At 40ft the tidal range along the length of The Exmoor Coast is the second highest in the world, crashing against the highest sea cliffs in England.
The coastline within the National Park stretches for (54 km) 34 miles. It is outstanding for both its scenery and its wildlife and was one of the prime reasons for the designation of Exmoor as a National Park. In April 1991 it was created a Heritage Coast, reinforcing its value and the need for conservation already recognised by National Park status.
The magnificent coast is composed of the British mainland’s highest cliffs and wooded slopes while fast-running streams make their way to the sea by ravine or waterfall. Scree covers some of the lower slopes of the cliffs, curved like hogs’ backs and undercut by the action of the sea. Access to much of the coast is difficult and many of the cliffs, caves and rocky beaches may only be approached by boat - or by the expert rock climber.
At Combe Martin, Lynmouth and Porlock Weir there are small harbours that used to be busy with coastal trade. Now sailing and fishing for pleasure are their mainstay.
Exmoor boasts 55 km (34 miles)
of rugged coastline to the north along the Bristol Channel and stretches
from Combe Martin to Minehead.
It is
some of the highest coastline on the British mainland. The highest
cliff is Great
Hangman, at 244 m (800
ft). The dramatic scenery of rocky headlands, ravines, waterfalls and
towering cliffs gained the Exmoor coast recognition as a Heritage Coast
in 1991.
Woody Bay
These
precipitous rugged cliffs have been carved by the storm ridden seas
of centuries, and provide an awe-inspiring back drop for the tumbling
surf of a glistening ocean. In the hinterland behind the coast, Exmoor
is revealed in all its enchantment; it is a glorious mixture of soft
green valley's, deep combes, dark, brooding moorland and thickly wooded
forest, finely strung together by a sprinkling of gently flowing streams
and spirited rivers winding through hill and valley, often culminating
at the sea.
Coast at VOR
Exmoor is unique for its coastal woodlands, including 16
km (10 miles) of cliff between Porlock and Countisbury where
the trees spread right down to the beach in places. The South
West Coast Path at 630 miles (1014 km) long is the longest National
Trail in England and Wales and starts along the Exmoor coast.
Small harbours can be found at Lynmouth, Porlock
Weir and Combe Martin.
Once important for coastal trade, their primary use now is for pleasure sailing and fishing.
The Exmoor Coast Group
E-mail: terrycheek@orange.net
Web: www.exmoorwalker.com
The Exmoor Coast Group share the common interest of The Exmoor Coast, birds, photography, walking, climbing or geology.
See also
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