Brean Down Visit, Part III, 'The Fort' by Sheila, July 23rd 2021
Channel: semw52
Date: 2021-07-27

Over the past 30 years I have visited here many times and there are some noticeable changes---with some efforts to protect the fort and maintain its good condition despite having no public facilities  for the visitors here---the basic structures have been  made safe and some efforts to protect the fort and I reckon if necessary these buildings could be fully restored for habitation----it is a surprise that there are no  services for the visitors and perhaps a mobile cafe, chemical  toilets etc....... but  may be this is  to protect the fort they may wish to limit visitor numbers by not having facilities----to prevent erosion  and rubbish  -----But there is loads of history in the effort to defend the coastline here from enemy invasion from both Napoleon and the Germans-----Brean has a rich  history  going back to the Neolithic times and later  the Romans who visited here------the Down an Ancient Hill fort with great views  all around--a good defensive  natural structure but also quite exposed to the weather elements----------There is wild-life here, animal and plant life that have adapted to the environment ----the gnarled trees and bushes that bend naturally with the fierce winds-the small  pretty flowers that hug the ground and dance to the tune of the winds-----there are goats here that  wander precariously on the sheer cliff edges---yes very steep sheer drops here where people and their dogs have fallen----the grassy banks can be deceiving  because the  cliff edges are concealed  in some places so take care here----I met visitors with very young children running about who had no idea of the dangers so I gave them a brief warning of the risks----many a dog has literary run off the top here into the sea or onto the rocks..........But well worth a visit and I have over the years brought my own kids here and grand children and dogs pointing out the beauty and the the dangers --loads of history, geology, archaeology and mystery, legends and myths-----Today like all the other visits  an example of  a great walk with the  fort at the end and  several information boards for visitors-----Info can also be found online...... A few years ago  it was possible to go down into the underground areas now locked and gated---we use to scare ourselves  entering those deep, dark rooms in the dark----down the steps and into very dark areas-----just recently I was invited to go at night on a ghost hunt--------------anyway folks  a few  more videos to follow of this walk on a hot Summer's day.....Trips to Steep Holm have also recommenced ---another place rich in beauty, history and mystery with evidence all around of its defensive position in the Bristol Channel---loads of old cannons and bunkers............