Situated on the south side of Start Bay in the South Hams district in Devon, Start Point is a promontory running almost a mile into the sea. From here Start Bay extends northwards to the estuary of the River Dart and the town of Dartmouth. On the coast, from south to north, are Hallsands, Beesands, Torcross, Slapton Sands and Ley, Strete, Blackpool Sands and Stoke Fleming. The rocks of the point are composed of greenschist and mica-schist, and at their very tip stand Start Point Lighthouse. The Lighthouse, built in 1836 and designed by James Walker, has guided vessels in passage along the English Channel ever since. The lighthouse tower is 92feet (28 metres) tall, was electrified in 1959 and automated in 1993. It is now monitored and controlled from the Trinity House Operations and Planning Centre at Harwich in Essex. Trinity House runs a visitor centre at the lighthouse which, subject to weather conditions and Trinity House’s operational requirements, offers guided tours.