Breakwater Beach

As the name suggests Breakwater Beach sits to the seaward side of Bude's breakwater, just across the canal from the town's main Summerleaze beach. Despite their proximity the two beaches couldn't be less alike; whilst Summerleaze is a vast stretch of golden sand with all the facilities Breakwater beach is a jumble of rocks and shingle that is often deserted.

Breakwater Beach is located at the bottom of the sloping grassy cliffs of Compass Point and is a far more rugged proposition than Summerleaze. There is little shelter from the Atlantic swells here and also no lifeguard, so care should be taken if you fancy a swim off here. There is some sand on the beach, however, this is only revealed at low tide

This is a beach that is possibly of more interest to geologists than sunbathers. The long fingers of rock extending out towards the sea are a fine example of the "Bude Formation". This is characterised by layered rocks with folds in. Perhaps the most notable feature on the beach is the distinctive Whaleback fold.