Lee, Ilfracombe, EX34 8LW
Lee Bay is widely considered one of the finest wild swimming spots on the North Devon coast, a small and beautifully sheltered cove tucked beneath the cliffs between Ilfracombe and Morte Point where the water is clear, the currents are gentle and the surrounding scenery is quite magnificent. The beach is a mixture of shingle and rock, with a series of excellent rock pools revealed at low tide and deeper water accessible from the base of the rocks at high tide, offering a variety of swimming environments to suit different preferences and confidence levels.
The water at Lee Bay has an exceptional quality of clarity on calm days, and the rocky seabed visible below the surface creates a visual experience that is simply not available at sandy beaches. Swimming in clear water over rock and kelp, with the cliffs rising above you and the sound of the sea echoing off the stone, is an experience that connects you with the wild nature of the coast in a deeply satisfying way.
The cove faces north, which means it is sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds that can make conditions uncomfortable on more exposed beaches. This natural protection makes Lee Bay swimmable in conditions that would rule out swimming on the open beaches elsewhere on the coast, giving it a useful advantage during windier spells.
The approach to the beach is via a pleasant walk through the village of Lee and down through a wooded valley, which adds to the sense of discovery and gives the swim the feeling of a proper mini-adventure. The village pub and tearoom are a short walk back up from the beach, making a post-swim refreshment very straightforward to arrange.
Wild swimming is always best approached with appropriate caution and awareness of conditions, tides and personal limits. Always swim with a companion where possible and be aware of the state of the tide before entering the water.
