Praa Sands

Praa Sands is a mile-long crescent of golden sand between Porthleven and Marazion, one of south Cornwall's most flyable beaches because it is open foreshore rather than National Trust land. At low tide the beach is enormous, backed by low dunes and the ruined Pengersick engine houses, and you get long, clean lines south over Mount's Bay. Launching from the sand or the public car parks is legal and easy, and the gentle, shelving bay is far calmer than the exposed north coast. There is no Flight Restriction Zone overhead, with Land's End airport about 23km west and Newquay well to the north, so you are in open class G airspace, though keep an eye out for occasional coastguard and air-ambulance traffic along the coast. Respect the lifeguarded swimming zones and busy summer families by flying from the quieter western end near Hendra, and stay off the low cliffs at each headland during the seabird nesting season. Wind off the sea can build quickly in the afternoon, so morning flights give the smoothest air and the best low, warm light across the bay.