Читать книгу Made in Great Britain - Tom Quinn - Страница 17

Golden Cap, at 191m (626ft) above sea level, is the highest point on the south coast. All around is evidence of massive cliff erosion. The huge areas of collapsed cliff face, being now inaccessible to human interference, have become a haven for numerous wildlife species: from newts, toads, badgers and slow worms to rare birds of prey, foxes and several species of deer. At the bottom of the cliff is a band of blue lias rock which is rich in fossil remains; and above that lies the golden gravel from which the cap takes its name.

The view from Golden Cap out over these wildlife sanctuaries and across the sea is breathtaking; then, if you head down the western slope of the Cap, you reach the little stream known as St Gabriel’s Water. Inland, about a mile along this stream, you’ll find the ruins of 13th-century St Gabriel’s Church. Where the stream tumbles into the sea there is a shingle beach that is so secluded it was, for centuries, a favourite landing place for smugglers.

Golden Cap is part of a large tract of land owned by the National Trust, and there are more than 29km (18 miles) of footpaths, so it’s a place to enjoy at your leisure. Check the tide times carefully though.

SECRETS

While you’re there

Pop into nearby LYME REGIS with its wonderful cobb – a stone-walled artificial harbour made famous in the film, The French Lieutenant’s Woman.

Secret place to stay

BURTON CLIFF HOTEL, Burton Bradstock 01308 897205. Built in the 1890s, this seaside villa has great views.

The beach at Golden Cap.