Woody Bay in North Devon is a stunning and unspoilt spot that’s perfect for wild swimmers and sunbathers – but it’s not for the faint-hearted or those seeking facilities
A pristine UK beach has remained almost completely free of sun worshippers, despite its excellent coastal features.
Even on a weekday, the West Country’s top beaches are often still bustling with summer tourists, surfers or dog walkers. This is not the case for Woody Bay in North Devon, where Bristol Post reporter Sophie Grubb didn’t spot a single soul during her brief visit on a sunny Monday morning in June.
The reason is obvious – the journey to get there is far from a leisurely stroll. In reality, it’s a steep, winding path through woodland, with only fleeting glimpses of the sea beyond the dense foliage. There’s a lay-by that doubles as a small but free car park nearby on Sir Robert’s Path, but even from there it’s still about a half-hour walk down.
“With each step, I was dreading the uphill return journey, and it struck me that we only passed one other person the entire time. Surprisingly, there were a few cars at the bottom when we approached the beach itself, next to a holiday cottage, so there were signs of life despite its remote location – though I wouldn’t fancy tackling the drive along the narrow, pothole-ridden path and visitors are also advised against attempting it,” Sophie recalled.
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The path eventually opens up to reveal stunning views of the neighbouring bay and the tranquil sea in between, which take a beautiful shade of turquoise even when the sun is hidden behind the clouds.
From the beach is a narrow footpath that leads to a platform above the water and offers breathtaking views, including of a submerged pier that was built in 1895 but has since been left to languish in the salty drink, reports Bristol Live.
Regrettably, the path has recently been cordoned off to the public. The National Trust, which oversees most of the land around Woody Bay, has explained the viewpoint is privately owned by a large nearby property.
“We opted for the brief but rocky descent to the beach itself, which is stunningly rugged and has even drawn comparisons to Hawaii. Despite its local reputation as a delightful swimming spot, it was completely deserted during our visit,” Sophie wrote.
“The tide was rather high so only a sliver of the shore was visible, and we didn’t dare get any closer to the waves. On our previous visit, we went paddling and managed to get right up close to the small waterfall cascading down the cliff face, but this time we simply admired it from a distance.”
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Wild swimmers have praised Woody Bay for the man-made Victorian pool that forms among the rocks, although it can be hard to locate when the tide is in.
“We hadn’t intended to linger here but did find ourselves wishing we had packed a picnic to savour the view. Anyone planning a similar trip should certainly bring a carrier bag for their rubbish, as well as all their provisions. This secluded spot is so pristine that we couldn’t even spot a bin,” Sophie continued.
“Opting for our baby carrier over the pram proved to be a wise choice, given the challenging terrain. However, it’s worth noting that Woody Bay isn’t particularly accessible for those with disabilities or even many families, due to the absence of amenities like toilets, a cafe or lifeguard.
“But if you’re not fussed about these shortcomings, the strenuous leg workout is a small price to pay for a tranquil escape from the masses and a sense of having your own secluded piece of paradise.”