Head to the coast this summer
Being an island nation, we are blessed with some extraordinary coastline. Did you know that the coastline of Great Britain, including all of the islands, amounts to a grand total of 31,368 km (that’s just over 19,491 miles!). Did you also know that in Great Britain you’re never more than 70 miles (as the crow flies) from the coast?
The British coastline is home to a diverse list of more than 1,200 plants and animals including basking sharks, puffins, otters and basking sharks. Sometimes you can even spot a Leatherback sea turtle off the west coast who been known to visit to feast on the jellyfish in our seas during summer months!
But what else can you find along the coastline? In Southend-on-Sea you’ll find the world’s longest pier that stretches a whopping 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary. It’s so long that it even has it’s own railway line to get people from one end to the other!
Head to the south coast and you’ll see evidence of prehistoric Britain. The Jurassic coastline stretches 95 miles (from Studland Bay, Dorset through to Exmouth in Devon) and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the only place on Earth where rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods can be seen in one place, representing 185 million years of Earth’s history. How cool is that?!
Impressive rock formations aren’t unique to the Jurassic coast though. Off the Isle of Wight there’s the 3 chalk stacks of The Needles. Head further north though, to the Orkney’s and you’ll find the Old Man of Hoy. Formed of red sandstone, it’s one of the tallest sea stacks anywhere in the UK and one that many people have either climbed or base jumped from.
The coastline is also full of hidden secrets – or not so secret if you know where and when to look! Marros Beach, off the Carmarthenshire coast has a very special secret. at low tide, the ebbing waters reveal an ancient, submerged forest that dates back more than 13,000 years to before the last ice age.
I wonder what you’ll find on your next outdoor coastal adventure?
Our recommendations of the week
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Take in some of the beautiful scenery of the Pembrokeshire coastline with this circular walk from the village of Dale and around the peninsula to St Ann’s Head. It’s a lovely walk – that does include some steps and the odd stile to traverse!
A warm Devon welcome awaits
The Rising Sun in Lynmouth, North Devon, offers cosy accommodation surrounded by 14th century heritage and stunning views out across the sea. It’s the perfect place to stop after a days walking in Exmoor or the South West Coast Path.
Coastal walking adventures
We’re delighted to introduce you to the first ever Somerset & Exmoor Coast Festival this September. Whether you visit the very North of Somerset and begin your hikes in Brean, or whether you head into the heart of Exmoor National Park and explore the very picturesque villages of Porlock and Dunster, the festival promises to showcase the very best coastal views in the West Country.
Keeping the essentials dry
Whether you’re on the beach, a boat or anywhere else – there will be kit you want to keep dry. That’s where the fantastic bags from OverBoard come in. Not only do they make great bags for adults – they have a fun children’s range too! What’s more – until 2nd August you can save 25% on all their waterproof bags plus get a free gift worth up to £33!
An Adventure For Life
In September join us and our friends at Challenge The Wild for a weekend of adventure in the Lake District. It’s an an opportunity for those who have recovered from cancer, are living with cancer, or want to support someone who has experienced this illness, to take part in an organised adventure based event, guided by professional instructors.
Walk Yourself Happy
This September will see the release of Julia’s latest book – Walk Yourself Happy – an in celebration of that, she’ll be doing a series of talks and book signings up and down the country starting on Monday 18th September in Lytham. For details of where she’ll be and to book your tickets – please see the link below!