Summer bids farewell as autumn plants seize their moment

Crackington Haven, Cornwall: Ferns thrive in the undergrowth and blackthorns are loaded with sloes

Downhill from the chapel and beyond garden hedges of orange montbretia, red valerian and fuchsia, the stark headland of Pencannow Point dominates the view seawards. Dark folded rocks tower above the haven with its cafe and hotel and the narrow bridge, rebuilt in 2004 after damage from the torrential rain that rushed down converging streams.

Coastal vessels used to be run up on to the beach to offload limestone and coal, burnt in a kiln to produce agricultural lime. Sand, seaweed and stone were also gathered from here and carted inland, but plans for a railway to link this rudimentary harbour with Launceston were never implemented. Now, tourists park in the ticketed car park or pause here for refreshment along the coastal path.