This beach is a boulder shore backed by a pebble ridge of loose cobbles and is difficult to negotiate in places, especially when wet.
The beach is far enough west to be largely clear of the silt found further east up the Severn Estuary. On lower tides (< 1m) a kelp bed is exposed.
Parking and Location
Free parking at the County Gate car park:
The post code is EX35 6NY
The Ramblers Rest Café at the car park closes at 4pm but is well worth a visit for cake and tea
There are toilets in the car park. This is a remote location and there is poor/intermittent phone signal and no facilities once away from the car park.
Access to the beach
The walk from the car park is just under 3km and descends 300 metres down to the beach. The path is well maintained, wide, stable and solid. There are some relatively level sections and also some steep inclines which are ok on the downward journey, but they are a strenuous challenge on the way back to the car park. Walking sticks are advised.
Site Designation for Shoresearch App
| Designations | ||
| SSSI | Yes | Glenthorne |
| SAC | No | |
| SPA | No | |
| MCZ | No | |
| RAMSAR | No |
Site Description for Shoresearch App
(amend as necessary depending on specific location of survey)
Previous Survey Dates and Results
| Survey Date | Results | Photographs |
| 2025-03-16 | Link to our photo gallery |