Innehållsförteckning för November 2023 från Coast

I remember many years ago in the months after the flash flooding which overwhelmed the coastal village of Boscastle in Cornwall, I would regularly find myself walking on the beach at Saunton in north Devon and encountering a series of single shoes. Finding the odd flip-flop whilst on the beach is, of course, par for the course. But when one discovers dozens of training shoes, walking boots and patented, black shoes along the shoreline, there has to be some sort of wider explanation. And indeed there was. One of the buildings swept away in that dreadful flood – which, thankfully, did not claim any lives – was a shop that sold shoes. And here I was, some months later, discovering for myself just how powerful and fascinating the tides can…

FIND OF THE MONTH The work of Newcastle printmaker Heather Moore is inspired by the North Sea coastline and the vibrant colours of nature. On beach walks, she loves hunting for pretty shells and pebbles, as captured here in Pebble Cairn, a limited edition lino print. (£350, thepeacockandtheprintmaker.com) PROVOCATIVE ART IN EASTBOURNE The Turner Prize, the world’s leading prize for contemporary art, will be the centrepiece of Towner Eastbourne gallery’s centenary celebrations this autumn. Tate Britain is the home of the Turner Prize, but it regularly travels outside of London, visiting Margate in 2019 and Liverpool in 2022. Work by the four shortlisted artists will be on show until January 14, 2024, with the announcement of the winner on December 5. Says Joe Hill, director of Towner Eastbourne: “The event…

It couldn’t be easier to sign up for a whole year of vitamin sea with a subscription to coast magazine, the magazine which loves our special shores just as much as you do. Join the coast family and you’ll be part of the ever-growing community who love everything to do with our wonderful coastline. The people, the places, the environment, the places to eat, the walks, the dream homes, the best spots to stay…we have it all contained within our pages. coast is a holiday in a magazine. Full of joy and passion for coastal living, it’s the perfect read for those who love to visit the sea, want to move to the sea, are inspired by the ocean or care about marine wildlife. Guarantee your copy every month with…

Know the two days when you enjoy owning a boat? That’s right…the day you buy it, and the day you sell it! That old adage is sometimes trotted out with rueful laughter by many a boat owner because they can see the kernel of truth in it. The fact is boat ownership is pleasurable, liberating, unique…and sometimes costly, even if you own the simplest of craft. Boost that ownership towards something sporty and powerful and you can start adding more pounds onto your debit column in the ledger of enjoyment. But, of course, any thoughts of the cost are temporarily lost on the wind when you are racing across the water, sun on you face, enjoying the thrill of speed out in the open air. And, again, you forget the…

Sailing author and Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation Tom Cunliffe and his colleague Bill Aylward have launched an interactive iPad-based navigation app called AngelNav which allows users to plot traditional chartwork easily. “AngelNav’s unique strength is that the charts on its screen are exactly the same as the paper charts in your chart table,” says Tom. “You can actually plot position lines, courses to steer and estimated positions on the screen just as you would with a pencil and chart instruments on the paper equivalent. “The app is suitable for literally anybody who is navigating in waters covered, at the moment, by raster charts.” The AngelNav app is free from the Apple App store for iPhones and iPads running iOS 15.0 and above. UK, Ireland and France charts…

• Towels were regularly used in the 1600s in the Turkish city of Bursa where wealthy people travelled to the Oylat thermal springs to benefit from the healing mineral powers of the waters. Afterwards, they were dried off and covered up with soft cotton towels called pestamel (bath wrappers), which originate from the hammam or bathhouse culture of the Ottoman Empire. Turkish cotton pestamel are widely available today and are lightweight, smooth in texture and absorbent. • The weaving technique used to create pile looped fabrics – or terrycloth – was invented in France in the 1840s and the name derives from the French verb ‘tirer’ – to pull. One Samuel Holt, an Englishman, applied the pile-looping technique to cotton which gave us the cosy towels we use today. •…

Roll up, roll up…Jack Jay has a tale to tell about showbusiness in the blood and how running an iconic coastal entertainment venue is something he felt destined to do. Jack, 34, is the public face of Great Yarmouth Hippodrome Circus, the seaside venue which has been packing ’em in for years. One might suggest he is the ringmaster of the enterprise – in front of audiences and behind the scenes. But as Jack himself would admit that would be to downplay that the Hippodrome is very much a Jay family affair, with brother Ben helping to make everything tick in his role as operations manager. And then, of course, there is their father Peter, the true reason the Jay brothers have showbusiness coursing through their veins. Jay explains: “Dad…

