The Coast of the Roseland Peninsula (from Turnaware Point to Mevagissey)

On the other side of the Fal Estuary, or Carrick Roads as this large area of sheltered deep water is known, opposite to Falmouth lies St Mawes at the head of the Roseland Peninsula. The magic of Comwall assumes a new dimension in the Roseland, here the scenery is completely different in character to the North Coast. On this coast rocky coves and sandy beaches are cheek by jowl with river estuaries and creeks sheltered by woodland. St Mawes, with its castle built on the orders of Henry VIII to protect Falmouth's flank, is a town of rather select houses on a hillside overlooking the harbour. The Roseland Peninsula has hardly been touched by tourism and not at all by industry; and its inland areas remain peaceful farmland.

Boating: Carrick Roads and Gerrans Bay are ideal for all kinds of boating; shore facilities are plentiful and special areas are set aside for water-skiing; sheltered water can be found in all weathers.

Fishing:Generally all the sandy beaches are rewarding with ground tackle, pollack and flounder mostly with the occasional sea bass, while mackerel are still plentiful off the rocks. Mevagissey is one of the best sea-angling resorts in the West Country; the outer side of its harbour wall provides float fishing and spinning for pollack, mackerel, garfish and bass; grey mullet can be caught on light tackle in the early morning.

Swimming: The many sandy coves and beaches on this undeveloped coast are safe for swimming in most weather conditions, and as they are sheltered from the west by the Lizard peninsula there is seldom any heavy swell.

1. TURNAWARE POINT

Walk from St just round the riverside headland, (opposite Tantallon) Messack Point owned by the National Trust (this file gives detailed directions) . You can extend the walk by taking the concrete road, laid in the last war down to Turnaware; views of Carrick Roads and the River Fal.

It was from Turnaware that American forces embarked in June 1944 for the D-day landings on Omaha beach. The picture at the beginning of this section shows the view across from Turnaware to Trelissick .

2. ST. JUST IN ROSELAND

Beautifully situated on the side of a creek, and surrounded by semi-tropical gardens and towering pine trees. The church dates from the 13th century. Beside paths through the gardens are stone tablets inscribed with verses. Beyond the church, reached by road or foreshore path, is Pasco's boatyard and St Just bar, a spit of pebbles protecting the sheltered inner harbour. In past centuries ships used to fill their water barrels from the Holy Spring below the church. Boats for hire. Parking.

Walk the SW Coastal path to St Mawes

3. ST MAWES

Built on a steep hillside over-looking the harbour at the mouth of Percuel River, St Mawes is nowadays best known as a paradise for sailing. and for all forms of watersport. But at heart it remains a sleepy fishing village which only comes to life in the Summer sun, with the bustling activity of the many visiting yachtsman and dinghy sailors enjoying the sheltered waters of Carrick Roads. Many people return year after year attracted by its unspoilt charms . Here many sub tropical species flourish in the mild climate. Below the road which cuts into the cliffside are quiet, sandy beaches with safe swimming. The small harbour, partly enclosed by a wall, is very busy in summer, the picture below shows the little ferry crossing to St Anthony, with the Falmouth ferry alongside the quay. The clover-leaf castle, built in 1542 to protect Falmouth Harbour from pirates and enemies, is completely intact and is open daily. Motor and rowing-boats for hire. Excellent beaches either in St Mawes (Castle Beach below the Tresanton and Summers Beach nr St Mawes Harbour) or St Anthony (Little Molunan ) accessed by the Place Ferry. Walk the SW Coastal Path from St Just to St Mawes

4. PERCUEL OR (PORTHCUEL)

Boatyard, dinghy park and launching slip on a bend in the river. Above the bend, the river dries at half tide. Magnificent views. Boats for hire. The view shown above is of  Summers Beach