Porlock Wier

[graham]

Porlock Weir

Having not been there for a few years can someone update me.

I believe what used to be the pool outside the lock gates is now full of mud and boats settle into it about 2 hours after HW. You used to be able to get ashore in a dinghy but if thats the case you would now be stuck aboard or ashore over LW.

Also are the withies still being maintaineed for the entrance channel?

Its a shame if the pool is silted up as it certainly limits the appeal of visiting.

"Vega" our previous boat.

"Muddy Waters." The previous, previous boat.

 

[chrishelen]

On my to do list this year, as well as Lundy and the emerald isle, if i can get some time off from work.

 

[sarabande]

not full of mud. The HM and local fishermen flush it all away on a regular basis, and the last time I was there (early Dec) at low tide the withies related to the approach channel.

If any questions phone the HM
Harbour Office, Porlock Weir, Minehead TA24 8PD
Tel: 01643 863187


And there's a reasonable webcam, too, showing the channel.

http://porlockmanorestate.org/Pages/Porlock Weir webcam.html

 

[graham]

I am glad to hear its not as bad as I heard. Hope to get over for a visit in the spring.

 

[paul.norton]

I had a look at the webcam and then opened the link "About the estate".

I was shocked at the photo of the Pool at low tide. When I used to visit some 25 years ago, the boat would certainly been afloat if positioned where the 3 boats are at the bottom of the photo.

Hopefully this will get sorted.

 

[graham]

I had a look at the webcam and then opened the link "About the estate".

I was shocked at the photo of the Pool at low tide. When I used to visit some 25 years ago, the boat would certainly been afloat if positioned where the 3 boats are at the bottom of the photo.

Hopefully this will get sorted.

That picture is probably about 25 yrs old.The largest of the 3 boats there is the "Breeze" an old Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. She sat in the pool afloat for years and belonged at that time to the Harbourmaster. The smallest is our old hurley 22.

Looking at the webcam I dont think you could still get ashore after the tides gone without wading through mud.You used to be able to float across to the edge of the pool in a dinghy even at LW then go up the steps or walk across the pebbles .

I havent been there for roughly 8 years , it seems to have changed dramatically since then.

 

[channel]

Let us know how you get on Graham, somewhere I wouldn't mind going on 'Picaro' this summer if there's a puddle for us to float in!

 

[carise]

Hi all

I used to be a frequent visitor to Porlock and would highly recommend a visit to anyone - if you feel that entering the pool might be inconvenient, risky etc, why not just anchor off? This is what I've done on my numerous visits and I've never had any probs.

Regards
Paul

 

[Allan]

I had a slight problem last time I anchored off. In the middle of the night England came up and hit my rudder!
I believe in using any means I can to plan trips. Looking on Google maps, there seems to be some sand about 400m east of the pool a couple of hundred metres closer in than the normal anchorage, which may give more shelter from westerlies. I may try that later this year.
Allan

 

[Alcyone]

I had a slight problem last time I anchored off. In the middle of the night England came up and hit my rudder!
I believe in using any means I can to plan trips. Looking on Google maps, there seems to be some sand about 400m east of the pool a couple of hundred metres closer in than the normal anchorage, which may give more shelter from westerlies. I may try that later this year.
Allan

I remember that night. When we woke up, you'd moved. I thought you'd dragged.

On that subject, we've anhored several times outside Porlock. Once was uncomfortable in a W force 4/5. We did drag one night too. I think the bottom is sand with patches of pebbles and some rocky bits. That might explain why sometimes we've held very well and other times not so well.

Cracking beer in the pub, too, as I recall.

 

[phantom18]

porlock

Take my 32' in there no probs.Take folding bikes and loo roll if you sample the local cider!!!

 

[Alcyone]

We visited Porlock at the weekend. Had a lovely pint in The Ship:

You can see our 5 boats at anchor, and the entrance to the inner harbour, with withies in the next pic:

The inner harbour

Bit of a rolly night at anchor, though we all held well. Got a bit wet in the small breakers going to and from the pub, but a really lovely spot, and it was our own fault, with a lot of West in the wind.

Observation - I think the swells build as the bay fills. It seemed a lot calmer at low tide than at high tide.

 

[Sneds]

Interesting info, thanks.
Me, I'm waiting for a marina at Ilfracombe and Porthcawl!

 

[Earendil-uk]

 

[sarabande]

go on, E-UK, which one is yours ?

 

[Earendil-uk]

The second one in with red hull
And we all sail at least once a week

 

[steveej]

I have been three time this year and always anchored off.

I have found a mud patch to anchor and have the coordinates which I can give you if you want.

It usually takes me 4 - 4 1/2 hours to get to Porlock, which gives me 3 hours ashore to go to the pub before getting back to the boat and a quick 2 hour trip past minehead bluff to Watchet on the flood (that's in my Hurley 22).

Speaking to the Harbourmaster last month he reckons the depth of the pool is 5 and a half feet. Ive never bothered with the pool because of the faff of having to get out at high water and then you've lost the tide to take you back to Cardiff.

 

[steveej]

Haha, just seen the date of the first post. Oh well, at least its fresh information.

 

[jwilson]

Hi all

I used to be a frequent visitor to Porlock and would highly recommend a visit to anyone - if you feel that entering the pool might be inconvenient, risky etc, why not just anchor off? This is what I've done on my numerous visits and I've never had any probs.

Regards
Paul

I remember lots of problems getting a variety of anchors to hold off Porlock whilst waiting for the tide......

 

[Sandy]

View attachment 60263

Looks like a Mirage 28?