Plaice Cove Beach

Secret beaches of the south-west: Frog Prince Cove, Cornwall

Overlooked by Ordnance Survey, and unmarked on any map or chart, this tiny strip of sand is so secret that we've had to make up our own name for it. Frog Prince Cove, though, is very apt – encompassing not just the beach's fairytale ambience, but also its proximity to the hamlet of Frogmore and the amphibian-shaped rock that stands nearby. The jewel-like blue water off this sandy inlet is ideal for wild swimming, and adjacent Palace Cove is just a 100m freestyle splash away, past plenty of smooth-sand resting places and jump-perfect rocks.Our suggested short walk is one of the least taxed in the book, and easy access to the beach, ideal for families.

There are many beaches scattered around this miniature small area, and rocks that separate them are easy to climb or paddle when the tide is low. When water levels are increasing, the small area of ​​sand next to the beach access road is accessible. If you swim to the left, well, you can find more dry sand in a large entry.

The walk

Distance: 2 km

Supplies

Something of a time capsule, the Old Ferry Inn (oldferryinn.co.uk) to Bodinnick by Fowey - just a short drive Frogmore - looks almost exactly as he would have done in 1811. The intimate, oak-paneled bar, with brass pump project, and lanterns hanging from the ceiling of the ship, offers the atmosphere, while the River Fowey on the outside provides the wow factor. Beer is from Sharp's Brewery, just along the coast in Rock, and many a thirsty walker has stopped here to watch boats negotiate the mouth of the estuary while nursing a pint of Cornish Coaster. The food – plaice goujons, home-battered haddock, lamb shank with mint-and-onion gravy – is of the upmarket pub-grub variety, and there's also great ice-cream to take away.

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