Ancient Shalfleet

Agree it's a great place - best in winter IMHO. BTW, did you see the seals? They tend to appear early autumn but sometimes summer in there as well, depending I am told on the fish supply. Send me a pm if you like and I'll point out the top spots. The Seal Conservation Society asked that exact dets not be placed on a public forum so I'd better comply :ambivalence:
 
Shall be doing exactly this tomorrow although of course coming from Poole. Just about to leave for the boat to catch the east going tide which start about 4pm.
 
We were there mid-week last week. A lovely place. Unfortunately we couldn't stay long enough for the next high tide to get in to Shalfleet in the dinghy... We gave it a go anyway, but had to give up around by the bilge keelers standing on the approach channel, when the geese swimming next to us started walking instead!
 
BTW, did you see the seals? They tend to appear early autumn but sometimes summer in there as well, depending I am told on the fish supply.

The seals, 4 or 5 in total, have been there since the start of the season. One is a youngster (or was in April/May). They seem totally unfazed by all the boats and dinghies often choosing to bask more or less in the middle of the anchorage.
 
Objective achieved. Just as I remembered it from last time (20+ years ago!) I anchored in the channel just past the moorings. Used my new 3D tender for the first time to row up to the quay. Loads of Canadian Geese and swans in the upper reaches making a hell of a racket.

Agree with Dave about the pub. Not as good as in the past (been there a few times by car as well) but OK and worth the walk for the beer.
 
Shalfleet creek dries at LW. It's a long muddy walk until even a Rubby-Dubh has enough water to float. Don't ask!

First time I went many moons ago I actually moored on the quay in my Eventide (1m draft). Enough water at HW springs for a trip to the pub.

Done the same thing at Keyhaven 3 or 4 times for lunch at the Gun.
 
First time I went many moons ago I actually moored on the quay in my Eventide (1m draft). Enough water at HW springs for a trip to the pub.

Done the same thing at Keyhaven 3 or 4 times for lunch at the Gun.

Yah boo sux to you. I can’t get up there and stay long enough for a relaxed pint.
 
Yah boo sux to you. I can’t get up there and stay long enough for a relaxed pint.

That is one of the things I miss about not having my Eventide in commission. Come to think of it perhaps I should get myself organised and finish the refit to get it back in the water for just these occasions.
 
First time I went many moons ago I actually moored on the quay in my Eventide (1m draft). Enough water at HW springs for a trip to the pub.

Done the same thing at Keyhaven 3 or 4 times for lunch at the Gun.

The Gun Inn and Keyhaven is a great destination. I draw 1.9M so like Topcat I have to pick my moments. End up anchoring in the deeper water where the waters converge in middle of pic below and taking the tender Inn. A very peaceful place to wake top to in the morning.

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That is my next stop. I only draw 1.5m so have a little bit more leeway.

Just dug out an old photo of my lovely Eventide alongside the quay with my wife and labrador in the foreground standing by the wall at the sailing club. Must be well over 20 years ago as the dog died 19 years ago.
 
I usually anchor in the lee of the castle, but it's a long pull to the quayside or a long walk from the fort. I may try that next time.
 
We were anchored in Keyhaven a couple of weeks ago. The River Warden apologetically charged us £11 to anchor (28ft). It is now officially (in my book) the most expensive place to anchor in the Solent.
 
We were anchored in Keyhaven a couple of weeks ago. The River Warden apologetically charged us £11 to anchor (28ft). It is now officially (in my book) the most expensive place to anchor in the Solent.

That's a shame, he tried to charge us £4 about 5 years ago, we didn't have any change, he said not to worry. We've anchored in there and picked up a buoy many times and never paid.

I guess if the fees keep people away it suits me!
 
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