Going to the Beach Each cove on St Agnes has its own beauty and treasures to offer.
Periglis
Periglis: the locals' beach of choice, where the sun shatters into tiny stars on the water, fishing boats dance on their moorings, children dart about having Wacky Races in rowing punts, kayaks, on rafts and boogie boards, and the Church and the old lifeboat shed remind us of all those who put to sea to save the lives of others in more perilous times.
The Bar
The Bar: stretching over to Gugh island, covered at high tide with dangerous currents; at low tide Bar is the perfect family beach: fine sand beneath the marram grasses, clear shallow water for swimming and rock pools gleaming with sea anemones. Look out for occasional three-masted sailing ships moored in the Cove.
Beady Pool
Beady Pool: the scene of a centuries-old wreck carrying a cargo of slave trade beads. There's usually at least one figure there, bent double, searching the tide line for those rare, reddy-brown treasures from a dark period in maritime history. Watch out for the shining heads of seals bobbing out beyond the flat rocks.
Covean
Covean: sheltered in a soft curving sweep of tamarisk trees. The old gig shed houses the long-disused pilot gigs Campernell and Sussex. Soft white sand is perfect for swimming at high tide and soaking in the warmth of summer afternoons. A favourite with the youngsters for late night beach fires and singing under the starry skies.