I spent many Sunday afternoons there in my youth, whenever my family didn't go to Sennen for the day. I generally swam at Averack in the summer holidays but Sundays most of the local youths would head for Portheras. The lads would generally be on the rocks straight ahead at the far end of the beach, (on the right of the stream as it enters the cove) and the girls would be down on the sand, towards that end, under the cliff but not too close under as that glacial head had a tendency to drop off in lumps.
I’m told that the large isolated rock on the beach below the river is known locally as The Penny Pig. Sand levels here can vary by seven or eight feet to a height where this can be nearly covered.
If you go to the bottom of Geevor there is a zawn. Head twards the lighthouse from there and you will see a low part-tidal promontory below the cliff before the path climbs over the next headland.
There are the remains of steps down the cliff and you will see large pools. The largest of these has a dam across one end which used to have a bung in it. It got flushed out at high-tide but was available for swimming most of the day. In my teens it was quite popular and many locals, mostly early teens, would spend most of the summer holidays down there. There was the base of a former diving board on one high rock over the pool. I believe miners extended the pool in the early 20th century and there were sports held down there. All long past by my day and I have no firm facts I'm afraid.
Penny Pig?
Could well be Trevelyan. I don't recall a name but many such features do have local names and it is many years since I spent time there with the local crew.
I found both the previous comments very interesting so thank you, Chill and Trevelyan! I shall have a look at my other more recent snaps of Portheras to try and see which rock was called Penny Pig and next time I'm walking at Geevor, take a stroll in the direction of Pendeen Watch and take a look at Averack. I don't think I have walked that stretch before; only from Botallack to Geevor.
Well blow me down; I now find I posted a picture of Averack in the mystery section last year and what's more you guessed it tpp.
Our memories don't improve with age it seems.
http://picturepenzance.co.uk/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=8206andppuser=493
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
