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We're camping near Ilfracombe and fancy doing a bit of gentle coaseteering. Are there any decent guidebooks, or is it a case of following your nose and exploring bays in gentle conditions with a pair of goggles to check the depth.
Don't want to pay a guide as I'm not looking for extreme gnaaar
Not much info to give you other than be wary of the tidal range which can be massive in that area.
Coasteering routes tend not to be publicised by guides/providers. They will know their routes and when the conditions allow it to be used. Passing that nuance on to the public isn't easy as it's such a dynamic environment. Guides will know which jumps work at low tides, which play spots can be used in certain swells and where their emergency get-outs are.
Guided sessions don't have to be gnarly; a lot depends on the conditions on the day but a good guide should be offering options when jumping or playing in the swell.
Which is a long way of saying; either go with a guide to be certain it's a safe route or explore by yourself with your own levels of caution keeping you safe. Goggles or a snorkel mask are good for checking jumps if the visibility is good. Otherwise you just have to build up the heights of your jumps and enter with slightly bent legs to allow you to absorb any surprise contact. I've used that method when leading groups on new routes but it's not foolproof.
As with all activities; let someone know where you're going and for how long. Take a waterproof phone with you. Buoyancy aids and helmets are worthwhile bits of kit if you have access to them. Know where your get-out will be and are there any options. Know what your grid refs are if you need to call for help.
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