20 June 2024 , 08:19
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"I don't think there's anywhere quite like it", declared a fossil collector standing amidst the ramshackle fisherman's huts of Port Mulgrave. Port Mulgrave, on the Yorkshire Coast, is surely one of the UK's most unusual spots.
This former mining village sits on a cliff edge and once housed rows of homes for workers at its ironstone exporting port. But if you dare to scramble down the cliff face, a wondrous seaside world awaits.
What used to be the port area has evolved into a quirky collection of around 30 fishermen's huts, each used for storage and exhibiting its own unique personality, with designs comprising rope, pebbles, shells, plywood and parts of old boats. Getting to this special spot isn't a walk in the park. The steep, perilous 10-minute descent down the cliff can test even the bravest and surest of foot, particularly in wet weather.
Unfortunately, a stairway that once offered easier access was destroyed by a landslip over the past year. Regular visitor Patrick Llamas - who ventures to the spot for fossil hunting reported that he and his son were the last to make use of the old steps, reports Yorkshire Live.
Mr Llama commented: "It's normally really quiet and peaceful down here. No one wants to come down at the minute because of the accessibility. You always see the same people."
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Geologist Patrick Llamas regularly visits Port Mulgrave to look for fossils (Yorkshire Live)He also mentioned that the fisherman's huts are a hub for locals' gear, recalling a former resident who lived in one and sold fossils he found before moving to Whitby, saying: "He used to sell fossils that he found."
Describing the area's unique charm, he added: "He was quite bohemian, you could say. I think you have to be quirky if you want to live in a hut that you have to climb down an 800 foot cliff to get to."
Mr Llama pointed out the privacy valued by some regulars: "Some of the others might not want to chat because it's their little place. They might not want people knowing about it."
The landslips have affected several fishing huts, leading to community efforts to move them away from the unstable cliffs. A couple of young fossil hunters noted the fishermen's proactive stance.
It's a steep walk down to the former port (Charles Gray)These youngsters also observed the use of solar panels and wind turbines on some huts for power. "They put a lot of work into them. They're not afraid to get dirty from what I've seen of them," he said.
They further reported signs of social activity on the beach, unfortunately accompanied by litter and remnants of fire pits. Both the young fossil enthusiasts and Mr Llama agree that while the fishing hots are of interest, the area is more renowned for its wealth of ammonites and other fossils.
Mr Llama remarked: "The thing with the shacks is a couple of them are just s**t tips so they're not big of an attraction. A couple of people might come down but it's not exactly a thriving place.
Most of the huts are used by the fishermen to store their equipment (Yorkshire Live)"The real attraction for me is the fossils."
Climbing back up the cliff is even trickier than the descent, with the rope provided proving essential for pulling oneself back to the top. However, if you're not in good shape (not that I'm an athlete or anything), it might be wise to steer clear of this challenging spot.
A local resident from the village atop the cliff mentioned she only knew of one person in the vicinity who owned a hut, with most visitors coming from further afield. She commented: "You always know who they are because you will see them carrying a door or planks of wood or something down the cliff."
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