Ladye Bay

A cove you walk to

Ladye Bay is a small cove near Clevedon, reached from the coastal path. It is a quiet pebble beach, good for walks and sunsets. It has no promenade or pier, which is the contrast with Clevedon Beach, below the pier.

For the town itself, see Clevedon.

The steps down

The beach is reached by a flight of steps from the coastal path. Clevedon Civic Society’s volunteers cut back the grass and weeds that were narrowing the steps in April 2019, uncovered the edging stones and had a loose handrail at the bottom repaired. A viewing platform sits partway down. Reaching the water’s edge can mean a careful scramble over large, seaweed-covered rocks, and there is no step-free route, so expect to climb the steps back up at the end. The cliffs along this stretch of coast path erode, so look out for signed diversions.

On the coast path

Ladye Bay sits on the walking route between Portishead and Clevedon. Coming from Portishead, the path passes Sugar Loaf, Redcliffe, Walton and Charlcombe bays, then circles above Ladye Bay and rounds Ladye Point on the way to Clevedon’s Victorian pier. There are no dependable toilets or refreshments at the cove itself, so bring water and use the facilities in Clevedon before you set off.

Tide, mud and swimming

This is the Bristol Channel, which Somerset Council describes as having the second highest tidal range in the world. North Somerset’s seafront advice warns that soft sand and sinking mud can trap you and says to check the weather and tide times, know where the exits are and follow warning signs. If someone is trapped, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

If you want to swim near Clevedon, Clevedon Marine Lake is an enclosed tidal lake with entry steps, though it has no lifeguards either.

Dogs

North Somerset Council’s Clevedon dog orders ban dogs from Clevedon beach and the marine lake except assistance dogs, and require a lead on the promenade. Before taking a dog to Ladye Bay, check the council’s dog rules and any signs at the top of the steps.