Blackchurch Rock

Blackchurch Rock is a coastal formation near Clovelly consisting of two natural stone arches that cut through the main structure, creating a distinctive outline when viewed from the shore. The formation rises from the water and shows clear layers of sedimentary rock shaped by centuries of wave action.

The rock began forming millions of years ago when waves and erosion gradually carved through the sandstone, creating the distinctive arches that remain visible today. The coastal processes that shaped it continue to slowly change the formation, making it part of an ongoing geological story.

Local fishers have used this formation as a landmark for generations, recognizing it instantly from the water. The two arches make it stand out along the coastline and have become part of how people navigate and understand this stretch of shore.

The South West Coast Path provides direct access to viewing points where the formation is clearly visible from above. Bring sturdy footwear as the clifftop path can be muddy and uneven, and plan your visit around tidal changes to see different perspectives of the arches.

Few places in Britain combine both a sea stack and natural arches in the same formation, making this an unusual geological arrangement worth observing. The way the two structures exist together tells a story about how differently shaped rock fractures over time.