Why Every Coastal Explorer Needs a Tide Clock

May 30, 2025

There’s nothing like a walk along a beautiful coastline. The waves rolling in, the sound of seagulls, and the salty wind in your hair. Coastal walks are a chance to disconnect from the pace of modern life and reconnect with the natural world that many take for granted. However, coasts are constantly changing and can reshape a shoreline several times throughout the day. Understanding these ever-changing tidal patterns is essential to those who love to explore coastal paths, sandy coves, and rocky seaside terrains.

Here, we explore why tide clocks are the perfect household and coastal companion, keeping you in sync with the sea, and always one step ahead of tidal movements.

Why does monitoring the tides matter on coastal walks?

Tides can transform an entire coastal landscape. The UK has some of the largest tidal ranges in the world, and most coastal locations experience two high tides and two low tides each day.

High Tide: Occurs when the ocean is at its fullest point on the beach. This is when you notice that there isn’t a lot of sand to walk on, and waves are breaking at the top of the beach.

Low Tide: This is when the ocean is at its lowest point on the beach, when it feels like you’ve been walking for ages to reach the shoreline, and there’s plenty of space to set up beach activities and long sandy walks along the coast.

Whether you're planning a coastal hike or just a gentle shoreline stroll, understanding your local tidal patterns is crucial for your safety and could mean the difference between an enjoyable walk and an unexpected detour. While low tide can uncover hidden pathways and areas waiting to be explored, high tide may submerge these routes completely, potentially cutting off access and putting coastal walkers at risk of becoming stranded.

What is a tide clock?

Tide clocks track daily high and low tides, monitoring tidal movement over a 12-hour and 25-minute period. This is because tidal movement is linked to the gravitational pull of the moon and therefore follows the moon’s cycle. Tide clocks then display the position of the tide, helping you indicate how long until the next high or low tide.

How tide clocks support coastal walkers and explorers:

Plan your outings with confidence: By keeping an eye on the tides, you’ll know the best time to set off for maximum beach access and when to head back before the tide creeps in.

Discover hidden gems: When the tide is low, it provides a great opportunity to explore otherwise hidden caves, rockpools, and sandbars.

Staying safe near the coast: Tide clocks help beachgoers avoid becoming stranded out at sea or misjudging tide-dependent coastal routes.

Monitor the tides effortlessly from home: Unlike mobile apps or printed tables, a tide clock provides a clear, reliable view at a glance, ideal for those living by the coast and avid beach goers.

Bringing the coast indoors:

CM4305 High/Low Tide Clock

Our range of tide clocks are more than just a practical tool; they're an elegant addition to any coastal home. Designed to synchronise with the lunar cycle, each tide clock completes a full rotation every 12 hours and 25 minutes, clearly indicating both high and low tides. Whether you’re planning a day at the seaside, a peaceful walk along the shore, or a weekend of sailing, our tide clocks help you make the most of the waves.

For more information on how to set up your tide clock, please visit:

How to Set your Tide Clock: A step-by-step guide | ClimeMET

FAQs:

How does a tide clock work?
A tide clock follows the lunar cycle, which lasts approximately 12 hours and 25 minutes. It shows whether the tide is coming in or going out, helping you plan coastal activities more effectively.

Do I need to reset my tide clock?
Tide clocks may need occasional adjustment over time. A quick check and reset using a tide table every few months keeps it accurate.

Where is the best place to mount a tide clock?
For indoor use, kitchens, hallways, or conservatories are ideal. Outdoors, choose a sheltered area protected from direct rain and heavy wind to maintain its finish and reliable performance.

What's the best time to walk along the beach?
Low tide is typically the best time for beach walking, as more of the shoreline is exposed and accessible.

Why is it important to check the tide before a coastal walk?
Tide times can significantly impact access and safety on coastal routes. Rising tides can cut off pathways, flood estuaries, or even make rocky sections slippery and hazardous. Checking the tide before setting off helps ensure a safe and enjoyable walk.