Porlock Bay and Atlantic Ocean
In 1899, Lifeboat Hauled Over The Moors...the force eight gale had been raging...
...By now, many villagers had assembled at the little harbour and all were amazed at his bidding. It would be impossible. The journey would mean hauling the lifeboat up Countisbury Hill that was one thousand feet (307 m) high and Porlock Weir was thirteen miles away across the high open ground of Exmoor. Folk shook their heads in disbelief at the suggestion, but with encouragement from the Rev. Hockley, a hundred Lynmouth villagers spoke as one, “We’ll try”
20 horses were brought from the local coach proprietor, and six men were sent ahead with shovels and pickaxes to widen the road. The combined efforts of the horses and 100 local men eventually brought the boat to the top of Countisbury Hill, where a wheel came off the carriage and had to be put back on..."
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About a mile of trail runs alongside the tidal floodplain, then climbs towards Hurlstone Point. A Cairn marks a trail up to the headland of North Hill. Continue along the coastal section, rising once more to the Viewpoint. Quite a sight with a 270deg panoramic view - from the Bay and out to the wild Atlantic and the disappearing headlands of Exmoor and South Wales across the Bristol Channel.
Around the Headland to View The Secluded Beach
Sweeping, spectacular views lead to the disused Coast Guard Station. The wooden railings protect from a cliff fall. With care, head past the Station, stopping to explore the inside, and head along the footpath to gain a view of the secluded sandy beach. No safe access from here.
Make Your Way Back and Down to the Pebble Beach and Explore
The Bristol Channel here opens out to the Wild Atlantic. The tidal and wind-funnelling effects are extremely strong. The bay and the Channel are notorious for shipwreck. At the Headland, the onshore wind can be so strong that one can barely stand up.Explore amongst the rock formations. There is a natural cave tunnel through the headland, though only enter at ebb, low tide to avoid risk of being cut-off.
Splash It All About - Then It's Time For Beach Food !!
Waves pound the shorline and stack the pebbles into steep tiers. Each one as much as 10 ft high. Good beachcombing for objects that have travelled the oceans. Perhaps even one of those infamous World-travelled plastic ducks!
The re-enactment of the 1899 Rescue
Re-enactment of the Overland Launch of 1899
