Landcombe

Originally published on Photoblog by Gethin Thomas November. 05, 2020

Landcombe isn't really a place, it's more of a space where there was once land, which has over time been scooped out to make a very short very steep valley or combe.

A combe, also spelled coombe or coomb and, in place names, combe can refer either to a steep, narrow valley, or to a small valley or large hollow on the side of a hill; in any case, it is often understood simply to mean a small valley through which a watercourse does not run.

In this case I think there is a little water running down there. It isn't really a place you go to it's somewhere the road goes through, quite a narrow road, meaning you cannot stop. If you want to take photos of Landcombe you have to park up and walk back (carefully), avoiding the traffic. Those lines the other side are sheep tracks formed over many years, there is also a path straight down and back up the other side. This is the national coast path. Notably the stupid sheep create a nice gentle sloping path, while the highly intelligent humans go straight down and back up.

Beaches don't get much more secret than Landcombe Cove – situated between crowded Slapton and Blackpool Sands. A steep descent to the shore deters all but the most dedicated beach-lovers and, unless you're visiting on a summer weekend, you're likely to have the entire place to yourself.

In summer you are more likely to see small boats anchored in the cove, than people struggling to get down there.