Rivers Avon and Exe

[gjgm]

Never been up these. When I tried the Avon, there seemed to be a metre high standing breaking wave up against the cliff, so I left the place alone because I didnt know what was going on. It was a bit bouncy when we looked at the Exe, so decided that we would try another time.
So- are they worth a detour, or do we stick with those family favourites we have all been to lots of times?
Otherwise, we would hope to be in Falmouth for a while, and who knows, if that weather window appears, make a run for Sclily Isles.Any tips there?

 

[NoviceRod]

Exe very pleasant, but recommend read of Almanac and/or cruising guide first. Pick your time to go up on a rising tide - I use a window of time >2m to be on the safe side.

The channel is well buoyed, but beware of taking straight lines between buoys as in some cases (eg Bull Hill) you may find yourself on a sandbank. Keep an eye on your chart plotter and you will be fine. There are quite strong tides in the channel, but no problem if you keep at ~7kn. The channel runs quite close to the beach in places, but don't be fazed by that.

For a first timer, also recommend start at the Exe Safe Water Mark rather than cut to the upstream buoys. If your chart is not the latest, you may find that the chart position for Exe SWM is incorrect.

We went up from Torquay yesterday, beautiful weather and Lyme Bay totally flat. Thick mist and drizzle this morning - how things change!

Enjoy!

 

[Andy Bav]

Assuming you are talking about the Avon that splits Bigbury and Bantham, I have never been up it by boat, but seen it from the road into Bantham Car Park and it looks quite stunning. That said, we only go to Bantham when the surf is good, and I often wondered how some of the boats moored just in the mouth of the river can ever get out - but we did see one small yacht make it when the waves calmed down. From my limited observation, at low tide there seems to be a very narrow channel.

We see plenty of kayaks start from the mouth and paddle up river - and is something I wouldn't mind doing at some stage - but I havent seen any motor boats longer than 14 feet or so moving around, but as I say, my experience is only land based, and on days when we are going surfing.. I guess the last thing you want is to enter the river in relative calm and then have to wait for the surf to calm down before leaving - and we have seen some big breakers there.

Be interested to hear of your experiences if you do make the trip, but wondered if you have tried the Dart up to Totnes - that is a stunning cruise.

 

[hlb]

I never particularly liked the Exe though I've been a few times. Tynemouth is much nicer

And much easier to get into, even on a lower tides than the pilot books suggest.

Do not attempt in southerly winds.

There is a nice little river at Bigbury, which can be entered if you happen to arrive at just before HW. It is not worth making a special trip, but if you are visiting the pub at Agather Chrispies Island, worth a look.

Apart from just the entrance, I've not been up the Avon, there is a rock somewhere in the entrance that I never managed to locate.

Looe and Polpero

Charles Town and Megavissy ?? also worth a visit. Go in by dinghy if the tides are wrong.

The Tamar is well worth following with the tide. As is the Fal up to Truro. There is nothing much there when you arrive, but the journey is very pleasant, even if it does make your bum twitch a bit.

Scillies a must, but watch the weather. Dependant on range, go from Falmouth, but better still from Newlyn (check first if they will still provide fuel for private boats from a tanker). Just 35 miles To Scillies, so you will then have plenty of fuel to tour the Scillies and scarper back to Newlyn if you have to. Other than that, move round the islands for protection from the weather.

 

[gjgm]

I never particularly liked the Exe though I've been a few times. Tynemouth is much nicer

And much easier to get into, even on a lower tides than the pilot books suggest.

Do not attempt in southerly winds.

There is a nice little river at Bigbury, which can be entered if you happen to arrive at just before HW. It is not worth making a special trip, but if you are visiting the pub at Agather Chrispies Island, worth a look.

Apart from just the entrance, I've not been up the Avon, there is a rock somewhere in the entrance that I never managed to locate.

Looe and Polpero

Charles Town and Megavissy ?? also worth a visit. Go in by dinghy if the tides are wrong.

The Tamar is well worth following with the tide. As is the Fal up to Truro. There is nothing much there when you arrive, but the journey is very pleasant, even if it does make your bum twitch a bit.

Scillies a must, but watch the weather. Dependant on range, go from Falmouth, but better still from Newlyn (check first if they will still provide fuel for private boats from a tanker). Just 35 miles To Scillies, so you will then have plenty of fuel to tour the Scillies and scarper back to Newlyn if you have to. Other than that, move round the islands for protection from the weather.

Called Looe this morning as I dont recall any bouys from a couple of years ago. They say they have a bit of harbour wall, but even that dries, so it might be a lunch time stop if the sea is in. Yep, I really liked Teignmouth too. Think we dropped into Charlestown last time..is that the one with a lighthouse on the massive harbour wall?

 

[burgundyben]

This thread highlights my thoughts on having a boat that can dry out.

Could a boat with a keel and stabs dry out?

 

[hlb]

Called Looe this morning as I dont recall any bouys from a couple of years ago. They say they have a bit of harbour wall, but even that dries, so it might be a lunch time stop if the sea is in. Yep, I really liked Teignmouth too. Think we dropped into Charlestown last time..is that the one with a lighthouse on the massive harbour wall?

No Buoys at Looe. Just anchor in the bay or go in if the tide is in, it's just a nice lunch stop.

Charles Town