Clovelly Waterfall, Coastal waterfall in Clovelly, England.
Clovelly Waterfall is a coastal cascade flowing down steep cliffs into a rocky cove on the North Devon shore. The water descends through multiple tiers before reaching the pebbly beach, where it filters into the stones rather than pooling.
The waterfall sits near caves that served smugglers during the 18th century, when Clovelly functioned as a strategic maritime hub. The area's remote coves and rocky terrain made it ideal for concealing contraband during that era of coastal trading.
Local fishermen traditionally used the waterfall's location as a navigation marker when returning to Clovelly's harbor after their maritime expeditions.
Getting there requires walking downhill through the village on steep stone streets, then scrambling over large pebbles to reach the water's edge. Sturdy footwear is essential, and you should allow plenty of time for the climb back up.
The water stream vanishes into the beach pebbles rather than pooling at the base, creating an unusual natural phenomenon. This happens because the permeable shingle absorbs the flow rapidly before it can collect.
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