Something Wicked this way comes
Lying defiantly across the mouth of the Bristol Channel where the silt coloured waters meet the cold clear Atlantic rollers, stands the island of Lundy, old english for Puffin Isle, one of Britains least known but greatest natural wonders.
It has been on my list of places to visit since I was a lad, problem is that a trip to Lundy can be a mini exped in itself, it requires planning, commitment and above all a sense of adventure. So when one of my mates told me he was organising a meet for the Fell and Rock (FRCC) I was on it.
The island is 3 mile long and 1/2 a mile wide at its widest point, its situated amongst some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The west coast is almost uninterupted granite cliffs, towering sea stacks, sun kissed slabs and beautiful deep narrow zawns only accesible at low tide. When you stand atop these cliffs and look west the next land is the coast of Newfoundland some 3000 miles away.
The plateau is treeless and a bit boring in truth, to get the most out of this amazing isle you need to get down into the stupendous rock architecture of the west coast.
At low tide when its calm you come across amazing rock pools teeming with life amidst black zawns, Basaltic dykes under sensational cliffs with granite crystals glinting in the sunshine. Don't be put off if the sea is rough you get treated to stupendous stormy seas but its best not get too close.
Unfortunately most of the 200 or so visitors on the island at any one time seem to stick to the plateau footpaths seemingly unaware of the treasures that lie down below their feet.
I know this is a walking site and many folks quiver with fear at the mention of the c word, yes I spent most of the days climbing but went out for a walk with my camera every night where I took most of the photos.
Discalimer: The photos included are intended to give folks a flavour of the island, so I apologise for the fact that some of the scenery might be spoilt by my mates climbing all over it.
The horse is about to leap over the old Lighthouse
Inside the old Lighthouse
The Devils Slide
On the Devils Slide in High Winds
Stormy Seas
Superb position on Flying Buttress
Into the sunshine