Location St Brides Bay Population 0 | County Pembrokeshire | |
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Address Ramsey Island, St Davids SA62 6SA, UK Hours Open today ยท Open 24 hoursFridayOpen 24 hoursSaturdayOpen 24 hoursSundayOpen 24 hoursMondayOpen 24 hoursTuesdayOpen 24 hoursWednesdayOpen 24 hoursThursdayOpen 24 hoursSuggest an edit Similar Ramsey Island, Whitesands Bay, St Brides Bay, Strumble Head, Falls of Lora | ||
The Bitches are a tidal race and set of rocks between Ramsey Island and the west Welsh coastline near St Davids. They are a popular tourist destination and a playspot for extreme sports enthusiasts such as whitewater kayakers and surfers.
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Whitewater kayaking on the bitches tide race ramsey sound wales uk
Name and history
The Bitches have been so-named at least since 1909 when a steamer was holed on the rock but managed to beach before she sank. The following year three lifeboatmen were drowned aiding a ketch foundered on the rocks.
Formation
Water between Ramsey Island and the Welsh coastline is squeezed over a sea bed that changes height dramatically. During the change of tides this causes the water to flow at a rate of up to 7 knots (13 km/h). A set of rocks further constricts the water, especially during higher tides, and this causes hydraulics to form in the shape of glassy standing waves and broken waves (also known as stoppers).
Access
Numerous guidebooks detail the route to The Bitches, but it is not for the inexperienced or unprepared. Not only are the fast flows and hydraulics a danger, but a large underwater spire known as Horse Rock causes boils and whirlpools, which have sunk boats in the past.