The raised beach platform near Whitesheet Rock, on the flank of Lydstep Point, cut across steeply dipping strata of Carboniferous Limestone. The platform site is open to wave attack from the SW.
This is one of the most impressive raised beach platforms in west Wales, tucked away behind Whitesheet Rock, near Lydstep Point. Grid ref SS091975. The remnant is over 100m long, and up to 30m wide — that’s much wider than any other old platform seen in this region. The platform has a steeper gradient than many others, and it is severely broken up by gullies and solutional features -- the effects of current wave action are apparent at the outer edge of the platform. In places it is actually quite dangerous to walk across the surface. I have seen no raised beach cobbles here -- the only sediments are solidly cemented slope deposits or scree, made entirely of limestone fragments. At the back of the platform there are a number of old caves related to conduits within the limestone. They would be worth investigating.......
Another view from platform level. The platform is accessible -- with care -- from the slope above.
The distinct notch at the back of the platform. Note that the platform has quite a steep gradient, and that its surface is very broken up -- an indicator of great age?
View to the NW, from near the southern edge of the platform. At bottom left, we can see the current cliffs which are gradually eating into the platform.
Fine cemented limestone breccia on the platform surface
Coarse limestone breccia including large angular blocks resting on the highly
dissected platform surface
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