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Lying
in the Bristol Channel, the dramatic island of Steep Holm
covers around 50 acres.
The name
'Holm' derives from the Scandinavian name for river. Composed
of Carboniferous Limestone, the island is geologically an
extension of the Mendip Hills at Brean Down.
Steep
Holm acts as a wind and wave break, sheltering the upper reaches
of the Bristol Channel. In the 1860s both Steep Holm and
Flat Holm were fortified against possible invasion and during
World War I and World War II these defences were updated.
Since
1976 Steep Holm has been owned by the Kenneth Allsop Memorial
Trust in memory of the well-known broadcaster and naturalist.
Uninhabited
(except for the wardens), the island is now a nature reserve
and Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI).
From
the island there a spectacular views towards Devon, North
Somerset, Weston Bay, the Severn Bridges and South Wales.
A five
mile boat trip lasting an hour takes visitors from Weston-super-Mare
to a pebble beach on Steep Holm. Once ashore a zig-zag path
climbs upwards towards the island's plateau 256 ft above sea-level.
Trips last 8 - 10 hours. There is a Visitor Centre which
also offers refreshments and souvenirs. Sailings are from
Knightstone Pier, Weston-super-Mare. Call 01934 632307 to
book.
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Steep Holm
