Channel crossing - where

[johndf]

I'm planning to cross the Channel coming from the Thames area to the North coast of France. Would I be better to go across the Dover Straits (ie Dover to Calais) or head further West (or East) before crossing, where I would presumably be out of the way of the Dover to Calais cross-Channel traffic? Obviously I will need to cross the TSS, which must surely have the same amount of traffic wherever I cross.

 

[david_steward]

The channel ferries follow a quite narrow track across the TSS. Come south from North Foreland and head outside the Goodwin sands to East Goodwin Lightship. Then steer 135 degrees magnetic. You will cross the TSS well north of the Dover Calais traffic. If you cross much further to the north, the TSS is much more complicated in that area. Depending on your destination you will be well placed to aim for Calais or Dunkerque when you exit the TSS.

Good Luck.

Dave S

 

[Guest]

When I cross I normally head south to Dover pass south of Dover harbour ,then turn east,cross the TSS on an ebbing tide and aim for Boulogne, but if you want Dunkirk then do as the previous post said. Its not the ferries you really need to watch out for its the commercial traffic using the TSS.A couple of useful tips is that if you see a ferry leave Dover,you can bet your cotton socks that there will be an inbound within 25 mins,also Dover port control are extremely helpful these days and would welcome a call on Ch 74 where they would be only to pleased to assist you in crossing their "patch". So long as you leave the harbour entrance 1 nm to stb you will have no probs
best of luck

 

[johndf]

Dave, Peter, Thanks very much for the help NM

 

[Guest]

John, One more useful tip, take the opertunity to ask Dover PC if you are a target on thier radar. Very useful piece of info to have before you cross
best of luck with the trip.