Pioneering research like this is only one part of what we do at the Ramblers to ensure everyone can get out and go walking. We’re already on the ground and we need your support. All year round, teams of Ramblers volunteers give their time to keep paths clear, open and well maintained for everyone to enjoy. And through our campaigning work, we’ve opened up vast swathes of the countryside that was out of bounds and made sure the right laws are in place to keep it that way. Want to help us open the way? Check out our website to see how you can get involved: ramblers.org.uk/…

We booked our break through Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire, a holiday cottage agency that features around 500 properties in West Wales. Run by a small local team with first-hand experience of both the area and every cottage, the collection ranges from the 12th Century castle to a sailor’s tap house close to the sea. Forty per cent of the collection is dog-friendly and the in-house concierge team can also arrange a selection of hand-crafted holiday extras and treats including welcome packages and exclusive experiences. Coastal Cottages’ Black Hall Cottage in Amroth sleeps six across three bedrooms and a seven-night stay starts from £840 and a three-night weekend break from £631. It also takes two dogs. (coastalcottages.co.uk, 01437 765765)…

Doug and Sue Hilton have an emphatic description for the Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse, which they bought in 2010, namely: “The most important building in global conservation history.” To further emphasise the point, Doug adds: “It is the most powerful lighthouse in the world – yes, others may be taller and bigger, with a brighter lantern, but no other lighthouse has had so many things happen to it or made such a difference around the world.” One of a pair located at the mouth of the River Nene, in Sutton Bridge, the lighthouse – also known as East Bank Lighthouse – was designed by Waterloo Bridge architect John Rennie in 1830 to celebrate the final stages in the drainage of the fens and mark the entry to the sea. From…

NICOLA BRADY Nicola is an award-winning travel writer based in Dublin. Originally from Sussex, she moved to the west coast of Ireland over 16 years ago, and is encouraging you to do the same in this issue’s ‘Move To’ feature, in which she sums up the best that the Irish coastline has to offer. KATE CHAPMAN Kate Chapman is a qualified journalist with more than 20 years’ writing experience for a variety of national newspapers, magazines and websites. She loves the coast and countryside and living in rural Lincolnshire allows her to enjoy the best of. In this issue Kate explores one of Lincolnshire’s iconic landmarks – the Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse. SUE McQUEENIE Sue McQueenie is a qualified journalist who now runs a PR and marketing company in Exeter.…

1 THIS BAG Pop everything you need for a day at the beach into a thick cotton canvas Shells tote bag by Holly Woodman, a pattern inspired by days on the Cornish coastline and the Isles of Scilly. (£16, hollywoodmantextiles.com) 2 THIS CUSHION Seaforth Designs in Solva on the Pembrokeshire coast is the go-to place for gorgeous handmade cushions featuring seaside motifs, from boats and lighthouses to puffins and scallop shells. (£49, seaforthdesigns.com) 3 THIS STRIPY TOP Get the nautical look and feel in a striped rollneck top by t-shirt specialists Lavender Hill, the comfy piece is made from ribbed cotton and also comes in a cute sleeveless version. (£59, lavenderhillclothing.com) 4 THIS TUMBLER Add a seaside touch to a drinks party with a turquoise dappled tumbler, handmade in Italy…

BEACHCOMBING There’s something very mindful about beachcombing – searching along the shoreline for signs of undiscovered treasure. “It’s completely absorbing,” says Tracey Williams, an expert in this coastal pastime. “When you’re in the zone, you don’t think about anything else. It’s just a relaxing, gentle form of activity.” Tracey is the founder of Lego Lost at Sea, an online phenomenon inspired by a now famous cargo spillage. Up to five million pieces of mostly nautical-themed Lego ended up in the sea after the cargo ship Tokio Express ran into difficulty in rough waters, 20 miles off Land’s End, Cornwall, in February 1997. Tracey first started to spot the tiny, brightly coloured pieces, including lifejackets and divers’ flippers, during regular beachcombing sessions in South Devon with her children. She set up…

One of this year’s coolest new coastal retreats - Margate House - is now open. This new boutique guest house, oozing with charm and colour, is the brainchild and passion project of Will Jenkins – a property developer and owner of successful London rental company – who’s lovingly restored (much with his own hands) this previously derelict building. The largest bedrooms offer bay windows with sea views, and all are peppered with linen bistro curtains, scalloped lampshades, bespoke wavy headboards, stripes, velvets, vintage rugs, and eclectic finds from local antique shops. All come complete with contemporary bathrooms, walk-in rainfall showers and Haeckel’s toiletries (made using seaweed handpicked in Margate). Breakfast is served, as it should be when staying away, in bed. Hampers of coffee, fresh juice, and a daily bake…

