[Marineboy]

Thanks for the comments. Its good to know there are like minded people about. I know well the total immersion that the solo beachcombing/rockpooling enthusiast enters into. It's not just about what you find - it's also about what you might find. And that list of possibles is only limited by mother nature's little whims and man's unfortunate ways. You never know what the tide is going to leave behind or what is lurking under the next rock.

Have you taken a magnifying glass to the tideline and explored the micro level of what's washed up? Do it and you might get so absorbed you don't notice the wet sandy knees! Sea urchin tests and scallop shells not much larger than a pin head - ok, not so good for a shell collection but they are exquisite. And don't ignore the seaweeds. Wonderful colours and forms, and take time to check out the holdfasts of any of the large kelps for the attached life they carry.

As to seeking out good areas for rockpooling, I find that Google Earth is great for exploring (at home) of new areas of coastline looking for suitable sites. The aerial views often give an indication of what lays just offshore and a suggestion of what material might be washed up - excuse me if it's obvious, but in general the dark areas are rock/weed and light areas are sand/mud. It doesn't give much away in regards to tidal ranges and what you might expect to find there on the day but it's a starting point. It's also good in that you can seek out nearby access or car parking. (GPS marks taken off Google Earth are extremely accurate too). Maybe someone on this site can suggest where might be good to go near Manchester.

Not sure yet where I will end up for the March tide. Guernsey sounds good and must get out there one day. I will probably explore the shoreline somewhere between Penzance, Plymouth and Torquay. Never been to Wembury. Maybe this time.