Hurlstone Point

Hurlstone Point is a narrow strip of land on the Somerset coast where Exmoor National Park meets the Bristol Channel. It lies between the villages of Porlock Weir and Minehead, marking the dividing line between Porlock Bay on the west and Blue Anchor Bay on the east. The South West Coast Path runs along the edge of the promontory, giving walkers long views across the water. A small stone shelter built for coastguards still stands at the tip of the point. The rocks around the point include a wide, flat slab that local climbers call the coastguard wall. In 2007 a cyclist had to be rescued after slipping forty feet down the cliff face. The place draws visitors who want quiet coastal scenery without crowds. The contrast between the dark cliffs and the pale sands below attracts photographers at low tide. Seabirds circle above the water, and on clear days the Welsh coast can be seen across the channel. The shelter offers a sheltered spot to rest while the wind blows in from the sea. Climbers arrive to tackle the slab and the surrounding crags when conditions are dry. The point’s position on the national park boundary makes it a natural starting place for longer walks inland. Beyond the cliffs the land falls gently towards Porlock Marsh, a flat wetland rich in wildlife. The South West Coast Path continues north towards Minehead, passing through wooded combes and farmland. At the southern end the path drops down to Porlock Weir, a small harbour with a pebble beach and old lime kilns. From the point itself the horizon stretches unbroken to the north and south, showing how the land narrows between the two bays. The shelter’s stone walls still bear the names of walkers who have signed them over the years.