Heddon's Mouth
Heddon’s Mouth is a rock bay formed at the mouth of the River Heddon about a mile down the from the Hunter’s Inn, on the north coast of Devon where the granite hills of Exmoor roll out to the sea. There is no village here nor anything but hamlets and isolated farms for miles about.
The bay is part of the North Devon coastline owned by the National Trust.
Historical incidents
In olden days this little bay was a popular landing place for smugglers.[1] It is now a popular destination for ramblers.
In 1885 a Mr E.D. Weedon was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s Bronze Medal for saving the life of Mr T. Groves at the locality.[2]
In 1923 a pleasure steamer that had just left Ilfracombe broke its rudder and began to drift out to sea, but was towed to the cove and its 400 passengers safely disembarked.[3]
The cove is so isolated that during the Second World War a German U-Boat captain was able to allow his men ashore in search of fresh water supplies and relaxation without fear of detection.[4]
Location
- Location map: 51°13’49"N, 3°55’40"W
- Streetmap: SS655496
References
- ↑ AA Illustrated Guide to Britain’s Coast(Basingstoke, Drive Publications,1984) p16
- ↑ The Times, Thursday, Aug 27, 1885; pg. 5; Issue 31536; col C Rewards For Saving Life
- ↑ The Times, Friday, Aug 24, 1923; pg. 5; Issue 43428; col D Mishap To Pleasure Steamer. 400 Passengers' Night On Board
- ↑ Britain's Best Quiet Beaches