Western Blackstone

Island in Devon

England

Western Blackstone

Beetle on the military road A tiny shiny black beetle with red legs, a little larger than a ladybird, in defensive mode on the permissive path past the daymark. — Beetle on the military road Credit: Derek Harper

Western Blackstone is a small island located off the coast of Devon, in the southwestern region of England. Positioned in the English Channel, the island covers an area of approximately 2 square kilometers and is part of the larger Blackstone group of islands.

The landscape of Western Blackstone is characterized by rugged cliffs, rocky shores, and a hilly terrain. The island is predominantly covered in grasslands and shrubbery, with scattered patches of woodland. Due to its remote location, Western Blackstone remains largely untouched by human activity, making it a haven for various species of flora and fauna.

The island is known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to a diverse range of bird species, including gulls, cormorants, and puffins, which inhabit the cliffs and nest on the rocky ledges. The surrounding waters are abundant with marine life, attracting seals, dolphins, and occasional sightings of whales.

Access to Western Blackstone is limited, with no permanent residents or infrastructure on the island. Visitors can only reach the island by boat, and camping is the primary accommodation option available. The lack of facilities and services ensures that the island maintains its pristine natural beauty, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rugged and untouched wilderness.

Western Blackstone, Devon, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventurers seeking solitude and a glimpse of the untamed beauty of the English coastline.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Western Blackstone Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.333955/-3.5618431 or Grid Reference SX8849. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Beetle on the military road

A tiny shiny black beetle with red legs, a little larger than a ladybird, in defensive mode on the permissive path past the daymark.

Derek Harper

Coastguard building

Rob Purvis

Charred tree stump above Newfoundland Cove

Sixteen months after SX9049 : Charred tree stump above Newfoundland Cove, there is plenty of new ground cover but the stump remains as a reminder.

Derek Harper

Sheep above Inner Froward Point

Some tempting spring greens await these sheep when the fence is shifted. Beyond is the English Channel; pretty sure the specks are gulls rather than boats.

Derek Harper

Lichen, Inner Froward Point Battery

Yellow lichen on an elder bush by the South West Coast Path.

Derek Harper

New steps on the coast path

These steps are a recent feature on a steep section of path approaching the battery on Inner Froward Point.

Derek Harper

Brownstone Battery

The remains of a World War II gun emplacement at Brownstone Battery above Inner Froward Point.

Philip Halling

Brownstone Battery

The remains of a World War II gun emplacement at Brownstone Battery above Inner Froward Point.

Philip Halling

Former searchlight emplacement

Former searchlight emplacement at Brownstone Battery.

Philip Halling

Coast guard lookout, Inner Froward Point

Coast guard lookout on the site of a former WWII battery above Inner Froward Point.

Philip Halling

Bench overlooking The Warren

Just off the coastal path as it goes towards Froward Point.

Bill Boaden

Coastguard lookout station on Inner Froward Point

This is now manned by volunteers, who are extremely enthusiastic and helpful.

Bill Boaden

Path down towards Outer Froward Point

The rocks ahead can be seen from a long way along the coast.

Bill Boaden

Boat off Inner Froward Point

A small boat crosses Start Bay illuminated by the winter sun, seen from the Military road above the coastal battery.

Derek Harper

National Coastwatch Institution Lookout Station

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is a voluntary organisation set up in 1994 to restore a visual watch along UK shores after many small Coastguard stations closed. NCI is a registered charity managed by a board of Trustees with a Constitution agreed by the Charities Commission.

Anthony Parkes

Gun Emplacement at Brownstone Battery

Brownstone Battery is a World War II coastal defence position, situated on the eastern side of the mouth of the river Dart estuary at Froward Point (Grid Ref: 902946). This area has commanding views across Start Bay, which helped in its defence role. The site consists of two gun positions, two searchlight positions and a variety of other buildings, including an observation post, generator room, ammunition store, general store and mess rooms, which can still be seen.

Anthony Parkes