Prawle Point, East Prawle, Kingsbridge, Devon
Owned and managed by the National Trust, Prawle Point is the most southerly point in the South West. Remote and wild, it’s far removed from the push and shove of life, a place where you can escape the crowds, enjoy spectacular scenery, breathtaking sunsets, and be at one with nature.
Access is along a single track road from the village of East Prawle to a car park with incredible views. People come here to walk on the South West Coast Path, so bring your boots and set off to Gara Rock Beach in one direction or to Lannacombe Bay in the other. The terrain is uneven and challenging in places so those sturdy shoes are a must, but take your time and it’s well worth any effort; you may even be lucky enough to see seals and dolphins out at sea, and though not frequent visitors, basking sharks have been spotted.
Rocky beaches lie at the foot of the dramatic cliffs, dog friendly all year, but not the kind of place you’d take the family for a day by the sea because although there is sand there are also rocks that extend out to the sea bed - which explains the shipwrecks that have floundered along this part of the Devon coast. But take a picnic and if you scramble down when the tide is out you can while away a happy hour spuddling in the rock pools and just enjoying the peace and quiet.
Anglers come to Prawle Point to fish for pollack, wrasse and huss, twitchers come to see the migrant birds that flock here in the spring, with rare cirl buntings and peregrine falcons recorded. Up on the clifftop, 200ft above sea level, there’s a coastguard station with a small visitor centre that has displays and an observation window.
In the winter it can be very unforgiving at Prawle Point, wild and blustery, with stormy seas; wrap up warm and embrace it, feel the positivity of the elements. You’ll have a healthy glow in your cheeks, your lungs will be full of blowsy fresh air, and if you wander back to the Pigs Nose Inn you can warm your toes by the fire.
All information correct at the time of writing