In last month’s column I focused on Plymouth and the way the River Tamar creates a natural threshold to the wonders of Cornwall. Following this theme of geological features creating the transition from one place to the next, few are more notable than the iconic Isle of Portland, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of shingle at the end of Chesil Beach. Protruding deep into the English Channel, Portland creates a natural barrier and the coastline on either side of the isle is strikingly different. To the east is the vast sweep of Lyme Bay, a pebbly beach which flows in a smooth arc all the way from Lyme Regis to the cliffs of Portland. The shoreline is characterised by crumbly cliffs around Golden Cap and West Bay,…

In Cornwall’s northernmost reaches, Bude is about as far from civilisation as it gets. It’s equidistant from Truro and Exeter and barely ten miles from Devon – it even has an EX postcode, which is close to heresy in these parts. The Tamar rises eight miles inland, making this the single strip of land attaching the Duchy to England. The train station closed in 1966 thanks to Dr Beeching, meaning you have to make a real effort to come to Bude. This could be considered a good thing, in that it means everyone you meet actually wants to be in Bude. And who can blame them? With its stunning beaches, independent shops, colourful characters and fascinating history, this delightfully quirky town dances to its own tune, a breath of fresh…

High Halstow to the London Stone, Kent A finale to the Kentish Thames walk featuring the ever widening Thames, the famous Egypt Bay, the lost resort of All Hallows, the supposed mooring of the prison ship from which Magwich had escaped in Great Expectations and the site of the London Stone which marks the end of the river. tinyurl.com/392jdcre Garreg and Mostyn Estate, Flintshire Exploring the footpaths and bridleways on the Mostyn Estate in North East Wales, our route takes us past an ancient Celtic Cross, Maen Achwyfan, and a mysterious tower, reputed to have originated as a Roman Pharos, a lighthouse intended to guide boats along the River Dee to Chester. tinyurl.com/yn2dzkpu Plockton, West Highlands A circular, picturesque walk from Plockton via Duncraig Hill with views of Duncraig Castle.…

With its big skies and amazing wildlife spectacles it is easy to see why Sir Peter was drawn to the Lincolnshire wilderness. Hundreds of thousands of birds over winter on the reserve each year including skeins of pinkfoot and brent geese, colourful shelduck and waders while seals breed and can often be seen basking nearby, making it the ideal place for ornithologists and nature lovers. Doug and Sue have also introduced rare geese at the lighthouse breeding ponds. “There are red-breasted geese and Hawaiian geese, which are among some of the rarest breeds in the world,” says Doug. “When Sir Peter first came to the marshes, Hawaiian geese were facing extinction – there were only around 20 left. “He somehow managed to get two from the wild, but the next…

After many years of working in the hospitality sector, in 2009 Catherine Hallsworth and her husband Mark purchased the seafront premises for their latest venture, The Fat Seagull, when it was a Post Office and general store. “We fell in love with the location, Sandilands is a quiet village with a glorious sandy beach, beach huts and a promenade,” explains Catherine. Initially, the couple opened a bistro but when the pandemic hit, they refocused into a deli with outdoor dining. “With the bistro closed, we decided to brighten up the space with work from local artists and it was a hit!” Three years on and the outdoor seating has been extended, while indoors the gallery space and deli have merged to showcase paintings, prints, pottery, candles, jewellery and cards plus…

The summer kicked off with three exciting events for us in Bude. 2023 was always going to be a big year in Bude Surf Life Saving Club’s calendar. It marks the 70th year of surf life saving in the town and makes Bude’s club the oldest in Europe. The club was set up in 1953 by Alan Kennedy, a travelling lifeguard from Australia who noted that Bude desperately needed lifeguards due to its surf and sometimes dangerous sea conditions. He gathered recruits from the local youth club and trained them in life saving techniques developed Down Under. On August 9, 1953 the new lifesavers passed their Australian Bronze Medallion and the club was born. The first recruit to pass was a local lad, Alan Brock. He is still a member.…

The Great Glen. The very name conjures up images of heather-clad slopes and still, dark waters of fresh and seawater lochs. Take a look at any map of the UK and the Glen is one of the most obvious natural landmarks – a giant scar that’s visible from space, seemingly splitting Scotland in two. For those who love their geology, step back some 400 million years or so when the very land mass of the islands we call home was as shifting sands…the north west of what is now Scotland moving in an opposite, diagonal direction to the land to the south east. The resulting ‘fault’ has since been subjected to millennia of weathering, not least of all the last ice age, creating a coast-to-coast ‘valley’ that’s just waiting to…

BEST (SPEEDY) FOOT FORWARD Prepare to put some serious pep in your pace when hitting the coastal trail in the new Zionic speed hiker from KEEN. Constructed with a high-performance rip-stop and recycled mesh upper, these shoes are built to provide extra durability and protection in exposed areas, whilst a waterproof, breathable membrane ensures feet stay dry and comfortable even in winter’s worse weathers. Choose from a mid- or low-cut model in men and women’s specific editions…and they come in some fab funky colour choices too! keenfootwear.de CLASSY COLLECTION Make a splash in this stylish sweatshirt from Rodd and Gunn, part of their Sail GP collection which sees them partner with the world class race event to produce a fantastic collection of apparel. The collection is made from SeaCell, an…

