Information
South Gare is an area of reclaimed land and breakwater on the southern side of the mouth of the River Tees in Redcar, England. South Gare and Coatham Sands are a site of special scientific interest. The dunes on the eastern flank are protected by three slag banks close to the breakwater, known as the 'German Charlies' that are partly exposed at low tide. The name was applied after a First World War incident involving a German ship that ran aground.
On the inner side of the breakwater is Bran Sands known for its bird life and the wooden wreck of a ship in the sands. A number of underwater wrecks lie off South Gare. Seals can also be spotted.
The beach
The wide sandy beach is suitable for windsurfing and kite-surfing. It is also a popular angling spot. Fishing is best off the end of South Gare breakwater and this is also a good spot to watch ships coming and going.
The land is man made from thousands of tons of basic slag from blast furnaces. The high limestone content of the slag produces a base rich soil that is attractive to lime loving plants. The area consists of tidal mudflats, scrub, grassland, sand dunes, rocks and freshwater and saltwater pools
Directions
Breakwater, South Gare, Redcar, TS10 5NX,
OS grid ref.
NZ 5580 2763
Access
It is accessed by taking the South Gare Road (private road) from Fisherman's Crossing at the western end of Tod Point Road in Warrenby.
Naturism
The beach is to the North of the town and has been used by naturists since the modern FKK movement of the 1930's.
Updated 6.5.19 aw
