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Hayle
Hayle dominates the crescent shaped St. Ives Bay with its miles of level golden sands stretching eastwards to Gwithian and Godrevy Lighthouse and in the opposite direction towards Carbis Bay and St. Ives. Hayle has become a popular location for self-catering holidays, replacing the industrial heritage brought about by the explosion of engineering companies established in the area to meet the needs of the Cornish mining industry.
In 1779 John Harvey began the world famous company, building pumping engines and other mining equipment. Eventually, they would supply a major part of the world's requirements, including joining forces with the Cornish Copper Company of Ventonleague (their main competitors at the time) in the 1840’s to build the largest steam engine ever to drain the Haarlem Lake in Holland. This then led to Harveys building ships up to 4,000 tons and developing a steam packet service to Wales and Bristol. More recently, the Hayle Harbour area, which has been a “blot on the landscape” for many years, has been bought by ING, the bank, and is in the process of getting planning permission for a Marina and redevelopment of the area.
Hayle is basically a town of two halves – namely the Foundry end and the Copperhouse end – both having a good selection of local shops and facilities. The Inter-City railway line crosses part of the harbour area by way of a viaduct, again constructed in Harvey’s time, giving a mainline railway connection to Paddington. Both local and national railway and bus services are available within the town and give access to the surrounding towns of West Cornwall. There is a good selection of schools at all levels within the town together with sixth form colleges at the nearby town of Camborne and the Cathedral City of Truro.
Copperhouse Pool is part of a large man made tidal water feature designed to sluice the sand bar at the entrance to the harbour, but it is still very much in use especially for annual regattas, swimming and boat races. Hayle Estuary and Carnsew Pool are also used by local rowing clubs “Trelawney” and “Hayle Gig Club” for their activities, whilst the Estuary and Lelant Saltings play host to thousands of winged visitors and are popular locations for hundreds of bird watchers.
All along the north coast line of Hayle and its surrounding areas are wonderful beaches and sandy dunes (towans) as well as some breathtaking views. It is no wonder that people wish to get away from the “rat race” of city life, once they have sampled the delights of the Cornish ways. With email and computers etc, many people have already transferred homes to live in the area and work from home – it is so easy.
Every possible sport and hobby is catered for within the area from absailing down cliffs to yachting in the surrounding seas, catering for all ages, male or female. Gardens to visit, whether they be National Trust or otherwise, churches for all denominations, plus of course the international renowned Paradise Park – an important bird sanctuary.
The sport of surfing is not only practised at Newquay, and many surfers are seen developing their art. More recently the sport of Landspeed sailing has become increasingly popular with the very level beaches of Gwithian and Hayle providing a marvellous base for the British and European rounds of the sport’s World Championships.
Surrounding the town are many interesting and highly sought after rural villages, including St Erth, Angarrack, Gwithian, Phillack, Connor Downs, Gwinear and Reawla, which are well served by a selection of local shops, post offices, churches and junior schools. All are within easy reach of Hayle and have excellent country walks, most with stunning rural views.