Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dangers & Annoyances
Compared to the world's trouble spots, England's southwest is a particularly safe place. But of course, crime can happen
anywhere and you do still need to take care. Particular flashpoints can be at night amid concentrations of bars and clubs;
avoid walking alone and beware of becoming embroiled in a fight.
Keep money and important documents out of sight in cars, and not just in city centres - remote moorland and coastal
beauty spots are sometimes targeted by thieves. If you're in hostels take a padlock for the lockers and keep stuff packed
away.
Beaches
The lifesaving charity, the
RNLI
(
0845-045 6999;
www.rnli.org.uk
)
has to rescue hundreds of people each year in
the West Country. It advises:
»
Use beaches with lifeguards.
»
Read and obey safety signs.
»
Never swim alone.
»
Swim between red and yellow flags, and surf in water marked by black-and-white chequered flags.
Coastguards also advise parents not let children use inflatables - if they do, an adult should attach a line and hold onto
it.
Some of the biggest tidal ranges in the world occur in the southwest, and the sandy route out of that secluded cove
can soon disappear under feet of water - people having to be rescued after getting cut off is a frequent event. Less dra-
matically, kit left on the sand when you go in to surf can be a soggy, scattered mess when you get back.
Times of high and low water are often outlined at popular beaches, as well as on local BBC TV and radio, and in
newspapers. Small yellow booklets of tide times are available from newsagents and local shops (£1.40).
In recent decades, campaigners - particularly Cornwall-based
Surfers Against Sewage
(
www.sas.org.uk
) - have
battled (and in part succeeded) to improve water quality. 'Blue Flags' are awarded to beaches with high water-quality
standards, and good safety and environmental records. See the latest list at
www.blueflag.org
.
But note, some of Devon
and Cornwall's best beaches don't qualify for the award, not because water quality is bad, but because they don't have
specific features (such as toilets, bins and drinking water).
Walking
While stunning to hike, the region's moors are also remote, so prepare for upland weather conditions. Warm, waterproof
clothing, hats, water and sunscreen are essential. Parts of Dartmoor are used by the military for live-firing ranges;
Click
here
.
Like the rest of Britain, the southwest's coastline is subject to erosion and occasionally rockfalls cause injury or even
death. Unstable sections of the coastline are often fenced off and coastguards urge beach-users and walkers to obey
warning signs.
Discount Cards
For regional rail and bus passes, see the start of our Transport chapter.
