Great Mattiscombe Sands, Devon
…find an unspoiled beach
AS EVERYTHING FROM THE EURO TO THE ASH IS C US A
O THE ASH IS CONSPIRING TO KEEP US AT HOME THIS SUMMER, why not rediscover the joys of the British beach? And not just any British beach, but a gem known only to a few.
There are thousands of them, from the four miles of pink sand at Sandwood Bay in Scotland to the pearly Great Mattiscombe Sands in Devon, says Daniel Start, who lists his picks in Wild Swimming: Coast (Punk Publishing, £14.95). His criteria include remoteness, untouched beauty and a surprise—such as a rock arch, waterfall or sea cave. His tip is to look for a cove that offers the following: shelter; privacy; a beach washed by the tide; and rocks to perch on.
Just to prove there’s more to the coast
than coves, he also recommends Scolt Head Island in Norfolk. “With its swathe of white sand, it’s the nearest thing you’ll find to a desert island in Britain,” he says.
Nick Crane, presenter of BBC2’s Coast, also nominates a Norfolk beach, Winterton- on-Sea: “One hundred and fifty yards of golden sand with the remains of concrete tank traps tumbled about like dice.” Kate Rew of the Outdoor Swimming Society and author of Wild Swim (£12.99) prefers rocks. “Dancing Ledge in Dorset is a tiny dipping pool beneath the cliffs. It’s like having your own spa,” she says. And Rachel Wyatt, who runs the Good Beach Guide for the Marine Conservation Society (goodbeachguide.
co.uk) champions the long sweep of sand at Beadnell Bay in Northumberland. There are downsides. Be prepared for
a long walk and sometimes a steep descent (the locals usually chip out a few steps). You’ll need a picnic and a strong bladder because there are no cafes or toilets. They’re rarely rated for water quality and there’s no lifeguard, so check it’s safe to swim. And you may not see swimsuits— these beaches are often naturist haunts.
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PHOTOSHOT HOLDINGS LTD/ALAMY
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