Ore and Alde Entrance and a trip to Orford castle for the kids!

[MagicalArmchair]

The entrance looks a little alarming but very well marked. We are 40 foot and draw 2 meters and hope to hang on a mooring off Orford and go castle exploring.

https://eastcoastpilot.com/Ore 2022 chartlet and note v2.pdf

Anything I need to be aware of in the entrance or whilst on the river?

Thanks as always for the help. You helped me get over my Walton on the Naze entrance anxiety. I left there at half tide two weeks ago, on a falling tide last time with great success .

 

[Malish]

It 'feels' more challenging that the Deben and is slightly more exposed, but the same principles apply; assuming you are comfortable reading and sticking to the route on the chartlet then all will be fine. The harbourmaster at Orford is new (see below). On the way in aim for 1 or 2 hours before high, on the way out I find it best to leave Orford a good 2+ hours before high tide at the entrance and push against the incoming tide with plenty of engine.

 

[Seashoreman]

Don't forget to keep looking over your shoulder at Oxley when heading for Weir. You can be pushed off coarse very easily by tides.
Do not cut corners, its a narrow channel in places. Once you are well in keep over to east for more more water.
Port side of Dove Point, Havergate Island is the more scenic route and has charted anchorages, Starboard is dead straight.
I agree with comments regarding 'Harbourmaster'.

 

[Jan Harber]

The newly appointed Quaymaster at Orford is Matt Smy. Same contact details as the now-retired Philip Attwood, who had held the post for the previous 14 years.

 

[Marmalade]

We are 44' and draw 2.1 - Haven't been in to the Ore yet this year but we were in the Deben a couple of weeks ago. we go in and out of the Ore each year and we'll be up in there soon.

I won't add to the advice - just to say - nothing to worry about if you time it well on the tide...

 

[Jan Harber]

The castle is currently completely shrouded in scaffolding while a coating of protective lime wash? render is applied to the ancient stonework.
So from the outside, or indeed from the river, it does not look like a Norman keep at the moment. However, you can apparently still visit and, hopefully, the view from the top is as splendid as ever.
Kids are usually more impressed with the dungeons than with the view…

 

[PetiteFleur]

Yes, Orford Castle is open but is covered in scaffolding for work as mentioned.