Porlock Weir

A harbour first, a beach second

Porlock Weir is a working harbour with a pebble beach beside it, not a sandy resort. The port has existed for over a thousand years: the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records a raid here in 1052 by Harold Godwinson. In the 18th and 19th centuries, coal from South Wales was the main cargo coming in. Today a small flotilla of yachts is based in the harbour, and many more visit in spring and summer.

It sits about 1.5 miles west of Porlock, the separate village, and the two should not be confused when you plan a day.

Tides and the harbour

The tide is the first thing to learn. The harbour’s own site describes a significant tidal variation, often up to 15 metres. Both the inner and outer harbour dry at low tide, and boats can only enter for just over an hour either side of high water. Somerset Council also warns, for this coast generally, that people could get trapped at the bottom of cliffs by an incoming tide. Check tide tables for Porlock Bay before walking the shingle.

Getting there and where to walk

There is a large car park in the centre of the village, and the harbour site notes that eateries, places to stay and businesses are easily reached from it. The shore here is pebble and salt marsh, so wear sturdy shoes.

The South West Coast Path leads west from the harbour to Culbone, where St Beuno’s Church is reputed to be the smallest parish church in England. Exmoor National Park lists a walk from Porlock Weir via Culbone and Hawkcombe among its Exmoor Classics, about 10 miles.

Dogs

Read the council’s dog control page before you travel. For a sandy beach with lifesaving kit and a railway station, head along the coast to Minehead Beach.