Season: winter
The beach at Shingle Street is wild and exposed, being home to a carpet of wild flowers in the late spring and summer. The waters are hazardous, however, marking the point where the outgoing River Ore meets the North Sea breakers; there is a strong tide run. The North Weir bell buoy sounds an alarm at the submerged end of Orford Ness’ sand spit. This area was once a thriving fishing community. More recently, Barnes Wallis’ bouncing bombs were tested here in World War 2, leading to the demise of the Lifeboat Inn, which once sat by the beach.
What the beach means to Tim.
