Not-so-Wild Swimming at Shoalstone Seawater Pool

Wow. A rare sunny day! I woke to glorious blue sky and a warm breeze. Such a delight after all of the rain and cloud and my diary could be easily cleared. But where to go? I wanted to try somewhere new, as I was hoping that might re-ignite my creativity mojo. I opened up my new book The Lido Guide, which reviews every outdoor pool in the UK, and looked for pools near me. Shoalstone! I had heard of it but never been there, so I quickly packed my swimming gear and my cameras and headed out.

I discovered that Shoalstone Seawater Pool is at the end of Brixham, on a rocky promontory on the road to Berry Head. I parked in the car park named in the Guidebook, but still couldn't see a pool. I wondered if I was in the right place. But as I turned the corner I found myself at the top of some steep steps leading down to the pool area. What a stunning setting!

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I could see right across the sweep of Torbay from Brixham to Torquay and beyond.

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I read in the Guidebook that the 53 metre pool itself is free to use, is run by volunteers, and has changing rooms and a snack bar. It is one of the few tidal pools left in the country, and is built in a natural rock pool that, in Victorian times, was popular for bathing. In 1896 two walls were built to retain the tidal water that flooded in. Thirty years later, in 1926, the Pool took on its current design. A lot of rock was removed to make it deeper and to add a shallow end. It has a wide concrete surround perfect for sunbathing. It has remained popular over the years with locals and visitors, but only just survived the threat of closure by the local council 10 years ago and severe damage by winter storms. This photo was taken in 1955:

I walked around the perimeter of the pool and looked down into the sea below. This area is part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark which helps to protect the environment of the Bay. I was amazed by the clarity of the water and the range of colourful seaweeds that I could see.

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This was the water that fed the pool, and although it didn't look brilliant I was reassured that it would be ok to swim in.

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I gingerly made my way down the gentle slope at the shallow end and initially felt the chill of the water.

I realised that with the heat of the sun it was probably warmer than the sea itself and I was soon enjoying a good swim. I thought about the generations of people who had used the pool over the past 130 years. The warmth of the sun and the sea breeze contrasted with the chill of the water and made me tingle and feel so alive. Now I knew why this lido had lasted. I would be here every day if I lived nearby!

I had brought my new toy with me - a Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 - which is waterproof so can be used in, on and under the water! I had treated myself as part of my push to get my photography juices flowing again. It was fun playing around with it as I was swimming. I could get a different perspective of the experience from in the water, although I did feel so self-conscious that I only took a few shots!

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After my swim, I made my way up to the Lido cafe and had a cup of tea, overlooking the bay and watching all the boats coming and going. On such a glorious day, Devon has so many treasures to visit. I have now ticked off the first of my list of 20 Devon lidos!

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