River Ouse in Sussex - Navigable as far as Lewes ?

[Boo2]

Hi,

Has anyone here navigated the Sussex River Ouse as far as Lewes ? How deep is it and what are the bridges like ?

Thanks,

Boo

 

[Norman_E]

I don't know, but it must be possible as the last time I went there I saw a yacht (I guess about 30 foot) in a mud berth on the downstream side of the Cliffe Bridge at the bottom of the high street, but you would have to unstep the mast of any sailing vessel to get under the main road bridge and the railway bridge south of the town. There is a footbridge carrying the South Downs Way between Newhaven and Lewes, which looks as if it is a swing bridge from the view in Google Earth, but I don't know if it is ever opened.

 

[Plevier]

I don't know, but it must be possible as the last time I went there I saw a yacht (I guess about 30 foot) in a mud berth on the downstream side of the Cliffe Bridge at the bottom of the high street, but you would have to unstep the mast of any sailing vessel to get under the main road bridge and the railway bridge south of the town. There is a footbridge carrying the South Downs Way between Newhaven and Lewes, which looks as if it is a swing bridge from the view in Google Earth, but I don't know if it is ever opened.

I think you're talking about Southease Bridge. http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/465730 and http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7120 and http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/SouthDowns/article.asp?PageId=3&ArticleId=38
I don't think it ever opens now.
http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/newsmain/Historic-swing-bridge-saved.5656424.jp says "Although it was fixed in place in 1988, the bridge's swing mechanism still exists."
It always puzzles me to see the yachts in Lewes (which is where I live). There is a fair sized cat always there near Cliffe Bridge and a few monos. I think they must have to unstep to go to Newhaven.
I must find out!

 

[highandry]

Boo2. I'm a local Ouse valley oik..

The old swing bridge that crosses the river South of Lewes at Southease Halt by Itford Farm is now welded or at least permanently closed, and has been for some time due to the River Authority claiming maintenance costs as too high. As stated that's where the South Downs Way crosses the river. Depending on your draught of course, you can get to Lewes on a decent flood tide with your mast unshipped for that bridge and the others higher up.Be wary there's shoaling on some bends. The river runs hard in places, such as under that bridge, and further up where the A27 crosses the river. There are a few small sailing vessels kept at Lewes in the local club, they may even find you somewhere to lay alongside if you contact them first. Some of those boats never go to sea though and that probably includes that one just below the Cliffe High Street bridge in town. I think she's glued to the river bed.. If you do get up very close to the town bridge be aware there is a kind of weir across the river bed which nearly had this old boy out of his dinghy coming over it at half tide.

 

[nimbusgb]

I drive along that route every day.

The A27 crosses the river close to South Lewes. clearance is probably no more than 5 or 6 metres . I could go and dangle a tape measure over the edge of the Southease bridge but I doubt you are going to get anything with a mast up under it!

There are currently 2 30 foot or so motor cruisers tied up on piles about 300m south of the town quay and have been there about 6 months or so. Looks like someone has arranged some low cost moorings. I'd be a little worried about security!

 

[Plevier]

I drive along that route every day.


There are currently 2 30 foot or so motor cruisers tied up on piles about 300m south of the town quay and have been there about 6 months or so. Looks like someone has arranged some low cost moorings. I'd be a little worried about security!

Moorings for sale there see http://www.primelocation.com/farms-estates-and-land-for-sale/details/id/SLLM5268516/

 

[highandry]

Nice photo but a bit naughty for someone travelling a long way to view. There's no mention that 25 feet behind those trees on the right is a major road linking the A27 with the Cuilfail Tunnel with thousands of HGV's using it every 24 hours. I know it's buyer beware and all that. Still there's a good mobile bacon sarnie van in the industrial estate immediately opposite....ah! The factories didn't get mentioned either, never mind it's a nice view across the river though..

 

[haydude]

Hi,

Has anyone here navigated the Sussex River Ouse as far as Lewes ? How deep is it and what are the bridges like ?

Thanks,

Boo

You can get through Newhaven swing bridge (A259) as it opens at high tide only, but you have to check with the harbour master first. They open it only upon request. Depth is around 6-8 metres at high tide, but drops quickly down to 4-5m (high tide) upstream. Southease swing bridge never opens. I saw small motorboats going trough but they have to time it perfectly to have enough clearance under the bridge and not a too low tide. Not a chance for sailing vessels.
The whole river will go dry at low tide therefore you have got to get back through Newhaven swing before it is too late. The river bed is man made with small rocks that will be nasty on your hull.

There are two marinas at Denton island with dry moorings and berths. There the bed is mud. Horrible place to go however, with several shabby live-on-board boats.

 

[haydude]

Moorings for sale there see http://www.primelocation.com/farms-estates-and-land-for-sale/details/id/SLLM5268516/

Have you seen that place at low tide? Not as pretty!