Selworthy Sands

This is one of the nicest beaches along this stretch of the West Somerset coast, but also the most inaccessible. In fact it is only really suitable for those who like a good climb and / or are good at reading tide timetables! Suffice to say the coastguard and lifeboat crews have rescued a fair few people who have become stranded at Selworthy over the years.

At mid to low tide the beach here is a lovely stretch of sand backed by boulders and sloping cliffs. Chances are you will have the beach to yourself too as this is one of the Exmoor coast’s secret beaches. Even the South West Coast Path misses Selworthy Sands.

As with many of the beaches along this part of the Bristol Channel their can be strong currents as the huge tide moves meaning swimming is best avoided.

There are a couple of ways to get to the beach at Selworthy. The easiest is from Bossington, but only at low tide. This route involves a scrabble towards Hurlstone Point, where you will find a cave known as Gull Hole. This leads through to the beach.

The alternative route involves following the coastpath from Bossington to the ruined coastguard lookout at Hurlstone Point. Near here you will find a steep scree covered path. Leading down to the beach. If you are lucky there will be a rope to hang on to as you lower yourself down. If you are really lucky the rope might go all the way down!