Hawkcombe Water originates from Hawkcombe Head, situated at a considerable elevation of nearly 1400 feet on Porlock Common. It flows in an easterly direction through a steep-sided combe until it reaches the point of convergence with other watercourses from Shillett Combe. Continuing its course through Homebush Wood, it eventually passes through Hawkcombe, where it changes direction towards the north. Prior to reaching Porlock, the water is culverted to flow beneath the main road. From Porlock, the stream continues its northerly journey, eventually reaching Porlock Salt Marsh and finally flowing into the sea. The entire length of the water's course, from source to sea, spans approximately 4 miles.
At Parsons Street, the Hawkcombe Stream exhibits a usual range of water levels between 0.01m and 0.50m, accounting for approximately 90% of the monitoring period. Over the past 12 months, the typical level of the Hawkcombe Stream at Parsons Street has varied between 0.02m and 0.04m, persisting at these levels for at least 321 days within the year. The highest recorded level at the Hawkcombe Stream at Parsons Street occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2020, at 4:30 am, reaching 0.21m. This camera was installed and is maintained by the Environment Agency and can be viewed
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Open Government Licence v3.0 Porlock is a coastal village located 5 miles west of Minehead in Somerset. It is home to a population of 1,440 residents. In 2010, Porlock held the distinction of having the highest proportion of elderly residents in Britain, with over 40% of the population being of pensionable age. East of the village lies Bury Castle, an Iron Age hill fort. The name "Porlock" has its roots in the 10th or 11th century, derived from "Portloc" or "Portloca," which signifies an enclosure near the harbor, originating from the Old English words "port" and "loca." The Domesday Book documented the village as "Portloc." Porlock was historically part of the hundred of Carhampton. The area has connections with several Romantic poets and is also renowned as the setting for R. D. Blackmore's famous novel, Lorna Doone. Due to its natural beauty and cultural significance, Porlock remains a popular destination for visitors.
