WATCH: Important safety advice issued to beach goers visiting "isolated' coastal reserve in Lincolnshire

Situated north of Mablethorpe and east from Louth is the Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe national nature reserve – an isolated spot offering an abundance of wildlife, undulating sand dunes, mud flats and walking trails.

Years ago, the site was known as RAF Theddlethorpe – operating as a bombing and gunnery range from the 1930s to the 1970s. Nearby Donna Nook, to the north, is still used as such.

So along with the natural sights and sounds, visitor are often drawn to the area by the historic landmarks still residing on the sand. Chief among these are the old time and tidal bell, and the remains of a WWII ‘Comet’ tank.

But the area has also developed a local reputation for the potential dangers it poses to those unfamiliar with the terrain and tide times.

Jane Dale, a volunteer at National Coastwatch Mablethorpe, visited both the bell and tank recently – and took to social media to issue advice to others venturing to the “remote” coastal area.

“As I was walking I thought about safety issues,” she said. “As a lone female especially. It's quite a remote area at times – there's places where there's no phone signal.”

One Lincolnshire local who regularly cycles the route said he has often met people “lost in the dark” – adding that the site is “not for the faint-hearted”.

Commenting on Coastwatch’s social media post about the area, he adds: “North of the bell, the pathway is non-existent with no visible signage in the dark to show where footpaths through the dunes to carparks are.”

He warns that it could be “very dangerous” to those unfamiliar with the route – as footpaths can become “knee-deep in water” at high tide at certain times of the year.

"The sea comes in very quick, so people can get cut off quite easily if not close to the dunes,” he adds.

Another woman added: “I was up on the reserve cutting along to past the bell when sea fog came in. I had to really take a deep breath and stop panicking. Definitely tell someone you’re going out on the lonely stretch.”

Heed the advice

Being mindful of the potential hazards, Coastwatch volunteer Jane Dale says the site is still “worth a visit” – if you take a few safety precautions first.

“From Mablethorpe beach, it was a very long walk and perhaps advisable to go with someone else or a group," she advises.

“Carry a powerpack to charge a phone, let someone know you're going and check in with them throughout the walk.

“It’s very important to check tide times because the sea does come in a long way judging by the seaweed and cuttlefish I saw on the grass pathway.

“If you should find yourself in difficulty always phone the Coastguard - and it might be a good idea to put what3words app on your phone.”

Plan your visit – like the King

The closest access for visitors to the area is via the park in Churchill Lane, LN12 1PQ. Dogs are not permitted to the nature reserve area.

Despite the potential dangers, the reserve is still a fantastic place to experience for lovers of the outdoors – with visitors rating it 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor.

Indeed, it is a reserve fit for a king – with King Charles III himself having visited it in 2023 as part of his Lincolnshire Coronation Coast NNRV.