Steep Holm Venture

Watch the Adventure Here

On an unplanned trip to Brean, Max and I explored the derelict fort that was built during the Victorian era and re-armed in WWII. Whilst there, we could see a tall island looming out of the Bristol channel. This was one of two islands, called Steep Holm and Flat Holm – both named after their appearance.
“You can take day trips to those island” Max yelled over the intense wind rushing inland off the sea. I nodded and made a mental a note for a future adventure.

Fast forward a few weeks and we are swiftly bouncing off the tops of the waves in a tourist speed boat. The journey takes 15minutes from Western-super-Mare and soon enough we were slowing down on the approach to the stony beach of Steep Holm. The derelict Inn sits facing out to sea and was built in 1832. The family who ran the inn apparently didn’t have a license and promptly moved to Flat Holm when they were found out.

Checking my watch, it reads 7am and we have all day to explore the island, the July sun is slowly rising over the tiny woodland here. One by one we hop off the inflatable boats which carry 15 people and return our life vests which apparently inflate instantly you hit the water. Next we begin the steep ascent to the barracks, old rail tracks are buried in the path and we zig zag up the hill. We over take a volunteer who is grinning at just having seen a Muntjac deer, the first he has ever seen. They are very petite and their shoulders come up to 52cm. Seagulls holler over head as humans pass below. Another volunteer said this was the first trip of the season.

Despite the early start of the day, we were the only visitors to the island today and would be able to enjoy the freedom of exploring unaccompanied and without any more trips from Cardiff. (These overlap with Trips from Western-super-Mare and double the amount of tourists) The volunteers swiftly opened up the barracks which act as a cafe and tourist shop. Think blankets and old curtains lay over the memorabilia and tall shutters are wrenched open allowing light to flood in.

Max buys a guide book and relays the information throughout the day as we visit the various locations. We basked in the sunlight, sitting outside in front of the barracks before beginning our journey. Heading off, we end up walking the guided route backwards but this is great as we aren’t leap-frogging other tourists as we all make our way around the tiny island.

We head up to the highest point of the area, reaching the trig point which sits at 78m above sea level. We pass two fig trees on the way. The sun is beating down and an island breeze flows over us. The derelict farm house built in 1868 is next and only the outline of the structure remains. We pass the first of many military batteries on the island, this one named Laboratory Battery. Think brambles are slowly taking over the island and snag on our clothes as we investigate the ruins.

Continuing with our backward route, we arrive at the Searchlight Post and the 208 steps down to it. Seagulls loop over head as baby gulls swoop after them, calling out for more food. We descend and arrive to look out over Flat Holm, the other island in the Bristol Channel and another one on our List.
The Post looks very similar to those found at Brean and is a shell of it’s former self.

We reach Summit Battery next, named after being the highest battery on the island and we pause so I can locate the Geocache. Once complete, we check out the other searchlight post and unroll a picnic blanket for lunch. Max samples another MREs – an American ration pack and I tuck into some donuts 🙂
It is a gloriously sunny day and we enjoy a long lunch. The boat will be back to collect us at high tide this evening so we have all day to explore.

Following the path we pass Split Rock Battery and the Barracks to find the old cottage – now a ruin and the old Priory which only has the outline of the building left. We head down a steep incline to visit other Searchlight Post which also has a Lime Kiln and the remnants of the South Landing. Opting to avoid the steep, unstable return climb to the footpath we follow the rocks and return to the Pebble Beach. We soak up the sun and chat to another couple who were observing a seal bobbing about in the water.

Returning to the Barracks, Max enjoys an afternoon coffee and cake and we contently spend the rest of the day reading and watching the butterflies fawn over the buddleia tree outside.

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