Black Cliff Beach

Part of Hayle's famous "three miles of golden sand" this wide, sandy beach stretches from just beyond the rivermouth to Mexico Towans. 

 As the name suggests it is backed by (low) cliffs, which provide some shelter from the breeze. Why they are referred to as Black cliffs is anyone's guess - mine is that they are somewhat darker than the adjacent dunes. 

 As you head northwards along the beach it becomes a little more exposed and the cliffs give way to high sand dunes (the Towans). 

 The naming of the beaches along this section is fairly confusing, and where one beach stops and the next starts is a matter for debate. Black Cliff is sometimes referred to as Upton Towans, which along with neighbouring Mexico Towans forms Hayle Towans. 

The section of the beach that runs around the corner, towards the harbour, is known as Harvey's Towans and is home to a great little cafe.