Compass Cove

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Devon

England

Compass Cove

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

Compass Cove is a picturesque coastal area located in Devon, England. Nestled between rolling hills and overlooking the vast sea, this charming cove offers visitors a serene and idyllic retreat. The cove is known for its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere.

The main attraction of Compass Cove is its pristine sandy beach which stretches for approximately half a mile, providing ample space for sunbathing, picnics, and leisurely walks along the shore. The beach is flanked by towering cliffs on one side and crystal-clear waters on the other, making it a popular spot for swimming and water sports enthusiasts.

At the mouth of the cove lies a beautiful estuary, where the sea meets a winding freshwater creek. The estuary is a haven for bird watchers, as it attracts a wide variety of migratory and resident bird species. Visitors can spot elegant herons, soaring seagulls, and even the occasional osprey or kingfisher.

Exploring the creek is a must for nature lovers. As the tide ebbs and flows, it reveals hidden rock pools teeming with marine life, providing a fascinating opportunity for children and adults alike to discover crabs, small fish, and colorful sea anemones.

Compass Cove is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a popular destination for those seeking peace and tranquility. With its breathtaking vistas, diverse wildlife, and calm ambience, this hidden gem in Devon offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Compass Cove Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.333726/-3.5681728 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.
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.
Coastguard building
Coastguard building
Charred tree stump above Newfoundland Cove Sixteen months after <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6553373">SX9049 : Charred tree stump above Newfoundland Cove</a>, there is plenty of new ground cover but the stump remains as a reminder.
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.
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.
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.
Lichen, Inner Froward Point Battery Yellow lichen on an elder bush by the South West Coast Path.
Lichen, Inner Froward Point Battery
Yellow lichen on an elder bush by the South West Coast Path.
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.
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.
Brownstone Battery The remains of a World War II gun emplacement at Brownstone Battery above Inner Froward Point.
Brownstone Battery
The remains of a World War II gun emplacement at Brownstone Battery above Inner Froward Point.
Brownstone Battery The remains of a World War II gun emplacement at Brownstone Battery above Inner Froward Point.
Brownstone Battery
The remains of a World War II gun emplacement at Brownstone Battery above Inner Froward Point.
Former searchlight emplacement Former searchlight emplacement at Brownstone Battery.
Former searchlight emplacement
Former searchlight emplacement at Brownstone Battery.
Coast guard lookout, Inner Froward Point Coast guard lookout on the site of a former WWII battery above Inner Froward Point.
Coast guard lookout, Inner Froward Point
Coast guard lookout on the site of a former WWII battery above Inner Froward Point.
Bench overlooking The Warren Just off the coastal path as it goes towards Froward Point.
Bench overlooking The Warren
Just off the coastal path as it goes towards Froward Point.
Coastguard lookout station on Inner Froward Point This is now manned by volunteers, who are extremely enthusiastic and helpful.
Coastguard lookout station on Inner Froward Point
This is now manned by volunteers, who are extremely enthusiastic and helpful.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Field and hedge on Froward Point
Field and hedge on Froward Point
Coastguard access road to Froward Point
Coastguard access road to Froward Point
Small tortoiseshell, Brownstone Battery Aglais urticae on one of the building at the battery above Inner Froward Point.
Small tortoiseshell, Brownstone Battery
Aglais urticae on one of the building at the battery above Inner Froward Point.
Show me another place!

Compass Cove is located at Grid Ref: SX8849 (Lat: 50.333726, Lng: -3.5681728)

Administrative County: Devon

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///verbs.grandest.meanings. Near Dartmouth, Devon

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.333726,-3.5681728
Deadmans Cove
Natural: bay
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 50.3376815/-3.565658
Ladies Cove
Natural: bay
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 50.3365756/-3.5653619
Blackstone Point
Natural: headland
Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView
Lat/Long: 50.3354022/-3.5636992
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 50.3357537/-3.5695984
Historic: monument
Lat/Long: 50.33561/-3.570595
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 50.332501/-3.5699693
Bench
Lat/Long: 50.3356405/-3.564883
Survey Date: 2022-03-26
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 50.3356147/-3.5640974
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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