Chasing The Tide
The 3 best South West Spots For Those Autumn Wild Swims…
3 Best South West Spots for Autumn Swims, Crisp Walks, and Staying Dry…
There is a distinct shift in the South West air right now.
The summer crowds have packed up, the coastal paths are quiet, and a beautiful, crisp mist is rolling across Exmoor.
I don’t know about you but even though the winters feel long and the summer feels so short, I am forever grateful for our seasons. That shift between them brings me excitement for a new chapter each time. What a wonderful summer it has been - I’ve heard so many say t’s been too hot, but I just can’t bring myself to complain as I know halfway through the winter I will be longing to take off those layers, to stop preparing the logs and chopping kindling and most importantly feel free to camp, swim and open up all the doors again.
For those of us who love the British outdoors, this is when the true magic begins. As outdoor enthusiasts and designers based right here in Wiveliscombe, Somerset, my husband and I live for these wild adventures in autumn. Little one loves the winter and wants to be outside all year round - we feel blessed we can do this.
There is absolutely nothing like the rush of a cold-water sea dip or a windy coastal hike to clear your mind. But as any local knows, loving the South West coast in autumn and winter means respecting the weather. The secret to enjoying it isn't staying indoors—it’s having the right armour to keep you warm and dry when you step back onto the shore.
Whether you are a seasoned wild swimmer, a van-life weekend warrior, or a coastal walker, here are three of our absolute favourite local spots to explore this season, along with our insider tips on how to brave the elements in style.
1. The Rugged Coastal Escape: Combesgate & Woolacombe, North Devon While Woolacombe Beach gets all the summer fame, its quieter neighbour, Combesgate Beach, holds a truly special place in our hearts (many of you know we have made many appearances there with our pop-up-shop).
Tucked just around the corner, Combesgate offers dramatic rock formations, beautiful rock pools, and a much more intimate, wild atmosphere. The Vibe: Sweeping Atlantic views, crashing surf, and a rugged coastline that feels beautifully untamed in the cooler months.
Insider Tip: Parking right at Combesgate can be notoriously tricky due to tight coastal lanes, so we recommend parking up at the main Woolacombe esplanade and taking the scenic, bracing walk along the coastal path over to Combesgate. After a breezy walk or a quick surf, head to a local independent beachside cafe for a thick, steaming hot chocolate or after 5PM tuck in to Barricaines gorgeous hot food.
2. The Peaceful River Dip: Landacre Bridge, Exmoor If you prefer fresh, crisp river water to the salty Atlantic, head inland to Landacre Bridge on Exmoor. This ancient, scheduled monument arches over the River Barle and is surrounded by rolling moorland populated by wild Exmoor ponies.
The Vibe: Peaceful, rural, and incredibly atmospheric. The water here is clear, cool, and perfect for a refreshing plunge or a serene riverside picnic surrounded by autumn colours.
Insider Tip: Exmoor weather can turn in a heartbeat. It can be perfectly sunny in Wiveliscombe and throwing it down with horizontal rain by the time you reach the moor. Pack a flask of hot soup and high-quality, windproof layers.
3. The Atmospheric Coastal Walk: Porlock Weir, Somerset For a day out that combines a dramatic stony beach with maritime history, Porlock Weir is a must-visit. Located where the edge of Exmoor meets the Bristol Channel, it features a picturesque 15th-century harbour, salt marshes, and a unique, windswept shingle ridge.
The Vibe: Peaceful, historic, and brilliant for clearing the cobwebs. The coastal walks extending from the weir offer breathtaking views across the water.
Insider Tip: This stretch of the Somerset coast gets incredibly windy as the autumn gales pick up. It is the ultimate testing ground for outdoor gear, where a standard jacket simply won't cut it against the damp coastal chill.
Introducing Your Autumn Armor: The Fest Raincoat, The StayDri Long Hoody and the stylish, nautical StayDri Hybrid. When we are out researching and exploring these exact spots, we are constantly taking notes on what works and what fails when the weather turns. That is exactly how our brand-new Fest Raincoat was born. Designed by us in our Wiveliscombe studio, the Fest Raincoat is engineered specifically for rugged South West adventures as it folds up neatly and can be stored easily in the matching waterproof bag. It’s long, it’s vibrant and it offers you complete protection.
For a more fitted and warmer outer layer, The Hybrid Pro is built for these outdoor walking and coastal adventures. Sherpa lined, lots of pockets and waterproof makes it the ultimate choice for the outdoor enthusiast. It’s high-end, durable style is made for people who refuse to let a British downpour ruin their day.
Come Meet Us Locally This Winter! We love being a part of the vibrant South West independent business community.
If you want to see the WaveMe collection in person, feel the premium quality of our fabrics, or just chat about your favourite coastal routes, come find our physical pop-up boutique at these upcoming local events:
Taunton Independent Market: Saturday, 26th September.
Wellington Christmas Lights Turn On: Saturday, 28th November - Can't make it to the markets? We’d love to welcome you into our online community. Pop your email into the box below to join the WaveMe mailing list.
You’ll unlock exclusive VIP early access to the online Fest Raincoat drop, receive our latest outdoor styling tips, and automatically be entered into our Grand Christmas Raffle! Sign Up to the WaveMe Mailing List & Enter the Christmas Raffle automatically Here
