Lulworth Ranges

If its convenient to sail outside the range, do so. If it isnt, then sail through it. The ranges are not legal no-go zones. You cant be stopped from entering if you so wish. Saves money for the taxpayer anyway.

Having said all that, why dont they move up to Scotland. Empty and not much use for anything else /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
That is all very well for visiting boats but some of us are locals. There may come a time in the future when we could do with a tow from a friendly range boat.
 
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You don't ever hear of these Blimps being blown up at Lulworth or Castlemartin by their own ordnance, do you? A scare story to keep out the hoi-poloi, IMHO.....


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Having spent 5 years clearing ranges of UX missiles there is nothing of a 'scare story' about it, I assure you. I'm sure you wouldn't try a bluff and ignore range warning signs, would you Bilbo?
 
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What on earth is the point of having beautiful places if no one can get anywhere near to enjoy them? The legacy of having this particularly lovely spot permanently off limits for future generations is not something to be proud of.

Neither I grant you, is what we have done to some other ex-beauty spots. But to leave this one in a condition in which it can never again be enjoyed safely except at a distance seems particularly unhappy.

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Parts of it ARE accessible, at times which include most weekends and much of the Summer. I once walked along the South Coast Path from Lulworth Cove eastwards, along the southern edge of the Ranges ... it's a FANTASTIC walk, views are beyond description, but be warned, it's a strenuous walk and you need to be sure footed. (Apologies for non boaty reply.)
 
They already have. Significant areas off the North coast and in the Moray Firth are bombardment ranges. Cape Wrath is a particularly spectacular example: An Garbh Eilean is entirely devoid of vegetation as a result of the bombing. And let's not even start on the ICBM submarines in the Clyde...

I think you'll find the Powers That Be already share your view that Scotland's main use is providing a home for activities best kept safely out of the way of the "general public".
 
Parts of it ARE accessible, at times.... it's a FANTASTIC walk, views are beyond description,

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Exactly my point. Only PARTS of it are accessible, and in the last 60 years, then only 'at times'. My objection is to those who thnk the army's continued presence there is the only way to preserve it for posterity - at cost of most of this incredible area remaining permenantly inaccessible because risk of being blown up.

And the 'scare story' does not come from the MOD, but from a man whose family has farmed parts of the ranges for generations.
 
Reeds Almanac quotes the Lulworth Range Byelaws as follows:

"TheByelaws shall NOT (my capitals) apply to any vessel in the ordinary course of navigation, not being used for fishing, in the Sea Area and remaining in the sea Area no longer than is reasonably necessary to pass through the Sea area"

It seems you have right of way, though whether you would want to push it that far is up to you!!
 
I should have stated in my original post that my intentions last Tuesday were to stop for lunch in Worbarrow. The options for day sailing in Weymouth are limited once the Army open the range.
 
they now publish details in a yearly publication availble locally

they only fire on 4 weekends a year

they don't not fire at all during the accepted 'holiday' periods

if you are uncertain during the week you can either call the range on VHF or the range office on 01929 404819 or Portland CG who are kept informed and happy to answer queries (when not casualty working of course) again VHF or 'phone.

agree it's always frustrating when they don't fire and you have adjusted your plans around them as highlighted by Brendan but overall I think they do a reasonable job of sharing the area with both leisure users (weekends and holidays) and commercials (who get up early!)

agree with blackbeard that it's unfortunate that some individuals consider themselves more important than mere training exercises from time to time - but this is not directed at any of the posts here before I get shot at back!
 
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Dumb idea. Lulworth has been in use by the army for a lot longer than you have been sailing.

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Perhaps you might like to explain your reasoning to the residents of Tyneham who were evicted in 1943.
 
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