committing to a challenge. I want to push myself a little further towards the edge of my comfort zone — just to remind myself that I can.
Earlier this year I was advised to go to the North Coast when my mind was overloaded. A friend said that she drives up there to make plans; literally and mentally changing perspective. It’s so easy to get cooped up by staying in one little town for too long — however lovely that little town might be. Sometimes it benefits to put the sea on the other side of yourself.
Generations of artists have gathered in St. Ives and across Cornwall’s northern coastline to immerse themselves in that inspiring environment. Perhaps most notably was sculptor Barbara Hepworth, who professed her love for:
“the quality of light and colour… reminds me of the Mediterranean light and colour, which so excites one’s sense of form.”
Next year I’m going to take some of my creative work to the North Coast — at least once a month — in order to re-invigorate my imagination, as well as making the most of the striking scenery. I’m feeling settled in Falmouth now, and whether it’s for work or play, I’m almost ready for my next (mini) adventures.
