Exmoor Coast. Greenaleigh to Bossington.

25th July 2009.

I took advantage of the good weather and spring tide on Saturday to traverse along the coast from Greenaleigh to Bossington Beach. High water at Ilfracombe was at 0916am with a height of 9.6m. Low water was at 3.14pm at 0.7m. Over the years those that have explored the Exmoor Coast have always used Ilfracombe tide predictions where ever they are between Minehead and Ilfracombe. This may not appear to be very accurate but it is not so confusing as having to deal with the many variations along the coast. I parked on North Hill and made my way down

the very steep path to Burgundy Chapel, then along to Greenaleigh Farm. I set foot on the beach below Greenaleigh at about 1030am. The tide was still well in, to the west I could see that some climbing would be required at the west side of the beach. It looked deserted, I clambered over the first outcrop and came across three young men attempting the same route. They were wisely waiting for the tide to recede further, foolishly I continued until I was brought to a halt 12ft above the water where a very slimey groove blocked the route west. I was eventually joined by the trio on a very cramped narrow ledge. By now the beach was dry but the cliff below was undercut with no visible way down. Rather than return along the cliff we set about fixing a rope and lowered ourselves to the beach. Many times over the years I have climbed across the cliffs above the water only to find that it would have been faster and much easier to wait for the tide to ebb then just walk along the beach.

The trio were obviously going to take their time and have a good look around so I left them to it. There were no other problems, I came out onto Selworthy Sands just as the sand was being uncovered. Peregrines with their rapid wing beat were racing across the cliffs and the weather was holding out.

At the Fisherman's rope at the foot of Coney Combe I looked up and saw that the cliffs above have continued to fall since March. Huge areas of slab No's 1, 3 and 4 on the photo have gone plus an area above 3 and 4 taking the apex of the recess much higher up to the grass. I continued west to Fledgling Wall. I had to climb across this 100ft wide feature as the beach was still flooded. From there, through Gull Hole and around to the shingle of Bossington Beach the route went without having to climb above the water. I arrived at low water and decided to return to Fledgling Wall as the rock there is in excellent condition and had dried out well. It wasn't long before the trio came into view crossing the sands.

The tide had turned and they had increased their speed somewhat in order to make it through Gull Hole.

I climbed up via the Fisherman's rope into Coney Combe then on up to Selworthy Beacon before heading back across the hill, reaching the car just as the rain began to fall.