Welcombe

I have fond memories of stumbling upon the amazing coastal gem of Welcombe Mouth.  I discovered this coastal valley quite by chance on one if my numerous travels.

After venturing down the long, bumpy unmade track that leads to Welcombe I turned the final bend and I was greeted with the most spectacular panorama.  As I surveyed this picturesque scene I could see a wild and rugged, secluded beach, with the most fascinating geology, enveloped by high rocky cliffs.

This superb beach is  very popular with experienced surfers and its delightful surroundings has a compelling sense of magnetism which has drawn me back to its clutches numerous times.  Its raw atmosphere and the feeling of serenity that encapsulates you when you are there is truly remarkable.

Welcombe Mouth with its car park (SS 213181) is situated at the bottom of a valley and is encased by coastal heaths, bracken covered cliff tops and a stream.  The winding stream flows through the valley and plunges abruptly over the cliff edge to cascade into a waterfall which gushes powerfully over the large pebbles onto the beach.  The surge of the water has a soothing quality which is both peaceful and mesmerising.  It surges down between the long, boney strips of gnarled rock and eventually merges with the sea.

The beach is a carpet of pebbles, revealing a small, golden sandy beach.  When the tide is low it is interspersed with rock pools.   It is surrounded by grey, jagged outcrops of stone that are engrained with the ravages of time and are fascinatingly reptilian in appearance giving an almost Jurassic feel and were formed over 320 million years ago.

This wonderful place is home to a diverse selection of plants and wildlife and thus its not surprising that it is part of the Marsland to Clovelly SSSI (Site of Special, Scientific Interest) and is home to many specialist plants.  The expanse of wild plants and animals is abundant for all to see and the area is popular with walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The energy of the pounding Atlantic Ocean can be heard reverberating against the cliffs below ad the wind feels refreshingly revitalising against your skin.  This innate jewel is a setting of pure beauty so isolating and remote it is totally compelling and once visited the wealth of opportunity and discovery is all consuming.