Barricane Beach Wild Swimming

Barricane Beach is a small and utterly charming cove at the northern end of Woolacombe Bay that offers a wild swimming experience quite unlike anything else available on this stretch of coast. Hemmed in by rocky outcrops and with a character that is entirely its own, Barricane provides a naturally sheltered swimming spot that is accessible at most states of the tide, with crystal-clear water of a quality that consistently impresses you who arrive expecting something more ordinary.

The beach at Barricane is tiny, consisting of a small crescent of shell sand and shingle flanked by rock outcrops that create a series of natural pools of varying depths. At low tide, the pools become shallow paddling and swimming spots that are perfect for children and those new to cold water swimming, while at higher states of the tide the main body of water deepens and becomes suitable for proper open water swimming for more confident swimmers.

One of the most distinctive features of Barricane Beach is the extraordinary shell content of its sand. The shells here are predominantly from tropical species, brought to the North Devon coast by ocean currents from the Caribbean and the Azores, and the beach is a popular destination for shell collectors who come to look for unusual species among the more familiar native shells. The iridescent quality of the sand at low tide has to be seen to be believed.

Swimming at Barricane is best around mid to high tide when the pools are deep and the water is clear and inviting. The rocky entry can be a little uneven, so footwear for the approach is useful, and the sheltered character of the cove means it is often swimmable even when conditions on the main Woolacombe beach would not be ideal.

A short walk from Woolacombe village and arguably the most beautiful small bathing spot on the entire bay.