Spekes Mills
Investigating and discovering the North Devon and Cornish coastline is a huge part of my job, which I love. The breathtaking views and awe inspiring ruggedness leaves me yearning to explore and acquire even more knowledge of this exquisite beauty that nature has so cleverly carved out for us.
There are vast sections of the coastline which are remote and intimate and which many people have not frequented. One such place is Spekes Mill well known to enthusiastic surfers and cliff climbers alike and visited by celebrities and royalty for the intimacy and seclusion.
There are vast sections of the coastline which are remote and intimate and which many people have not frequented. One such place is Spekes Mill well known to enthusiastic surfers and cliff climbers alike and visited by celebrities and royalty for the intimacy and seclusion.
You can discover the delights of this solitary beach from Hartland Quay which is about a 20 minute walk . You climb the elevated heights of the coastal
path above Screda Point before descending downwards and passing
St Catherine’s Tor.
Then you head onwards to the cliff tops above Spekes Mill Mouth. The views
are not only breath taking from every aspect but it leaves you incredulous that
such beauty is so close and so near.
Nestling comfortably in the Speke’s Valley and surrounded by some of the most dramatic and savage coastal scenery lays Spekes Mill.
There you will find a charming, isolated beach dominated by one of the
most famous waterfalls (SS225236) in North Devon cascading 60 ft
over a sheer rock face of sandstone on to the beach below before merging
into the sea. The coastline is wildly dramatic and rugged and stands proudly
gazing over 3,000 miles of the open Atlantic Ocean whilst being constantly
battered by the elements.
Amazing rock formations are testament to the the awesome power of the sea and the prominent jagged outcrops stretch mysteriously out to sea like long,boney gnarled fingers. With its sandy beach and isolated rock pools this wonderfall indigenous creation gives me the inspiration and stimulus for my photography and paintings.
The Spekes valley is part of the North Devon Biosphere and its
surrounding environment is abundant with a diverse selection of flora and fauna. Wild and rare flowers and lichens carpet the valley in abundance and splash the cliff tops with an array of colour.
The Spekes valley is part of the North Devon Biosphere and its
surrounding environment is abundant with a diverse selection of flora and fauna. Wild and rare flowers and lichens carpet the valley in abundance and splash the cliff tops with an array of colour.
This lush valley with its running stream is surrounded by the ever an abundance of
wildlife. Butterflies and Dragonflies can be seen hovering lazily amongst their
natural habitat. Buzzards soar in the skies above , filling the air with their
familiar call.
Dippers forage around the waterfall, whilst birds such as Wheatears, Stonechats, Wagtails and Peregrine Falcons can be seen and heard darting through the
grassland and skies.
Access to this isolated cove is via a steep set of steps, which makes it hard to
believe that in years gone by donkeys with panniers carried sand and gravel up
the cliffs, which was then utilized by local farmers and builders, for fertilizer
and construction purposes.
Once you have clambered the cliff face you will not be disappointed with
your first encounter of this isolated beach. There is nothing better than the
feeling of the invigorating wind on your face, the sound of the roaring Atlantic
sea and the brutal coastal scenery surrounding you it gives you a feeling of
peace and serenity.
wildlife. Butterflies and Dragonflies can be seen hovering lazily amongst their
natural habitat. Buzzards soar in the skies above , filling the air with their
familiar call.
Dippers forage around the waterfall, whilst birds such as Wheatears, Stonechats, Wagtails and Peregrine Falcons can be seen and heard darting through the
grassland and skies.
Access to this isolated cove is via a steep set of steps, which makes it hard to
believe that in years gone by donkeys with panniers carried sand and gravel up
the cliffs, which was then utilized by local farmers and builders, for fertilizer
and construction purposes.
Once you have clambered the cliff face you will not be disappointed with
your first encounter of this isolated beach. There is nothing better than the
feeling of the invigorating wind on your face, the sound of the roaring Atlantic
sea and the brutal coastal scenery surrounding you it gives you a feeling of
peace and serenity.
This wonderment stands prominent in its glory and is right on our doorsteps. A true privilege, which is a rarity for many inner city folk .We are truly blessed to have this wonderful coastline so accessible and available to us and one that many of us take for granted.
We supply high quality prints, canvases, greeting cards, postcards, publications and web images for businesses of the area.For more images
PLEASE CLICK LINK
www.stephenring.co.uk/collections/spekes-mill
PLEASE CLICK LINK
www.stephenring.co.uk/collections/spekes-mill