St Audries Bay

A bay on the coast path

St Audries Bay (sometimes written St Audrie’s) lies below the northern edge of the Quantock Hills, close to West Quantoxhead. It is one of four places where Somerset Council says the England Coast Path runs along the beach and becomes impassable during high tides. That shapes every visit: this is a walker’s beach, reached from Watchet to the west or from the Kilve side to the east, with no car park listed for the bay itself.

The waterfall

A stream falls onto the beach near the middle of the bay, and it is the reason many people make the effort. The path can only be followed along the beach when the tide allows, so work out your timings before you go and do not count on getting back round the headlands.

Fossils and the coast’s geology

The Quantock Hills National Landscape describes the Jurassic rocks between St Audries and Kilve as lying within the Blue Anchor to Lilstock Site of Special Scientific Interest, and as international in geological importance. The exposed limestone from the late Triassic and early Jurassic holds fossil beds that include some of the earliest fossil ammonites recorded in Britain, and the coiled shells are commonly found on the beaches. This is a protected site, so leave the cliffs alone and do not dig into them. The Quantock Hills team can be reached on 01823 451884 for advice.

Tides, mud and swimming

The larger danger is the water. Somerset Council warns that the Bristol Channel’s large tidal range can trap people at the bottom of cliffs by an incoming tide, and that people can get trapped in mud at low tide. No lifeguard cover is listed for this beach, so treat swimming with caution.

Dogs and neighbours

Check Somerset Council’s dog rules for beaches and read any signs before you take a dog.

To the west, Watchet Beach has the harbour and town car parks. To the east, Kilve Beach has its own car park, toilets and tea room. Doniford Beach lies between St Audries and Watchet, and the harbour town of Watchet is the usual starting point on foot.