Storm Watching
The weather always fascinates, and never ceases to amaze us; from unexpected hail storms and flash floods, to heatwaves and hurricanes. The Storm-watching season, from November to March, is a relatively new (though virtually free) ‘visitor attraction’, but locals have been enjoying the spectacular sights and sounds of high winds and powerful waves, for years. So there’s no need to shuffle off and hibernate, waiting for the longer calmer days of early summer; welcome the bracing and tempestuous weather, wrap up and face the elements. Storm-watching can be both relaxing and exhilarating, requiring nothing of you but to watch and marvel at the natural power of the ocean.
Winter Breaks in North Devon
There’s nowhere better to track down storms this Winter than the dramatic coastline of North Devon, including: Woolacombe, Croyde, Saunton, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, Lynmouth, Appledore, Hartland, Clovelly, Lee, Westward Ho!... Choose from hotels, self-catering cottages and B&B's, you should find great winter or short break deals. Ask for ocean-front accommodation, dine at a beach restaurant, enjoy a cup of tea in sea front cafe, and take a flask of hot soup on your walk, where you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views on the coastal path, watching giant waves crash and pound the cliff face. On foot or from the refuge of your car, there are many ways to experience the drama.
Places to Stay
Here are a few recommendations of places to stay that are situated near the sea.
- Watermouth Cove Cottages - Combe Martin
- Mellstock House - Combe Martin
- Newberry Beach House - Combe Martin
- North Cliff Hotel - Lynton & Lynmouth
- Combas Farm - Putsborough
Storm watching tips
Start your storm-chasing by checking the weather forecast for North Devon on WildCurl’s activity page. Optimum weather conditions, in which to enjoy stormy seas, will have winds in the range of 51-75km/h; winds over 63km/h indicate a gale, whereas 76km/h and beyond constitute a ‘severe gale’ with a real danger of being blown off your feet! The day after a storm, conditions are often sunny with blustery north-westerly winds, great for long walks, kite-flying or even surfing, if the swell isn’t too strong.
Top tips to stay safe
- A gale is defined as winds between 51km/h and 75km/h on land – anything above this strength and you’ll have serious difficulty staying on your feet.
- Use common sense – if the wind is so strong you can barely walk into it, stay on the beach and away from sea cliffs.
- Waves can be particularly dangerous while standing on headlands and beaches; don’t underestimate the force of the wind and waves.
- Check tide times and ensure there’s no danger of getting trapped by rising tides.
- Give all your waterproofs a rinse in fresh water after your walk to get the salt spray out.
Your Stormy Experiences
We would love to hear about your Storm Watching experiences, so if you have some exciting stories or a great image, please send it to us. Email info@wildcurl.co.uk. Please note: only send images or stories to us if you wish to have them published on the WildCurl website.
