Chesil Beach, a stunning 18-mile stretch of pebble beach along the Dorset coastline, is a true gem of the National Trust. This unique geological formation is part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory birds and rare plants. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Chesil Beach National Trust has something to offer everyone.
Accessing Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach can be accessed through several entry points, each with its own distinct features and facilities. Let’s explore some of the notable access points:
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Cogden Beach: Owned by the National Trust, Cogden Beach offers a steep shelving shingle beach with attractive farmland and a variety of coastal flowers. It’s a popular spot for local anglers and features a circular stroll through flower-filled farmland, providing spectacular views of the coast.
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Hive Beach: Located at Burton Bradstock, Hive Beach is a popular gateway to the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path. It boasts a local seafood restaurant with magnificent views of the Dorset coastline, making it a favorite among dog walkers.
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West Bexington: This access point features a car park right on the beach, with footpaths running both ways along the shore, offering easy access to the pebble beach.
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Abbotsbury: Here, visitors will find a large car park adjacent to Chesil Beach, which is a paid car park during the summer. A wooden walkway leads to the top of the beach, but caution is advised during winter due to slippery conditions.
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Ferrybridge: This location offers a large car park adjacent to the Chesil Beach Visitors Centre, which is a pay-and-display car park, providing a convenient starting point for your Chesil Beach exploration.
Safety Measures
Visiting Chesil Beach requires some precautions, as the water can be deceptively inviting, with strong currents and breaking waves. Visitors are advised to consult Coastwatch for advice and heed the warning signage at the beach entrance. The coastline and cliffs along this stretch of the Jurassic Coast are unstable and prone to landslips and falls, so it’s crucial to stay well back from the cliff edges and follow the safety guidelines.
Cost and Membership
Joining the National Trust provides access to over 500 places, including Chesil Beach, and helps protect nature, beauty, and history for everyone, forever. Membership costs vary depending on the level of access and benefits desired, with options for individual, joint, family, and life memberships available.
Unique Features of Chesil Beach National Trust
Chesil Beach is renowned for its unique geological features and natural wonders. Here are some of the key highlights:
Geology and Formation
Chesil Beach is a remarkable example of a tombolo, a narrow strip of land that connects an island to the mainland. The beach is composed of pebbles that range in size from small stones at the eastern end to large boulders at the western end, a result of the gradual sorting of the pebbles by wave action over thousands of years.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Chesil Beach is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds and rare plant species. The beach and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of seabirds, such as gulls, terns, and oystercatchers, as well as wading birds like curlews and redshanks. The beach’s unique habitat also supports rare plants, such as the sea kale and the yellow horned poppy.
Jurassic Coast and Fossil Hunting
Chesil Beach is part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches along the Dorset and East Devon coastline. This region is renowned for its rich fossil deposits, and visitors can often find fossils of ancient marine life, such as ammonites and belemnites, along the beach.
Fishing and Angling
Chesil Beach is a popular destination for anglers, who come to fish for a variety of species, including bass, mackerel, and cod. The beach’s unique geography and wave patterns make it an attractive spot for shore-based fishing.
Coastal Walks and Scenic Views
Chesil Beach offers stunning coastal walks, with the South West Coast Path running along the length of the beach. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Dorset coastline, including the iconic Jurassic cliffs and the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside.
Conclusion
Chesil Beach National Trust is a true gem of the Dorset coastline, offering a unique blend of geological wonders, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a beach lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this remarkable stretch of pebble beach is sure to captivate and inspire. So, pack your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the wonders of Chesil Beach National Trust.