RS Electric Boats has announced that the new iteration of the Pulse 63 RIB, featuring a RAD40 (electric propulsion system) and increased battery capacity, is now on the market. The manufacturer has calculated that the integral RAD40 offers 45 per cent more efficiency than the previous configuration, which was already a significant leap in terms of electric RIBs. The Pulse 63 will have even more speed and range than it previously enjoyed. Further to this, the new set-up means the Pulse 63 will enjoy extreme manoeuvrability. This is because the RAD40 head unit stays still and only the bottom of its leg swivels. As a result, the propeller can turn 90 degrees in each direction, offering a fantastic 180 degrees - allowing the Pulse to spin in its own length.…

Back in 2001, fashion designer Sophie English and her family moved from London to the south coast, choosing the Sussex South Downs, a half hour’s cycle ride from the coast, as their new home. “I find it very restorative here, even on the shingle pebbles!” says Sophie, making a wry reference to her husband’s roots in Queensland, with its world-renowned tropical white sands. “In winter we’ll go for blustery walks on the Downs, and in summer my daughters and I whip down to Lancing for a quick swim, have a coffee, then get fish and chips on the way back.” The surrounding coastal landscape has always fed into her designs, especially in terms of colour, and also helped Sophie launch a new venture, So English, a range of beach-ready towelling…

‘It’s easy to forget that Dublin is a coastal city. But Ireland’s capital is just a couple of miles from the waters of Dublin Bay, with the scent of the sea clinging to the River Liffey on days when the wind blows in the right direction’ With white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and epic seafood, Ireland’s coastline is mesmerising. And between the picturesque bays and tiny coves, you’ll find charming villages and bustling towns where you can make a home for yourself. Here’s my guide to eight cracking coastal communities on the island of Ireland worth exploring when it comes to making the move: SLIGO Up on the north-eastern coast of Ireland, Sligo is one of those counties that ticks all the boxes when it comes to knockout scenery. There…

The UK has over 11,000 miles of coastline. To summarise the extensive adventures possible along the coast in a single monthly column is challenging – maybe I should write a book! The Victorians first discovered the seaside when travel beyond their own limited environment became possible. Promenades and piers were built, mobile changing vehicles to preserve modesty were sited on beaches and – then male and female bathers were allowed to share the water space! Fast forward to the 21st century where there are nudist beaches and - when the sun comes out - the population of all coastal towns explodes. Age dictates the adventures: people choose from water sports – sailing, kite surfing, fishing, rock climbing, coasteering, horse riding (maybe a gentle donkey ride on the beach!), walking the…

Described by Sir David Attenborough as “the patron saint of conservation”, Sir Peter was 25 when he first came to East Bank Lighthouse. After a near death experience on the Wash while wildfowling one night he finally reached its shores and was so taken by the derelict building he took over its rent and converted it into his first home. “As a young man, Sir Peter’s life could have gone so many ways, whatever he wanted to turn his hand to he succeeded at, but none of it was good enough to get out of the shadow of his father, Captain Scott, who died when he was two,” says Doug. “Being at the lighthouse pulled him into focus.” Sir Peter made his living painting the birds and wildlife that surrounded…

If you would like to NOMINATE YOUR POOCH to feature in Dog of the Month, please email us at coast.ed@kelsey.co.uk Here is Woody enjoying the beach at Polly Joke in Cornwall. We are always at the beach as we have lovely one just down the road from home and we are five-minute drive from West Wittering beach, which is quite famous. Cornwall is the place we always head to though as we love it there especially around the Crantock/Polly Joke area. Sylvia Watkins, East Wittering, West Sussex. I thought I’d share this pic of our nine-month-old miniature schnauzer pup, Ralph. We visited the sands at Camber for an overnight stay and he had tremendous fun chasing his favourite ball along the sands at low tide. Andy and Marcus Johnson, Horam,…

The traditional gansey has been a staple part of a fisherman’s uniform since the 18th century. The hand-knitted jumper originated in Guernsey but became popular in UK fishing communities, and in the 1700s and 1800s many Cornish women knitted ganseys to make extra money. The gansey is made using rugged, five-ply, indigo blue worsted wool and ultra-fine needles. They were knitted using a tight weave, designed to protect fishermen from the elements. The front and back of the jumpers were knitted identically so that, if holes wore in the elbows for example, they could be reversed. Gansey patterns usually featured maritime symbols, and would differ from one fishing village to another. Some families even had their own unique gansey pattern.…