Here, longshore drift creates a spit with shelter and marsh behind – ideal for a variety of uses. Salt extraction from pans started in around 1300 (now drained for Seasalter Golf Club!). Increasing trade led to smuggling (1800s), mainly of French perfume and spirits, so the Coastguard set up on the spit with their cottages seaward of Island Wall!
En route, you’ll pass the Blue Plaque on Peter Cushing’s house.
Where to eat & drink
At West Beach, where the Trail passes the caravan park, is West Beach Bar & Tea Rooms. From here the Trail extends west towards Seasalter where it passes The Oyster Pearl; the last pub on the Trail and also a restaurant serving South East Asian food. At the end of the Trail lies The Sportsman, a Michelin starred restaurant.
