Susan Kinley's Secret Cornwall
North or South coast? Gwithian or Whitsand Bay? Everyone who loves Cornwall has their favourite part, their most loved beach and their top eatery. We've asked Sue Kinley whose stunning work features in Lost for Words to reveal some of her top destinations.
The landscape of Cornwall plays a major part in Sue's work, so visiting different parts Cornwall - especially some of the ancient sites in the county - is research as well as pleasure.
Sue, what's your favourite part of Cornwall?
I tend to migrate towards West Penwith – I love the wildness of the moors and coastline, and particularly like visiting ancient archaeological sites, of which there are many in the area.
Favourite beach?
I haven’t been able to get near my favourite beaches – Pendower, on the Roseland, and some small ones on the Helford river – due to the enormous amount of visitors these last two summers, so I go to them out of season. I have a very local, small pebbly beach where I swim, which I will keep secret!
Favourite place to go for a walk?
Porthgwarra, Sennen to Nanjizal on the coast path, the Lizard around Kynance, West Penwith moors.
Favourite place to camp?
Treen, or anywhere on the Isles of Scilly.
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
Most inspiring place in Cornwall?
This changes depending on which site I am working from – Tregeseal stone circle near St Just, Nine Maidens near St Breock Downs, anywhere high up – Chapel Carn Brea, Carn Galva.
Favourite view?
On the coast road from Zennor to St Just – amazing views down over ancient fields to the sea
Best spot for a picnic and what would you take to eat?
A west facing beach on the Lizard, veggie barbecue, Hallumi & mushroom burgers.
Favourite cafe?
Lizard point for views, Poldhu for hot chocolate in winter.
Favourite place to go for a celebration night out?
A midsummer evening walk, staying out to see the sunset.
Where do you go to get away from it all?
My studio and West Penwith
Where would you take a visitor to Cornwall?
The small ferry from Helford Passage over to Helford Village, walking around Frenchman’s Creek, taking in Kestle Barton, walking anywhere on the coastpath, one of the Penwith Landscape Partnership’s trail guides in West Cornwall.
How would you spend an ideal day?
Working in the studio, going for a swim, gardening, walking the dog.
Cornwall’s best kept secret destination?
Anywhere on the coast path is beautiful, and most people don’t venture far beyond the beach that they have driven to. You can see Sue's stunning collection of work for Lost for Words here.
