Heddon's Mouth[1] is a rocky cove on the coast of North Devon, England, about a mile down the River Heddon from the Hunter's Inn.[2] It is preserved for the nation by the National Trust.[3]
In previous times it was a popular venue for smugglers,[4] but is now a popular destination for Ramblers.[5] In 1885 a Mr E.D. Weedon was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s Bronze Medal for saving the life of Mr T. Groves at the locality.[6] In 1923 a pleasure steamer that had just left Ilfracombe broke its rudder and began to drift out to sea, but was towed to the cove and its 400 passengers safely decanted.[7]
The cove is so isolated that during World War II, a German U-Boat captain was able to allow his men ashore in search of fresh water supplies and relaxation without fear of detection.[8]
- ^ At Ordnance Survey Grid reference SS 665 497
- ^ Hotel web site Archived 2007-10-26 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ National trust catalogue Archived 2007-07-09 at archive.today
- ^ AA Illustrated Guide to Britain’s Coast(Basingstoke, Drive Publications,1984) p16
- ^ Ramblers circular walk Archived 2007-10-25 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ The Times, Thursday, Aug 27, 1885; pg. 5; Issue 31536; col C REWARDS FOR SAVING LIFE
- ^ The Times, Friday, Aug 24, 1923; pg. 5; Issue 43428; col D Mishap To Pleasure Steamer. 400 Passengers' Night On Board
- ^ Britain's Best Quiet Beaches